The Short Cut:

A quick fire chat about working life with Clare Black

At the heart of the Nurture Network is the power of sharing experiences. From breakthrough career moments, to best ever advice, how to deal with stress and the women that inspire them. The Short Cut designed to bring you a snapshot of our members’ working lives. Today we’re speaking to Clare Black, Director of Corporate Affairs & Communications at Innovate Finance

Tell us about your breakthrough career moment

Early in my career at Reuters, one of my senior managers (who was my mentor but not my direct line manager) encouraged my early attempts at writing. I wasn’t a journalist to start with and was working as a project manager – I subsequently changed direction and secured a new posting in New York – it changed my career for the better!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever had?

Never be afraid to ask questions however stupid you think they may be

Have you ever felt held back as a woman in business? How did you respond?

Spending a large part of my career in financial markets, especially in commodities – I have often felt overlooked. I was a founding director of a community in London for women in the derivative markets where we shared experiences and provided education for younger women so they could hopefully avoid some of the issues we faced. Sadly, there are still many barriers in place some 20 years or so later, but things are slowly improving

How do you protect your mental health in moments of pressure?

Sharing difficult moments/decisions with my close knit group of City friends and with my old university friends.

Do you have any hobbies to keep you busy in your spare time?

Yes! Knitting is my passion, much to the amusement of many of my friends and family. I am a knitting commuter! I also learned to surf in my late 40s…I love it!