On Wednesday 10th September, Jonathan Donnelly and Mark Lewis of Rutherford Cross were delighted to host the latest instalment of the Future Business Leaders series in Aberdeen.
The roundtable lunch brought together senior CIMA-qualified professionals from a wide range of industries, each of whom had worked within the oil and gas sector at some point in their careers. This diverse mix of experiences enriched the discussion, as participants were able to reflect not only on the lessons learned from the sector but also on how those skills have transferred into different business environments. The session provided a valuable forum to share challenges, exchange best practices and strengthen a network of peers who could act as trusted sounding boards throughout each participant’s professional journey.
The guest speaker, Kaylea Adam-Owen, CFO of Dales Marine, delivered an engaging and insightful account of her career to date. Beginning her journey as a graduate with Procter & Gamble, Kaylea has gone on to build a varied and successful career spanning the public sector, sport, oil and gas and shipping services. Her breadth of experience gave the audience a unique perspective on adaptability, resilience and the importance of embracing new opportunities.
Kaylea spoke with great passion about the need to step outside of one’s comfort zone, take on unfamiliar challenges and remain open-minded when considering new career paths. She shared her own experience of being initially hesitant about joining Serco but after trusting Mark Lewis’ advice she ultimately embraced a role that proved pivotal in her development. This position gave her the platform to lead major projects that delivered both operational and financial excellence and reinforced the importance of seeking opportunities where one can make a meaningful impact.
A key message from Kaylea’s talk was the importance of focusing on projects that address the most critical challenges for businesses. While such projects may not always appear the most glamorous, she highlighted that taking ownership of solving core business issues consistently proves to be highly valued and can accelerate career progression.
Following her presentation, the discussion expanded across the group. A central theme was the current economic climate, which continues to create significant pressure across multiple sectors. Participants explored the complexities of reducing costs without undermining the effectiveness of essential business functions, whether operational or back-office. This sparked a lively debate on how to manage immediate financial pressures while simultaneously ensuring that long-term capability, succession planning and talent development are not neglected. Striking this balance was recognised as vital, not only to weather current challenges but also to ensure businesses are well positioned to seize opportunities when market conditions improve.
The conversation ultimately circled back to Kaylea’s central theme: the need to encourage the next generation of finance professionals to be proactive, grasp opportunities and deliver tangible value. By doing so, they can position themselves to take on more influential roles and help shape the future success of their organisations.
Rutherford Cross was delighted to once again partner with CIMA to strengthen the professional community and provide a platform for meaningful dialogue. Events like this play an important role in fostering collaboration, broadening perspectives and inspiring the next wave of finance leaders. We now look forward to the upcoming CIMA Prestige Event at the Johnnie Walker Experience on 18th November. As ever, Rutherford Cross remains committed to supporting the CIMA community and will continue to host events that encourage knowledge-sharing, connection and long-term professional growth in the months ahead.
For more information or support hiring into your Finance team, contact Jonathan Donnelly at Rutherford Cross: [email protected]
