International Women’s Day 2025 – Meet Caroline Barr, Head of Sustainability, UK

"International Women's Day 2025 serves as a vital reminder of the progress we've made, and the work still ahead, in achieving gender equality. ABN AMRO is committed to empowering women at every level, recognising that diverse perspectives drive innovation and success. This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the achievements of our colleagues, and women worldwide, and reaffirm our dedication to creating an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to excel. Together, we can continue to break barriers and build a future where equality is the norm, not the exception." Gerben Dragt, UK Country Executive, ABN AMRO

Today, we speak with Caroline Barr, Head of Sustainability, UK

What does this year’s theme #Accelerate Action mean to you?

I think it speaks to ABN AMRO’s commitment to equality among its workforces. A few months ago, that would not have seemed so revolutionary, but we live in interesting times. I am proud that ABN AMRO has stood fast and reaffirmed commitments both to celebrating the diversity of our people and to seeing through our climate plan. I think it is right that we pin our colours to the mast publicly as an inclusive and forward-thinking institution.

Have you had any mentors or role models who have inspired you throughout your career?

Yes, I have been lucky enough to work with and for a number of truly inspiring and incredibly hard-working women throughout my career – many of whom I am pleased to count among my friends. On the days when I feel like someone should replace my alarm clock with a starting pistol, I know that I can always turn to one of them for a friendly ear or, more often, an off-colour remark! In my experience, a woman who has reached a position of any seniority has generally earned it and often more.

How do you think the finance sector can attract more female talent and what do you think are the barriers to entry for young women?

My message to a young woman considering a career in finance or law for that matter is don’t be intimidated. It doesn’t matter what background or gender you have; you have the potential to be as good as anyone in that organisation if you work hard and build a network.

I think it is perhaps the latter that is the bigger issue for women in law and finance who are looking to progress to a more senior role. It is a fact that, in general, women still carry a greater share of the responsibilities outside the workplace, whether as a parent to children or a carer to other family members. Building a network is more difficult if you are on a tight schedule and that is where your colleagues, your allies, can really lift you up by simple actions – scheduling social events during the working day, for example, or by designing inclusive business development activities. ABN AMRO’s hybrid working arrangements have been invaluable to me in taking the next step in my career. Our balanced office attendance policy allows me to care for my family in Scotland while building our profile in London as leaders in the field of sustainability.

ABN AMRO has a great culture for working parents and, ultimately, that is what it all comes down to. I don’t have the silver bullet for work/ life balance , but I think the key is to continuously engage in constructive dialogue with colleagues. If we can have robust conversations about what is best for our clients, then we can have robust conversations about how to bring the whole team along in delivering our services.