“With difference comes opportunity.”
Susie Stanford has compelling credentials. Private Equity investor. Former Goldman Sachs’ trader. London School of Economics graduate and now deal-making aficionada – backing entrepreneurs and driving growth. And yet, as she tried to pursue a road less travelled in her twenties, these ambitions felt out of reach.
Susie Stanford In her own words
Embracing discomfort
“I started my life as a trader at Goldman and I wanted to move over into Private Equity and that’s just not a normal path,” explains Susie Stanford. “After 6 years of success as a trader, when I tried to pivot into PE no recruiter would take my CV, no one would even put me in front of anyone. It took brute force and determination to find a way through, find someone who would give me a chance and just keep going. There were moments of crushing self-doubt. But I’d say to anyone in a similar situation: back yourself, make yourself uncomfortable and really push through. Because no one can tell you what you are or are not capable of.”
There were moments of crushing self-doubt. But no one can tell you what you are or are not capable of.”
Susie’s grit and steel clearly paid off. Now an Investment Partner at Livingbridge mid-market Private Equity firm, her CV must be hot property on the head-hunter circuit these days. And instead of self-doubt, a career of kaleidoscopic variety beckoned. From sitting on the Board of a dentistry buy and build to doing deals with consumer businesses in sectors ranging from books to beach holidays, with technology fuelling their growth.
No one archetype
In large part, Susie’s job is a numbers’ game. And yet, the diversity of thought, backgrounds, and ethnicity is what lured her originally to Livingbridge – with peers having studied History or Classics degrees, not just the typical maths and economics. The opposite of ‘group think’ and the impression that there was no one archetype for success was a key attraction. And when it comes to the gender debate, Susie has a refreshing take.
“There are many more facets to any individual than gender. But as a woman in Private Equity, you’re often the only one in a room – at a management meeting or talks with advisers. That can be an odd experience when you first start out. But it also makes you stand out. You might be remembered more. With difference comes opportunity – to prove people wrong and make a mark. What is a shame is most women I interview – even highly qualified people – will self-select and say, ‘I’m not very good at modelling’. Where have we got that bias from? The irony is the maths part of the job is the most commoditised and learnable.”
This is precisely why Susie Stanford is passionate about encouraging girls to hold on to maths at A-level. In her words, it’s the ‘language of business’ that gives you the option of considering a bigger avenue of jobs that are otherwise off limits. And for her, as someone who thrives on competition and full throttle environments, in Private Equity she’s found her calling.
With difference comes opportunity – to prove people wrong and make a mark.”
Resilience to bounce back…
“Doing deals is for me one of the best things about the job. I’m a very competitive person. I will give everything during that deal process to try and make sure we win. I really enjoy that competitive moment. But you will lose from time to time. And you need to find resilience to bounce back. The highs and lows are quite extreme. This job is never boring, I promise you that. The term work-life balance grates me a bit – at the risk of sounding controversial. Life is a bit imbalanced. It’s how we make the most of it and doing a job you love is a big help.”
Doing deals is for me one of the best things about the job. The highs and lows are quite extreme. This job is never boring, I promise you that.”
Susie feels strongly about spreading the message to women who are considering a career in Private Equity – and urging people to go on a voyage of discovery to understand truly what the role entails. At entry level, then rising through the ranks. Here, she believes, Level 20 is playing a pivotal role. Less excel spreadsheets and pinstripe suits, more personable skills – like good judgement, empathy and building trust. This is what keeps Susie hooked.
