Influencing change
Potentia is a not-for-profit networking group for women leaders with a community offering mentoring, events and valuable content.
Our purpose
Our purpose is to empower women in finance and increase their representation within the accountancy world. We are committed to creating a future where women have equal opportunities to lead and shape the highest levels of corporate governance. We are creating a supportive community that encourages collaboration, networking, and professional development.
Our mission
We are dedicated to fostering gender equality across all organisations by empowering and supporting female professionals. Our mission is to impact female representation on boards across all industries and company sizes; break through existing boundaries and create a level playing field for female accounting and finance professionals.
Meet the team
Nerys was inspired to co-create Potentia, having seen firsthand the gender imbalance as finance professionals progress through their careers. She is passionate about supporting her network to achieve their career aspirations and to increase the number of women in senior leadership positions. For more women to get a seat at the table, we need a better table.
Sian is one of the Co-Founders at Potentia, which she established alongside Nerys Walters to support and connect women in finance. Potentia is a community rooted in shared ambition, insight, and support. Sian is looking to relocate to the US, she is focused on growing Potentia’s presence across North America and connecting with CFOs, NEDs, and senior finance leaders. Potentia was born from a desire to pay forward the support Sian received from her incredible network of women throughout her career. She is passionate about helping women and ultimately reshaping boardroom diversity.
Emma Winsey is a versatile B2B marketing leader with over a decade of experience crafting strategic, high-impact campaigns across various sectors. Currently, Head of Marketing at Potentia, Emma brings a wealth of expertise in positioning brands, driving demand generation, and nurturing strong stakeholder relationships. A champion of inclusive practices, Emma deeply understands the powerful role of marketing in fostering meaningful engagement, both internally and externally. She excels at translating business goals into engaging content, aligning cross-functional teams, and delivering measurable results.
As Head of Operations at Potentia, Holly oversees the planning and execution of our networking and speaking events, creating meaningful spaces where women can connect, share, and learn together. Holly joined Potentia because she truly believes in its purpose to increase female representation on boards and impact the number of women in CFO positions, through creating a supportive community where women uplift one another. Meeting these women and seeing the difference Potentia makes firsthand continues to inspire her every day.
Leanne was inspired to be involved with Potentia following the positive impact the platform and network had for its members in its first year, particularly through the mentoring scheme. As a recruiter with over nine years of experience in charity finance & accounting, Leanne has built a network of accomplished female leaders whom she is privileged to be able to connect and champion. Outside of work, she enjoys keeping active, co-parenting her cocker spaniel Roy and travelling. Leanne has also been a Spanish language student for 5 years.
Angela is a Senior Manager at Altum Consulting with over 20 years’ experience in financial recruitment. As Head of Membership at Potentia, she leads community growth and engagement, supporting women in finance through networking and mentoring. She previously founded Women with Ambition in Western Australia and recently completed a DEI certification from the University of Cambridge. She’s passionate about building inclusive, empowering spaces for women in the industry.
Continuing on from the great work of Sian and Nerys, Bryony has joined Potentia to help with further scaling our members’ network. Bryony is part of Azura Search, the executive search part of The Altum Group, where she is responsible for placing senior finance appointments and has a great network. Through her role, she’s always felt truly passionate about ensuring inclusivity and diversity are front of mind when hiring. This has inspired her to join Potentia, where she can really make a difference to drive this agenda. Outside of work, Bryony is a keen traveller, having visited 45 countries.
As Head of HR & Events at Potentia, Kelsey brings together the heart and logistics of our community. She leads with a people-first approach, ensuring culture thrives while designing events that foster genuine connection, learning, and inspiration. Kelsey is passionate about Potentia’s mission to elevate female representation on boards and increase the number of women in CFO roles, Kelsey brings both strategic insight and heartfelt dedication to her work. Witnessing the growth and connection within the community continues to fuel her commitment every day.
Our vision
To increase female representation on boards and support all women to fulfil their potential.
Meet the board
Caroline is currently the Deputy Group Chief Financial officer at the travel corporation, having previously been the EMEA CFO at JUUL Labs and CFO of Marine & Tailormade, Travelopia. Caroline established her career in Diageo covering a number of finance roles across commercial finance, audit and risk and FP&A. Alongside her finance roles, Caroline launched a women’s network to help support women and create conditions for success. The network was sponsored by Diageo’s CFO (Deirdre Mahlan), had a membership of over 750 men & women in UK and Ireland, inspiring the launch of 6 other networks around the globe.
Experienced NED, Audit Committee Chair and former CFO & COO with global media and data experience. Track record of digital transformation from strategy through to execution, with focus on data and culture. Open and inclusive leadership style with a passion to drive DEIBA results. Qualified Chartered Accountant (ICAEW).
Sarah has extensive experience operating as CFO in large listed global multinationals and significant not for profit organisations, having previously held roles with The Go-Ahead Group, Royal Mail, British Gas after establishing her career with British Airways. Sarah has broad business experience across a multitude of industry sectors, with listed PLC Board and Audit Committee experience both in an executive and non-executive capacity.
My career started in a traditional place: I worked as a financial analyst for Shell in their General Accounting department. I managed to secure a spot as an “off cycle” hire at a bank, but I didn’t like the hierarchy there, and after a few years I jumped ship (and took a significant pay cut) to join a technology start up. I had met the founder through friends.
Nerys was inspired to co-create Potentia, having seen firsthand the gender imbalance as finance professionals progress through their careers. She is passionate about supporting her network to achieve their career aspirations and to increase the number of women in senior leadership positions. For more women to get a seat at the table, we need a better table.
Sian is one of the Co-Founders at Potentia, which she established alongside Nerys Walters to support and connect women in finance. Potentia is a community rooted in shared ambition, insight, and support. Sian is looking to relocate to the US, she is focused on growing Potentia’s presence across North America and connecting with CFOs, NEDs, and senior finance leaders. Potentia was born from a desire to pay forward the support Sian received from her incredible network of women throughout her career. She is passionate about helping women and ultimately reshaping boardroom diversity.
Dominique is currently the CFO at Bloom&Wild, after having admired the brand from afar after incredible growth, gaining its bcorp status and impressive customer NPS scores. Having held this post since September 24, previously to this Dominique has held a number of C-Suite roles – including at Pentland Brands and Purplebricks. Being based in Warwickshire with her young family and her new job being in South London, and across Europe more broadly – Dominique understands and empathises with balancing a busy home life with a big job.
Claire is an experienced global executive with over 25 years experience in international business and finance, specialising in telecommunications, IT and media within multinational blue chip and PE-backed telecoms, technology and media companies. Claire is currently the CFO at Synamedia and is currently NED at Levin.
Executive at CxO-level and Board member in international Tech and disruptive industries. Until the end of 2024 Natasja was CFO for Google EMEA for its platforms (e.g. Android, Play, Chrome etc) and devices business, overseeing and assessing the diverse businesses and the company’s performance. At Google, she also was the Chair of the Board of Google Payments Limited (regulated business).
During my career I have worked in various senior Finance roles within start-up, private equity and blue-chip Media Companies in a number of sectors including Design, Healthcare, Aviation & Energy. In 2015, I joined DMG events energy. In my role as COO, I manage the HR and Finance teams and work closely with the President and VP’s of the business to manage and grow an international portfolio of events.