"I paid their bonuses from my salary": The CEO who rewrote the rules

How does a woman from a humble Midlands background, who began her working life in a job centre, rise to become one of the most powerful figures in British financial services? In this episode of ‘Winning’, Ian Rosenblatt OBE sits down with Dame Jayne-Anne Gadhia to discuss her extraordinary journey.Jayne-Anne shares candid insights into the resilience required to win in male-dominated environments, tracing her grit back to being bullied for her height at a school that had, until shortly before she joined, been all-boys. She also reveals the immense personal challenges she faced, including facing down racism and threats to protect her relationship with her husband, Ashok. The conversation dives deep into her professional highlights, from her early days at Norwich Union to building the Virgin Money brand alongside Richard Branson. Dame Jayne-Anne also explains why she believes authenticity is the ultimate strategy for success and why true winning is about purpose, not just the financial "score". In this episode, you will learn:• The power of resilience: How early school challenges built the strength to lead in finance. • Changing the rules: Why the "Women in Finance" review was necessary to level the playing field. • Entrepreneurial lessons: What she learned about marketing and "getting famous" from Richard Branson. • A new definition of winning: Why purpose and staying true to yourself are more important than any balance sheet. Whether you are an aspiring leader or a seasoned professional, Dame Jayne-Anne’s story provides a masterclass in how to win by staying true to yourself. (00:00) Introduction to Dame Jane-Anne Gadhia(01:20) Early Life and Family Background(11:57) Career Beginnings and Challenges(17:11) Navigating Gender and Racial Dynamics(24:29) Leadership Philosophy and Success(51:01) Transition to Virgin Money and Entrepreneurial Spirit(01:01:12) Founding Snoop and Reflections on Career(01:05:52) Conclusion and Key Takeaways