Audit Manager Cameron Milstead shares her experience of Bishop Fleming's Female Leadership Programme pilot and reflects on the confidence, empowerment and value of embracing diverse leadership styles.
Can you tell us about your role at Bishop Fleming and how your career has evolved so far?
I started at Bishop Fleming at 19 on the Launchpad programme. I'm now an Audit Manager based across the Torquay and Exeter offices. I've always enjoyed working on our larger corporate audits, and I have focused on them. As I've progressed, I've found myself really drawn to the development side of the role - I am a growth coach to a group of young women, and I take huge pride in supporting them in the early stages of their careers.
What inspired you to get involved in the Female Leadership Programme pilot, and what were you hoping to gain from the experience?
I went to an all‑girls school, so female empowerment is something that's been instilled in me from a young age. Naturally, when I was offered this opportunity, I was excited to join. I wanted to learn from other women across the firm, hear different perspectives on leadership, and learn skills to lead with confidence.
Looking back, which part of the session you attended had the biggest impact on you, and why did it resonate?
The part that had the biggest impact on me was the focus on how strong leadership comes from diversity. As women, we bring our own strengths to leadership, and the session really highlighted how valuable those different perspectives are. It's not about changing or adapting our natures to be successful leaders, but about owning our leadership style and having the confidence to do so as women.
Has taking part in the pilot influenced how you think about your career progression or leadership ambitions?
The session highlighted that being a young woman isn't a limitation to my progress or ambition. Bishop Fleming's investment in future female leaders demonstrates the active steps it is taking to support my development and provides me with the tools and empowerment I need as I continue to progress in my career.
What key skills or insights have you taken away from the programme so far?
One of the biggest insights for me was around language. We talked about how women often soften our tone in conversations and emails, which can sometimes come across as less conviction, and I recognised that in myself straight away. Confidence in women is often perceived differently from confidence in men, and I've realised I shouldn't allow those perceptions to weaken my own conviction or hold me back. The little things make a huge difference, too - a good power pose and dressing the part can genuinely change how you feel and how confidently you present yourself!
What excites you most about the future of female leadership at Bishop Fleming?
The firm is going through an exciting period of growth. Even in the six years I've been here, the change has been huge. Seeing female leaders like Ria in Audit and Fleur stepping into the Head of Exeter role is incredibly inspiring.
Join Bishop Fleming
We’re always looking for talented people who want to grow, lead and make an impact. View our current vacancies and take the next step in your career.