Interview with Jayne-Anne Gadhia, Virgin Money

Jayne-Anne Gadhia talks to The Marketing Society’s editor Elen Lewis about her smartest business move and how banks will regain our trust.

What’s the smartest business move you’ve ever made?
Recognising that the sole pursuit of profit is fruitless. Serve customers well, treat your staff well and have fun. Profit is invariably the outcome.

What have your learnt about leadership from working with both Sir Richard Branson and Sir Fred Goodwin?
Create something that everybody who works for you can be really proud of. Be visible. Surround yourself with great people. Build capability. Balance.

Is there a secret to growing a business?
Repeatedly meeting the needs of customers. And making a positive difference.

What’s your single biggest motivation?
Making Everyone Better Off

Are business leaders born or made?
A bit of both, nature and nurture.

How will banks ever regain our trust?
By genuinely caring about customers, clients and their money. By putting customer service ahead of sales targets and creating straightforward, no-nonsense products with no sting in the tail.

Tell us a secret
I'm a great cook / I'm addicted to Temple Run and practice in secret so one day I can beat my daughter!

Jayne-Anne Gadhia spoke at The Marketing Society Annual Conference on 28 November at the Royal Opera House.