The session began with panellists reflecting on what a growth mindset means to them. Victoria Underwood emphasised openness to change and the humility to recognise mistakes as vital stepping stones rather than setbacks. Gemma Inzani highlighted the value of resilience and “leaning into” challenges, noting that no two days in treasury are alike and every day offers a fresh learning opportunity. Janet Legge, with her background in education and professional qualifications, championed curiosity and adaptability, encouraging professionals to embrace discomfort and to learn from risky situations.

The panellists shared compelling stories that illustrated the power of a growth mindset in action. Gemma recalled a pivotal moment during the Covid pandemic, when she coordinated a nationwide collection of petty cash to support payroll in a hospitality business facing unprecedented financial strain. This bold approach required thinking outside of the box and demonstrated how taking calculated risks can create vital opportunities in times of uncertainty.

Victoria discussed her experience of relocating treasury operations to Poland, underscoring the importance of continuous improvement and strong communication when managing change. She advocated balancing caution with innovation, and that establishing feedback loops helps teams adapt quickly to new processes.

Janet shared how the ACT pivoted from in-person events to virtual formats during the pandemic, demonstrating resilience and the ability to anticipate and respond to major disruptions. She encouraged professionals to look at the bigger picture and remain agile in an unpredictable world.

A key theme was the evolving skill set required for treasury professionals. As technology and artificial intelligence increasingly automate operational tasks, the human element becomes even more crucial. Janet noted the growing need for strategic thinking, communication, and data literacy, enabling treasury teams to act as business partners and storytellers, translating complex financial information for senior stakeholders.

Victoria recommended resources such as public speaking groups to build confidence and soft skills, while Gemma advised leveraging professional networks and seeking out training and events. Both reinforced the importance of curiosity and lifelong learning – whether through formal qualifications, industry seminars, or peer-to-peer knowledge sharing.

The panel offered actionable strategies to empower team members. Victoria cited “Who Moved My Cheese?” by Spencer Johnson, a book that illustrates the necessity of embracing change and staying adaptable, and she advised the audience to “get out of their own way” and not dwell on setbacks. Gemma encouraged leaders to support colleagues in moving beyond their comfort zones and to see “not yet” as a positive marker of growth, rather than viewing mistakes as failures. Finally, Janet summed up her philosophy as “just say yes” to new opportunities, even if they feel uncomfortable, as this is often where the biggest growth occurs.

• Embrace change: view change as an opportunity for growth, not as a setback. Be willing to adapt and experiment.
• Encourage curiosity: ask questions and seek new knowledge, whether through formal training or informal networking.
• Empower your team: support junior colleagues by promoting a safe environment for trial and error. Use “not yet” to foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Develop soft skills: invest in communication and strategic thinking to complement technical expertise and add value as a business partner.
• Say yes: accept new challenges and opportunities, even if they feel daunting. Growth often happens outside your comfort zone.

In summary, the panel underscored that a growth mindset is not just a buzzword but a vital approach for thriving in treasury and beyond. By embracing change, fostering curiosity, and supporting each other’s development, treasury professionals can navigate an ever-evolving industry with confidence and resilience.