Claudette Marcano (Majomi, no. 3, 1983-90) is a senior finance leader with extensive experience across charities, housing, and the private sector. She is a CIMA-qualified accountant with a passion for using finance as a tool to support people, improve organisations, and drive positive social impact.

1. What is your favourite memory of Roedean?

Some of my happiest memories centre around sport. In 1987, I competed at Withdean Stadium in the annual secondary schools’ athletics, where our 4x100m relay team took second place, which was a fun & rewarding day. I also earned a Gold Award through the English Schools Athletic Association's Milk in Action scheme for the 100m, which meant a great deal to me at the time. There was also a (brief!) stint on the swimming team, a tennis tournament & sport was simply part of life here.

Also, I have good memories of being in the Lower 5 common room, playing vinyl records and dancing with friends, or spending weekends wandering the Brighton Lanes.

And then there were the lessons that genuinely sparked something. Dr Bailin's Physics classes were inspiring as she was great at making the abstract feel tangible. I remember one lesson vividly: she let a feather fall slowly through the air to open up a discussion about gravity. Such a simple gesture, but it made us think. That's the kind of teaching that stays with you.

2. What was the best piece of advice you were given whilst at School?

I don’t recall much in the way of direct & memorable advice.

When I was asked to share the best advice I was given during my time at school, I had to pause. I couldn’t easily recall a piece of wisdom handed to me across a desk or spoken at an assembly. What came to mind instead was the fact that I learned that not all people would see me for who I am and might even underestimate me.

Knowing that, I prepare myself to be underestimated. I walk into every room a little more ready, a little less surprised, and a little more determined. And I have carried that through every stage of my career.

In terms of more general advice in House 3, our Housemistress Mrs Mcgillivray, would instil the expression G squared D (G2D) which stood for Grit, Guts and Determination. She would repeat this frequently during lunch time speeches for the whole house. This was in relation to our general approach to study, tasks & life in general I believe. Although not advice specifically for me, I remember it vividly & regard the mantra as shaping my approach in certain areas even subconsciously.

3. When you were at Roedean, what did you want to be when you ‘grew-up’?

I wanted to become a doctor or work in the medical field.

4. What are you now you’ve grown up?

I’m a qualified accountant and work as a CFO/ Executive Finance Director.

5. What does your job involve?

If I had to sum up what I do as a CFO, I’d say I’m responsible for keeping the business financially healthy while helping steer where it’s going next.

A big part of my role is setting the financial strategy, thinking long-term about how we grow, where we invest, and how we stay profitable. It’s about understanding the bigger picture and making sure our finances support the company’s ambitions.

I also oversee all the core financial information, e.g. budgets, reports, accounts, making sure everything is accurate, compliant & clearly understood. That foundation is critical, because it feeds into the decisions we make as a leadership team.

Day-to-day, I work closely with the CEO and other senior leaders, using financial insight to guide decisions. Whether it’s launching something new, hiring, or managing costs, I’m there to sense-check and add a financial perspective.

Cash flow is another important area. I make sure we’ve got the resources we need to operate smoothly and, when necessary, I look at when & how to bring in funding, usually through lenders.

There’s also an element of risk management. My job is to spot potential financial risks early and make sure we’ve got the right controls in place so nothing catches us off guard.

And finally, I lead the finance team. That means developing people, setting direction, and making sure the whole function is adding value to the business not just reporting on it.

At the end of the day, I’m taking financial information and turning it into decisions that help the business grow and stay on track.

6. What have you done that you are most proud of?

In terms of my career, I’m most proud of certain instances of developing & nurturing people within the finance teams of organisations in which I’ve worked. It’s fantastic when you can have a positive impact on someone’s career path or personal growth.

From a more personal perspective, having a great relationship with my fantastic son is what I’m most proud of.

7. What are the three objects you would take with you to a desert island?

It would be a good opportunity to improve some skills, so I’d take a French study book, Art & crafts set and puzzle book.

8. What books have had a significant influence on you and why?

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee –  I studied this at Roedean & it may have been for GCSE English literature. The story of discrimination and social divisions seen through a young person’s eyes during a pre-civil rights era was thought provoking.  I found the story moving & it formed a lasting impression.

Native Son by Richard Wright – I found it to be an intriguing tale of being in the wrong place at the wrong time within a context of extreme prejudice and unavoidable injustice. To me, the author’s style quite fascinating as he changed voice to highlight characters’ perspectives.

9. What is on your bucket list?

Travelling with my son to all the wonderful countries I spent time in as a child.

10. If you had one year and unlimited funds, what would you do?

I would go travelling with my son & go on an adventure. We have talked about travelling more, exploring different cultures, histories & cuisines. Those are the moments that matter most.

Also homelessness & the welfare of vulnerable women are areas I feel deeply about. I would put resource & energy into initiatives that offer shelter & help. I would want to support & champion organisations working in these areas.

We are grateful to Claudette for delivering a Pathways Lecture in March, sharing her expertise and encouraging students to consider careers in finance.

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