Woman of impact interview-Michele Jennings

In celebration of Women’s Month, Cover Conversations features an insightful discussion between Tony and Michele Jennings, Chief Executive of Glue, whose career journey embodies resilience, reinvention and authentic leadership. Michele shares how she began her professional life without plans to enter management, until a pivotal mentor encouraged her to return to university, complete her CTA, and qualify as a Chartered Accountant. This turning point not only reshaped her confidence but unlocked opportunities that eventually led her into financial services and senior leadership.

Michele reflects on the importance of mentorship, particularly for young women who may underestimate their capabilities. She credits early support and professional encouragement for helping her navigate career transitions, challenging environment dynamics, and the demands of simultaneously raising a family.

As a leader within the PPS ecosystem, she explains why shared value is at the heart of everything she does. The model fuels her purpose, drives member-centric innovation, and creates a culture where staff themselves become members and experience the value firsthand.

Michele provides thoughtful insight into how women’s challenges in leadership have evolved over the past 30 years, from inflexible workplaces to today’s growing acceptance of hybrid work, parental responsibilities and wellbeing. At Glue, this shows up through a culture of care, community, and genuine connection, “digital with heart,” as she describes it.

She encourages aspiring women leaders to stay authentic, speak confidently, and “fill their own cup first,” recognising that healthy, supported leaders create healthier teams.

The conversation closes with a look toward Glue’s future, including the significant impact AI will have on product development and how the company plans to continue pushing innovation within the financial services ecosystem.