Simone Probyn

Managing Director, Hilco Global

Simone Probyn is the European managing director for finance and operations at Hilco Valuation Services, a business unit of Hilco Global, operating in the UK and Europe providing valuation, advisory and monetization services.  Simone is responsible for all the company finance matters as well as the operations for each of the office locations.  

Simone joined the team in 2018 and quickly established herself in the MD role leading the transition of the company’s IT and other systems from traditional server-based systems to cloud-based, and implementing collaborative working methods. This meant the company was well positioned to seamlessly cope when the pandemic hit in early 2020.  Simone has worked closely with the MDs with respect to expanding and improving service lines, preparing business plans, and providing advice and guidance for the development of these new income streams to the company.

Simone is a CIMA-qualified accountant, having trained initially in practice before moving into industry, working in both construction and FMCG.  She attended the Cranfield School of Management in 2016-17, completing the Advanced Development Programme, Organisational and Strategic Leadership.  She is married with two children, ages 18 and 15.

What advice would you offer to women just starting out in the industry?

Do not underestimate the value of networking as soon as you enter the industry, even though you may feel that you do not have the time or that you should be concentrating on learning your new role.  Focus on building relationships by getting involved with different organisations and attending events that will expand your reach.  Take the opportunity to learn from leaders and peers within these networks, don’t be afraid to ask questions and gain knowledge of the industry which will not only help you to integrate, but will also assist you with developing an insight into the breadth and opportunities within the industry. Always keep in touch with your network and offer help and support where you can, as this will usually be reciprocated if ever you need it.

What do you know now that you wish you knew in the beginning of your career?

It really is never too soon to find a mentor.  Look for someone who can coach you through challenges you will inevitably face and help you shape and define the direction you want your career to go, keeping you focused on your journey.  Be prepared to step outside of your comfort zone; sometimes you just have to “go for it” and, if you do make a mistake, don’t beat yourself up about it but treat it as a learning experience.  Also, as your career develops, never be afraid to admit a job or a company is no longer a good fit for you; don’t wait in the hope things will get better; instead take charge and make a change sooner rather than later.

How do you balance work / personal time?

The work/personal time balance took me a long time to get right, particularly in the earlier years of my career when striving to reach goals at speed and I still don’t always master it.  Returning to work following maternity leave, which had afforded me time away from work to reflect, gave me the opportunity to rethink priorities and work/life balance. I do find it helpful to plan and organise my personal time, much in the same way as I plan for work (I do like making lists!) and, if personal time is limited, I try to ensure that the time I do have is quality time.  Overall, it is important to keep everything in perspective.  Our work is important, but at the end of the day so is family and personal time.

What do you think work will look like in the post-pandemic world?

During the pandemic many have enjoyed the flexibility that working from home has provided and even the most cynical of companies has had to evolve and embrace this way of working, even going so far as to seeing not just the potential cost savings that can be made, but also the benefits to employees’ personal and mental well-being.  However, we should never underestimate the value of face-to-face collaboration in the office, the ease of building relationships and how chance conversations and spontaneous meetings can drive decision making.  Having that distinction between work and home can also aid the work/life balance, with the commute providing a defined end to the working day, something many have missed over the past 12 months.  Post-pandemic, I think companies that can invest in their digital infrastructure, whilst maintaining an office space, will see the benefit of the hybrid workweek, with both styles of working boosting employee motivation and productivity.