Sue Duckett

Executive Vice President, Franklin Capital

Biography:

Sue Duckett is the executive vice president at Franklin Capital, a firm that prides itself on the ability to be your one point of contact for multi-asset funding including AR, PO, cross-border, and equipment financing. Sue is responsible for overseeing Franklin’s operations and deal intake.

Sue has over 25 years experience working with prestigious firms in the commercial finance space in both the UK and the US including as a GM at Accord Financial, and managing director at Bibby. Over the course of her career she has worked in just about every aspect of the business from data entry, to running operations at firms of various sizes. Sue has first hand international expertise providing her with a great understanding of transatlantic subsidiary businesses and International trade.

Sue is passionate about mentoring young professionals and has been an instructor for both the Asset Based Finance Association UK(ABFA) and the SFNET. Sue has received diplomas from the Chartered Institute of Credit Management and the Asset Based Finance Association Foundation.  She is a member of the SFNET and TMA. She is currently the VP of the SFNET Midwest Chapter and on the TMA NoW committee and SFNET Women in Commercial Finance and chaired the Community Outreach committee.

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

I have been fortunate to work with some amazing women in my career and, in order to be that “person of choice” when promotions arise, it is so important to understand all aspects of the business – try to get experience in as many areas as possible and recognize what challenges these departments face.  With a good understanding of this, not only do you have a good understanding of your business fully, but solutions to any problem will incorporate all aspects of the business and not just one department.  This will put you in a unique position to understand the business as a whole and be a reliable “go to” when issues arise.

Look for a mentor. Don’t be afraid to approach someone who is higher up in your organization or in another organization.  Remember that a mentor does not always provide answers but will find ways to get you to ask the right questions.  I believe strongly in this and have mentored many professionals.  Giving back is important.

How have you approached big career decisions? What is your approach/advice to change in the workplace?

I had a successful office in the UK and took the risk to move to another country, with a new team and new challenges.  It was not a decision that was taken lightly.  My approach is simple; write that list!  Positives and negatives, opportunities and risks.  You may have one negative that will far outweigh any positive and your decision is made.  Understand all of the risks involved and have a back-up plan should it go wrong.  Also ensure your plan has timescales and measurable results.

Any change in the workplace must involve the team.  Too many decisions get made by senior management, who have no experience in the daily tasks.  Put a taskforce in place with a member at every level and ensure your team have the right personality to speak up if they disagree.  Ensure everyone understands what they need and are all on the same page.  I have had loyal staff that have been in their position for years; suddenly changing their working day is a shock to the system. They fear failing, so once you have a plan mapped out, ensure everyone has the knowledge/training to succeed and overcome this.

My advice is don’t dictate change where possible.  Collaborate and understand before incorporating change and then embrace it, but never stop changing.

How do you balance work/personal time?

In my late 20s, I was told in a review that my work/life balance was unhealthy.  I believe, if you enjoy work, then the balance does not have to be 50/50. If you can still enjoy life out of the office and the hours don’t impact loved ones around you, then, honestly, 80/20 can work. Be honest with yourself and communicate with friends and family. How do they feel?  It was easy for me; I didn’t have responsibilities at home. As a career progresses, things change.  At the beginning, I would regularly be seen in the office at all hours, but knowing I wanted to be on top of my game and successful in my work, it was a necessity, but I can tell you my Saturday nights were great fun! A lot of my day is now about effectively implementing my craft, which takes less time.  My working day, although not 9-5, is undoubtedly shorter and nowadays our desk is wherever our laptop is.  The downside to this is we are never far from the office and can be too available.