6th March 2026
This International Women’s Day (8 March), Earl Shilton Building Society (esbs) is celebrating the women whose encouragement and mentorship continue to inspire people across the organisation, reflecting this year’s theme, “Give to Gain.”
The IWD 2026 Give To Gain Campaign encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration, emphasising the power of reciprocity and support.
Mentoring and visibility are two ways that women can help contribute to women’s advancement to create a more supportive and interconnected world, something Transformation Change Manager Natalie Balderson has witnessed throughout her career.
Having joined the financial services industry at just 18 years old in a post-room role, Natalie never expected her career would lead to senior leadership positions. She credits that journey not only to hard work, but to the influence of strong female leaders who recognised her potential early on.
“I was fortunate to have strong women who took a chance on me,” she said. “They gave me confidence and self-belief at moments when I wasn’t sure I belonged. Their encouragement had a profound impact on me at a time when the industry was heavily male dominated. It stayed with me, and I still carry the values they taught me today.”
After nearly 30 years at one of the UK’s largest building societies, Natalie joined esbs seeking the opportunity to make a meaningful difference within a smaller, close-knit organisation. Now leading transformation initiatives across the business, she focuses as much on helping colleagues thrive as she does on modernising the company’s processes.
For Natalie, leadership is inseparable from mentorship. “One of the most important things those role models gave me was permission to be myself,” she explained. “They showed me that you don’t have to fit a mould to succeed. That’s something I try to pass on every day. It’s vital that we encourage people to believe in who they are and what they can achieve.”
Her proudest moments, she says, come when colleagues draw on that example themselves. “When someone says, ‘What would Natalie do?’ that means more than any title,” she added. “If I can help someone grow in confidence the way others helped me, then I feel I’ve done my job.”
Also embodying the spirit of “Give to Gain” is Jodie Maguire, Risk and Compliance Assistant, whose career has been equally influenced by strong female figures.
Joining esbs in 2019 following redundancy from a previous role, Jodie was drawn to the Society’s community roots and supportive culture. After spending years at other companies seeing only male managers, at esbs she quickly found an environment where women in leadership positions provided visible inspiration.
“Seeing women in senior roles makes a real difference,” she said. “You have people who understand your experiences and show that you can balance career ambitions with family life.”
As a working parent, Jodie says flexibility and understanding from colleagues have allowed her to thrive professionally while raising two children, something she now hopes to model for the next generation. “I want my children to see that you can be successful in your career and still be present as a parent,” she said. “Confidence comes from seeing others do it first.”
“It’s important to celebrate how far things have come while recognising there’s still work to do,” she added. “Having a day focused on women’s achievements reminds us why visibility and support matter.”
Scott Devereux, CEO at Earl Shilton Building Society, said: “International Women’s Day is an opportunity to recognise the role mentorship and encouragement play in shaping careers. Natalie and Jodie’s stories demonstrate how giving confidence, support and opportunity allows individuals — and organisations — to grow together, perfectly reflecting the ‘Give to Gain’ message.”
To find out more about esbs, visit either branch at 22 The Hollow, Earl Shilton or 7 Malt Mill Bank, Barwell. Alternatively, you can call 01455 844422 or visit the website at www.esbs.co.uk.