‘Back yourself loudly and unapologetically’

In our latest Women in Finance Interview, Tony Sanchez speaks to Shannon Harwood, Head of Bridging & Commercial at Premier Commercial Lending.

Shannon is Head of Bridging & Commercial at Premier Commercial Lending. Known for turning complex deals into straightforward, or at the very least, achievable solutions, she brings a hands-on approach to everything from quirky buy-to-lets to multi-million-pound developments.

With a genuine passion for specialist finance, she excels at cutting through red tape to get funding secured quickly and efficiently.

Based between Norwich and London, she works closely with a wide range of clients and lenders to transform challenging projects into smooth, successful outcomes.

Straight-talking, deal-focused, and always up for a challenge, Shannon thrives in the fast-paced world of commercial finance.

What brought you into financial services?

I didn’t grow up dreaming of working in finance, but once I got a taste of the industry, I was hooked and started seeking out the ‘more difficult’ types of finance.

I started out curious about property and mortgages, and quickly realised I had a knack for problem-solving and a real drive to help people make things happen.

Over time, I found my niche in specialist lending, where no two deals are the same and thinking outside the box is part of the job.

It’s fast-paced, people-focused, and genuinely rewarding, and that’s what’s kept me here.

What do you think makes a successful leader? And in particular women leaders?

I think it’s important to lead with empathy and confidence, without feeling the need to ‘prove’ yourself by fitting into old-school moulds.

Women leaders bring a different energy: we tend to be collaborative, emotionally intelligent, and unafraid to challenge the way things have always been done. That’s a strength, not a compromise.

What are the biggest barriers you have faced in your career in financial services?

One of the biggest barriers I’ve faced is being underestimated, especially early on in my career. I was also told I was entitled for wanting more.

Financial services can still feel like an old boys’ club at times, and as a woman, particularly a younger one, you can find yourself having to work twice as hard to be taken seriously.

There have also been moments where I felt the pressure to tone things down or ‘fit in’ to be accepted.

But I’ve learned to trust my instincts, speak up, and lead in a way that feels authentic to me.

Surrounding myself with the right people, mentors, teammates, and clients who value what I bring has made all the difference. The industry is changing, but there’s still work to do.

That’s why I’m passionate about showing that you can succeed in finance without losing who you are.

If you could tell your younger self one thing you know about business now, what would it be? 

Ignore the ones who make you doubt yourself, as eventually hard work gets you noticed by the people that matter.

What’s your own personal mantra?

‘Aint nobody going to come and save you.

What do you think is key for finding a successful work-life balance?

I’ll let you know when I find it!

It’s inevitable that for some deals, you will have to start early, finish later or go into your weekends however, it’s picking your battles and allowing yourself the downtime you desperately need to be a good adviser!

What’s one key leadership lesson you’ve learned along the way?

People respond to honesty, consistency, and respect, and when you lead with those values, you build trust.

It’s not about being the loudest in the room; it’s about being the one people actually want to follow.

What advice do you have for women aiming for leadership positions?

Back yourself, loudly and unapologetically.

Don’t wait until you tick every box before putting your hand up or going for that next step.

Men don’t, and you shouldn’t either. Own your strengths, speak up in rooms where it feels uncomfortable, and don’t shrink to fit into spaces that weren’t built with you in mind.

Leadership isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being real, resilient, and willing to grow.

What do you think is holding women back?

In the workplace, I think women can show hesitation to speak up, go for promotions, or challenge the status quo, especially in male-dominated industries like finance.

Do you think there is still a glass ceiling?

Yes, there is. Once you know what you’re up against, you can start to find ways to navigate and overcome it.

It’s not about breaking the ceiling by force alone, but about learning how to work smarter, build the right networks, and create opportunities for yourself and others.

What are your thoughts on the Women in Finance Charter? 

 I think the Women in Finance Charter is a good start, it gets companies to commit to real targets and keeps diversity on the radar. But honestly, progress is still slow, and hitting those goals isn’t easy for everyone.

It’s more than just numbers; we need a real culture change. Things like flexible working, fair pay linked to diversity, and creating spaces where women don’t have to act like men to get ahead.

The Charter lays the groundwork, but it’s on all of us to make the real change happen.

How do we encourage more women into financial services? 

Flexible working and supportive policies would help. And honestly, it all comes down to confidence, helping women believe they belong and can succeed in this industry.

The gender pay gap is only second worst to the construction industry. What can organisations do to address this?

I think a lot of women go into administrative roles as they are generally more flexible than other roles in the industry.

I think providing women with some sort of company ‘credit’ for personal growth after certain milestones have been hit i.e probation, so pay isn’t just about salary but also skills and impact.

What is your biggest achievement to date?

One of my biggest achievements to date has been helping to build PCL from the ground up alongside Paul Johnson.

Paul has been fantastic throughout the process, and it’s been really rewarding to work together to lay the foundations for the business.

Starting something from scratch is challenging, but seeing how far we’ve come so quickly makes it all worthwhile. It’s been a real team effort, and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved so far.

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