Diane Watson, has been recognised by the Yorkshire Businesswomen Awards for Lifetime Achievement in Business. She attended the awards evening in Leeds in March, surrounded by hundreds of other successful female entrepreneurs and employees.
This award celebrates individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to Yorkshire Business, greatly influencing, and enriching the business they are a part of.
Diane is a total inspiration to so many women she was honoured to have been recognised for this award.
Long and distinguished career
With her career spanning over 30 years as a financial advisor, she grew a successful St. James’s Place practice. She has mentored many new women joining St. James’s Place and shared her knowledge to help them build their client base and business. She has worked with thousands of clients, supporting them to shape a solid financial future.
The launch of She Can Prosper
In 2018, she sold her financial practice to Sovereign Wealth and returned to work for them as an advisor whilst embarking on a new venture, She Can Prosper. Over her many years working as a financial advisor, she noted that many women abdicated responsibility for their finances to their partners, and women rarely took control. She felt compelled to act, so rather than retire, she is now on a mission to change this. She Can Prosper is her brainchild to create a safe space for women to learn more about controlling their financial well-being. Her idea was to provide in-person events, one-to-one coaching and support for women to help educate them to take control of their money with a fundraising and networking element.
However, the pandemic started just after the website launched! So, with her grit and determination at the fore, she pushed on with online webinars and speaking at events; the events she wanted to hold were on the back burner. She managed to gain press articles in the Sunday Times and the Guardian, which started to build awareness of what she was doing.
In November 2021, she finally held the first event in Leeds at Oulton Hall in aid of Smart Works; 50 women attended, and £600 was raised. Since that inaugural event there have been several events in Leeds and one in London.
Money has been raised for Maggie’s Cancer Centre Leeds, Their Future Today and the Yorkshire Children’s Charity. The topics covered such as pensions, protection and money mindset have helped women gain an insight into their financial planning and there have been networking opportunities at each event. Since She Can Prosper began, it has raised £2580 for charity. Diane’s idea is unique, events that combine financial education, fundraising and networking.
A trailblazer
When she qualified 30 years ago as a financial advisor, men dominated this sector, and she became a partner in St. James Place, one of a handful of women at the time. She is a true trailblazer in the financial sector.
She could have just put her feet up after selling her business, but she decided to push on and help as many women as possible through She Can Prosper. Now in her mid sixties, this action is to be admired.
Supporting others
She is a trustee of Dallaglio Rugby Works and is passionate about supporting young people. Her support for charities not only raises money but awareness, which is vitally important. She also supports the MicroLoan Foundation, Focus4Hope, a homeless charity, and
Diane Watson sponsors The Best Businesswomen Awards, which champions female entrepreneurs from across the UK, and she has supported many other business events, including The Entrepreneurial Leadership Conference and Club Hub UK Awards. Diane has helped thousands of women with mentoring, business support, and advice on best practices. She is also great at connecting people.
Diane is always ready to help anyone who needs financial or business advice, and her charity support is incredible. Her impact has meant that many women now have the correct information to make sound financial decisions. She has helped many new women in St James Place develop, so her impact is across both these areas.
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