Women in Leadership: Spotlight on Michelle Saville
Michelle Saville, Senior Manager in ZEDRA’s Guernsey Company Secretarial team, reflects on the experiences that shaped her career and the developments she believes will influence the industry in the years ahead.
How did you get into the industry?
I’ve worked in Company Secretarial for about eight years now, but my career started in manufacturing. My move into finance only happened when I relocated from South Africa to Guernsey.
Before that, I worked in an in-house legal and compliance role after being admitted as an Attorney. The business needed someone to take on the company secretary responsibilities, and I was the person best placed to support. That experience ended up being the bridge that made my move to Guernsey a little easier, even though the industries operate very differently.
What has been a key learning in your career?
For me, collaboration and upskilling are essential. You can’t grow without leaning on others, asking questions when something is new, and building strong relationships along the way.
Staying informed is equally important. The industry is always shifting and regulatory expectations evolve quickly, so keeping your knowledge current is a responsibility that never really stops.
What would you say to someone considering a career in your industry?
It’s a rewarding career if you’re willing to put in the time and effort. Finding a company that shares your values and a team that’s genuinely supportive makes all the difference. When those ingredients are in place, you have the right foundation to build a long term and meaningful career.
What are the opportunities and challenges you’re seeing in the industry?
Guernsey has great representation of women in senior roles, and we’re seeing that shift across the wider UK too, which is encouraging.
Sustainability is another exciting area. As demand in this space continues to rise, new roles and areas of focus are emerging for people who are passionate about it and want to explore a different direction.
A key challenge is finding the right leaders. Businesses rely on strong expertise and appropriate board capacity to ensure proper oversight and balanced workloads. Getting this right has a direct impact on long term success.
To find out more about our Company Secretarial team and how ZEDRA supports governance and compliance for businesses, get in touch.
