Featuring: Sophie Engel, Head of Financial Control at Grosvenor

Finding your voice in the workplace can be one of the hardest – and most empowering – parts of building a career. For Sophie Engwell, Head of Financial Control at Grosvenor, it has also been one of the most defining.

In this episode of the WomenWise Podcast, Sophie shares her journey from starting out in finance to leading with confidence, compassion and clarity. She reflects on the moments that challenged her, the importance of psychological safety, and why learning to speak up can change not only your career but the culture around you.

Why speaking up matters

Sophie believes that speaking up is about more than confidence – it’s about creating environments where every voice is valued.
“Using your voice takes courage,” she says. “But silence can hold us back, and it can hold teams back. When people speak up, that’s when innovation and inclusion truly happen.”

Through her experience leading teams in high-pressure financial environments, Sophie has learned that strong communication and trust go hand in hand. Encouraging open dialogue builds more resilient, collaborative teams – and helps break down the barriers that often prevent women and under-represented groups from being heard.

Building confidence in male-dominated industries

Early in her career, Sophie often found herself one of few women in the room. Over time, she realised that developing her “manager voice” was just as much about self-belief as skill.
“The more I practised saying what I thought – respectfully, clearly, and with evidence – the easier it became to be heard,” she explains.

Her advice to others is to start small: contribute ideas, ask questions, and remember that your perspective has value. Confidence grows through action, not perfection.

Leadership, life balance and empathy

Sophie also opens up about balancing ambition with life transitions, including motherhood, and how her leadership style evolved as a result. She believes empathy and flexibility are not weaknesses in leadership – they are strengths that build loyalty and trust.

Kindness, she says, is one of the most underestimated qualities in business. “Listening to understand, rather than just to respond, is how you create space for others to speak.”

How organisations can support employee voice

Sophie’s message extends beyond individual confidence. She encourages leaders to create conditions that make it safe for people to express ideas and concerns without fear of judgment.

When organisations embed psychological safety and inclusive practices, employees feel empowered to share honest feedback – which directly improves performance, innovation, and engagement.

Key takeaways

• Confidence grows through use: speak up even when it feels uncomfortable.
• Leadership built on empathy encourages others to find their voice.
• Psychological safety enables diverse teams to innovate and thrive.
• Balancing ambition and wellbeing leads to sustainable success.

Listen to the full episode

Hear Sophie Engel’s full story in the WomenWise Podcast episode Speak Up: Your Voice Matters in the Workplace. It’s a powerful reminder that every voice – yours included – can shape the future of work.