It´s fair to say that when you've been capped 35 times and represented your country at a world cup, you've earn't a certain amount of respect.
But Claire Green, an investor in Railsbank and also a consultant to the company, and stalwart of the women's England Women’s Rugby team for a number of years, is not one to rest on her laurels.
In fact, when first asked to contribute to this piece, this is what Claire had to say: “I am keen to support more women into Fintech, it is a fantastic career for women, only 17% of the workforce in the technology sector are female and it is great that Railsbank have so many female trailblazers bucking the trend. We all have children and Railsbank has always provided such great support and flexibility allowing a great work/life balance.
“My colleague Louisa Murray, a senior Payments specialist, was the first female trader at Barclays and Jo Jenkins, Railsbank’s Compliance Manager is a leading authority on money laundering, regulation and financial crime. It’s a privilege to work with such dynamic and talented women.”
Most people would have spent the first five minutes on their sporting achievements which, in Claire´s case, are considerable.
She began her rugby career whilst at the University of Greenwich and played for not only the University´s rugby team, but also three years for England Students. After graduating with a 2:1 in BSC Hons in Sports Science in 1996, she passed through the England ranks, featuring in the 1998 World Cup Squad and went on to represent her country until 2005, mostly in the second row.
She also played for Saracens and Wasps at club level, the former whose fans include Railsbank founders Nigel Verdon and Clive Mitchell.
However, for Claire, rugby was just one part of her focus and alongside her activities on the field, she has also built a successful career in IT recruitment and co-founded Green Thompson Consulting. Claire has three children with her partner and lives on the border of Bucks and Herts.
At Railsbank she has helped define the company's customer IT proposition from the very beginning when Railsbank was nothing more than an idea. As Railsbank has grown and become a live platform, Claire has moved into working with customers to define how Railsbank can help and support them.
For Claire, a natural team player, Railsbank is a natural choice, as not only is it a pioneer with the fast moving FinTech sector and wider financial services sector, but it believes in nurturing a talented and diverse team which aim to be the best, but not at any cost.
As CEO Nigel said: “We actively encourage flexible working, family time is so important to all of us. Railsbank is a rewarding and supportive place to work.”
And just as she fitted in with the England Women’s Rugby team, Claire has found a natural fit alongside her Railsbank colleagues and hopes to have as much success with them, as she did on the field.
Photos show Claire with her Rugby team colleagues. Photo credit: Diane Patrice