Meet our people: Brenesha Cox

Before I joined Baillie Gifford, I was a barrister and legal advisor in London and Turks & Caicos. I worked in commercial law and became increasingly interested in how investing in companies that are solving the problems of today and tomorrow can affect social change.  So, when I saw the Client Manager Programme was open to people from different backgrounds who have an interest in finance, I decided to apply.

My last role was in quite a traditional culture, so I love that I have a great deal of autonomy as a Client Manager and can just be myself at work. This enables me to really show up and truly enjoy building long-term relationships with new and existing clients. The firm’s culture is about working hard but also being able to enjoy the fruits of your labour. There are opportunities for hybrid working, and a typical day here is the equivalent of nine to five.

It’s also a culture of continual learning, where we’re encouraged to get involved in projects or expand our knowledge by attending relevant conferences and webinars. A few months after starting, I joined the Multi-Cultural Network that celebrates the different cultures of Baillie Gifford’s employees. Through the Network I’ve contributed to the firm’s commitment to meaningful diversity and inclusion by organising some successful ‘Let’s talk about race’ workshops.

Baillie Gifford is different to many other financial services firms, as it is wholly owned by its partners who work in the firm every day. For us this means the opportunity to interact with the owners of the business on a regular basis.

On any given day you might end up sitting next to a partner hotdesking in the department, who will genuinely be interested in getting to know you and hearing your thoughts on how we can continue to be better as a company. I would describe the business as one that is open to fresh ideas, trying new things and being different from the norm.

Originally from Turks and Caicos, I’d originally spent most of my time in the UK in London, so the move to Edinburgh was an exciting opportunity. I enjoy living in Edinburgh as it’s a smaller city. It has all the amenities you’d expect from a capital, but there’s also a sense of community that reminds me of home.