Case study: Gillian Christie

You’re involved in the Neurodiversity group; why do you believe these communities are so important for staff at Baillie Gifford?

When I started at Baillie Gifford over 20 years ago, you knew everybody. That’s no longer possible. So, these communities build bridges across the organisation based on a shared experience or interest.

I’ve worked with some fantastic people in the Neurodiversity Group and the other networks that I would never encounter in my day job. And I hope by doing so, we’ve made Baillie Gifford a better place to work.

Describe BG’s Editorial Team in three words.

Creative. Passionate. Collaborative.

What does a day in the life of an Assistant Editor look like?

What I love about my job is the variety of content we work on. One day, I might be trying to remove jargon from a report to go on the website; the next, I could be ghostwriting an article for an investment strategy. Whatever it is, my goal is to ensure that the content is interesting and easy to read.

What was your journey to the position you are in now? What did you study at university?

I began in Internal Audit, writing procedure notes. I then moved to the Clients Department as the investment writer, first on secondment and shortly after permanently. Since then, my role and responsibilities have adapted as the editorial function has evolved.

I studied English at university, focusing on 20th-century Scottish literature. Just as I was leaving, they began introducing creative writing courses, and if I had my time again, I would do that.

Can you describe some of your career highlights so far?

Joining the Clients Department was a big step, and it took a long time for me to get over my imposter syndrome. However, developing longstanding relationships with the investment strategies has been a real highlight. It helps me get inside what they are thinking and bring their ideas to life on paper and screen. Reading and writing about companies and technologies shaping the future is very exciting and rewarding.

I am a late-diagnosed autistic and passionate about empowering other neurodivergent people in the workplace. Having the forum of the Neurodiversity Group to do this and to feel I am giving back is a real privilege.