Naomi Bowman

Global Banking & Markets partner with over 20 years’ experience helping the world’s largest banks to navigate complex transformation. I specialise in governance, risk and AI-enabled operating models, and am known for building trusted C-suite relationships and platforms that deliver sustainable growth, stronger controls and lasting organisational change.

What makes you a Risky Woman?

I’ve never been very good at staying in the “safe lane”. I have walked away from comfortable and successful roles, backed myself to rebuild from scratch and chosen paths that feel more meaningful rather than more certain.

Name your top 3 achievements

1. Earning the trust of senior leaders at some of the world’s largest banks and building relationships that have lasted for many years, across roles and firms.
2. Becoming an equity partner whilst raising three young boys, and proving to myself that ambition and family life can grow side by side.
3. Helping clients and teams navigate complex and often unprecedented situations and coaching them to grow in confidence, capability and impact along the way.

What is the biggest risk you’ve taken in your career?

Saying yes to opportunities that stretched me before I felt completely ready. Learning to embrace uncertainty, backing myself, failing fast and being open to continuous development opportunities have turned out to be the best decision.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

I’m a certified Gallup Strengths coach and spend a lot of time helping people understand what energises them and how they do their best work. It’s shaped how I lead teams and build client relationships.

What is the best quality for successful leaders in Risk?

Judgement – the world is too complex for leaders who rely on only rules, models and frameworks. The best leaders combine technical expertise with curiosity, humanity and commercial awareness. They ask better questions, create psychological safety and help organisations to make smarter, braver decisions.