Anne-Sophie Eveno, principal at River and Mercantile Infrastructure, talks technical detail, changing company cultures and enjoying life.
ESG Clarity and DiversityQ are delighted to support the campaign celebrating 50 years of women investing in the UK.
What or who inspired you to work in investing?
To be honest, no one in particular!
Although I trained as a mechanical engineer, I always wanted to learn about investment. Now I invest in exciting infrastructure projects that are important for everyone. Although I am looking at the financial aspects, I still get to spend a lot of time on the technical detail, understanding how projects drive sustainable financial and social value.
What do you think the future looks like for women in investing? What would you like to see?
More attractive, flexible and sustainable.
While there are some brilliant role models, you don’t yet see diversity at all levels of seniority. It begins by getting more women into the industry, embracing our differences and everyone respecting each other’s strengths.
We need to continue changing the culture. Leaders need to recognise individuals as they are, value their differences and nurture their strengths. We will have a more robust industry overall.
What is your attitude to investment risk?
A balanced portfolio looking at long-term outcomes is key for me.
This is why I really like investing in infrastructure assets where we look at long-term sustainable outcomes.
If you had a superpower, what would it be?
Teleportation: think of a place, click my fingers and be there. How much time would I save? Never mind my carbon footprint…
Tell us your motto or if you don’t live by one, why not?
Growing up, my dad used to tell me: “Life is a jungle, you have to fight everyday”.
Cliché, right? It sounds even better in French!
This motto kept me going for a while, but I am now gentler with myself. I want to enjoy life and in whatever I do, I try to give my best while having a laugh, connecting with people and remaining optimistic.
