Alternatives investment specialist Olwyn Alexander juggles a diverse range of management and client relationship roles in her capacity as PwC Ireland’s EMEA Alternatives Leader. She also makes time to fit in her commitments as a board member of AIMA, the Hedge Fund Cares Ireland charity, and a mentor for the Women in Derivatives initiative.

A lawyer working in financial services needs to be able to think laterally, says Michael Barr, a partner with A&L Goodbody, as 'clients do not want just a legal answer but rather someone who will work with them to get their product into the market in a successful and cost effective way'. Other attributes required include being able to take in and understand quickly new concepts and ideas, and the ability to work well with people at all levels within an organisation, to get the deal done.