Q&A with Sophia Alison: Building a career in private markets 

How do you feel supported and empowered to take on new opportunities and carve your own unique career pathway?

I joined Macquarie in 2007 and have worked in three of our offices around the world: – Sydney, New York and now London. One of the reasons I've been at Macquarie so long is that the next career opportunity has always presented itself before I've really gone looking for it. I think that's one of the big benefits of being part of a global growing organisation.   

Within MAM I lead our new direct lending strategy in EMEA, which we have launched in partnership with Macquarie Capital Principal Finance. It is a great opportunity to lead such a big strategic priority for our business. This exciting opportunity came about while I was on maternity leave with my second child. I received a call from the Head of MAM Credit asking if I would step into this role when I returned to work.  

How does the range of benefits Macquarie provides help you to manage wellbeing, health and family?  

I've recently returned to work after having my second child. In addition to primary carer leave, Macquarie provides a number of benefits in my region to support employees as they return to work. These include an option for a phased return, coaching sessions and back-up childcare. But more than any one policy, the thing I most value about Macquarie is the willingness of people managers to work with their teams to identify and support individuals with what works best for them and the requirements of their role, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.

Macquarie has also recently introduced ‘fertility leave’ for UK employees undergoing fertility treatment and for those supporting a partner who is undergoing fertility treatment. Although I didn’t get to take advantage of this benefit, as someone who used IVF for both my babies, I think it is a great additional benefit that Macquarie now offers. 

What opportunities are there for your future at Macquarie?  

In my experience there is no shortage of opportunities at Macquarie. I have had the privilege of being part of a number of teams – including one that successfully grew the infrastructure debt business to where it is today, and now leading MAM’s new direct lending strategy in EMEA. Throughout my career at Macquarie I’ve felt both challenged and supported and I'm excited to be in the next phase of my career, development and growth.