A former pupil of St Margaret’s School for Girls has returned to her old school in order to inspire more girls to consider a career in the traditionally male-dominated worlds of property and finance.
Successful businesswoman, Laura Mearns, delivered a powerful talk during the school’s annual Speech Day, held on the final day of term.
Drawing on her own journey in two industries where women remain underrepresented, Laura said that success ‘isn’t just about talent, it’s about showing up, putting in the effort and staying excited about the journey.’ Her words of encouragement follow a recent TES report which revealed that many girls still don’t see themselves represented in the financial sector, the industry where Laura began her own career.
Schools across Scotland, including St Margaret’s, are working to close this representation gap by offering targeted initiatives in finance and investment. Role models like Laura play a vital part in that effort, helping to break down stereotypes and inspire the next generation to explore these career paths.
Laura’s story is a reminder to students that finance can be a foundation for many different futures, not just traditional roles. While she began her professional journey as a Chartered Accountant, her path eventually led her in a new direction towards entrepreneurship.
Now the founder and managing director of Northwood North East, a thriving residential property company based in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, Laura shared an honest and heartfelt account of her journey from school pupil to Chartered Accountant and entrepreneur.
From receiving her place at the University of Aberdeen through clearing, to graduating with First Class Honours in Accountancy and Management, she spoke candidly about resilience, determination, and the power of believing in your own path even when it's uncertain. She also highlighted the lessons learned from navigating economic uncertainty, motherhood, and entrepreneurship simultaneously.
Laura Mearns, said: “I learnt early in my journey that being a woman in property has its unique set of challenges. It’s an industry that’s still catching up when it comes to gender balance, and that means I often have to work harder to be heard, seen, and taken seriously. There are times when I walk into a room and I am the only woman there, and that can be tough. But those moments have helped me build resilience. They have pushed me to grow and to lead with confidence.
“Coming back to St Margaret’s for Speech Day has been a truly special experience. Standing in front of the students, in the very place where my own journey began, brought back so many memories. It’s a real privilege to be able to share my story and, I hope, show that success takes many forms and often unfolds in unexpected ways. If even one pupil leaves feeling more confident about following their own path, then it’s been a day well spent.”
As St Margaret’s prepares to celebrate its 180th anniversary next year, Laura’s return served as a poignant reminder of the strength of the school’s legacy and the many directions it can take those who pass through its doors.
Anna Tomlinson, Headteacher at St Margaret’s School for Girls, said: “We were absolutely delighted to welcome Laura back to St Margaret’s as our Speech Day guest speaker. Her story is a powerful example of perseverance, adaptability, and finding purpose through hard work. It was incredibly inspiring for our pupils to hear from someone who once walked these corridors and has gone on to achieve such success while making a meaningful impact in her community. Her visit was a highlight of the term and a reminder of the possibilities that lie ahead for our leavers.”