Clare Elliott

From the print shop floor to leading group-wide transformation, Clare Elliott’s journey has always been grounded in people-first leadership.

We caught up with Clare to learn how a hands-on business background and a deep curiosity for finance shaped her into a transformation leader—one who’s as focused on trust and collaboration as she is on systems and scale.

The road to transformation

Clare didn’t take the typical path to finance leadership. Her career began in a hands-on family business and a placement on a factory floor—experiences that taught her to see finance not just as numbers, but as the engine behind strategic growth:

“That placement changed everything. I saw how finance influenced decision-making in real-time, and it just clicked for me. From then on, I was all in.”

Years later, that same strategic mindset became central to her mission at NetSupport—where she stepped into a transformation role with a clear brief: unify five siloed companies, update legacy systems, and modernise the entire finance function.

“We weren’t just updating processes—we were changing the way people thought. The transformation wasn’t just operational; it was cultural.”

Through software rollouts, process alignment, and mindset shifts, Clare built a streamlined, scalable finance operation across the group—without losing a single team member along the way.

Driving change through people

In a role that demanded bold decisions, Clare leaned on clarity, communication, and consistency. Her approach to transformation has always been rooted in trust and empathy:

“If there’s one thing that makes or breaks transformation, it’s trust. You need to involve people early, explain the why behind every decision, and make space for feedback.”

Rather than pushing through resistance, Clare met it with curiosity. She spent time listening, identifying what needed to change—and just as importantly, what didn’t.

“People want to feel part of change. It’s not about steamrolling ahead. It’s about bringing people with you.”

The result? A more connected team, a unified finance function, and a foundation that supports innovation long term.

Redefining resilience

Clare is quick to acknowledge the pressure that comes with change—and the toll it can take:

“I’m such an advocate for change, I hadn’t considered change fatigue until someone asked. But we got through the hardest part. The team didn’t just survive—they grew.”

For Clare, success isn’t just about systems implemented—it’s about people empowered. Her leadership style? Adaptive, transparent, and always evolving.

“I don’t lead with a one-size-fits-all approach. Everyone is different, so I communicate differently with each person.”

That mindset continues to serve her as she navigates what comes next—more innovation, new products, and an ever-evolving digital landscape.

Forecasting the future of finance

While AI wasn’t part of Clare’s original remit, it’s definitely on her radar. Her view is refreshingly pragmatic:

“We’re already using tools with AI built in—often without realising it. I’m learning where I can, but we don’t need to chase hype. It’s about exploring the potential while staying grounded in what works.”

For Clare, digital transformation is about value creation, not tech for tech’s sake. It’s a mindset that keeps her and her team focused on what matters most: driving sustainable growth and keeping people at the centre.

Leading with legacy in mind

When asked how she wants to be remembered, Clare’s answer is instant:

“Respect. I want people to know I gave my all. That I respected my team, worked hard, and helped create something better.”

It’s a full-circle moment for someone who once ran a printing business and now leads a finance function through change. What gets Clare up in the morning isn’t just transformation—it’s the opportunity to make a meaningful difference, one decision at a time.

“Transformation doesn’t have a finish line. There’s always more to learn, more to do, and more people to bring on the journey. That’s what motivates me.”