Case study: Lyndsay Cooper

What were your motivations for changing roles?

Throughout my career at Baillie Gifford, I’ve been fortunate to work in roles that have challenged me, stretched my thinking and given me a broad view of the firm. My moves from Internal Audit into Client Administration and now into Data as Head of Data have each been significant steps. 

When I first started thinking about moving on from Internal Audit, I had a choice: look externally for another Chief Internal Auditor role, or consider where else I could make a meaningful contribution within Baillie Gifford. The firm’s ethos of being long-term, brave and curious has always resonated with me, and I felt there was still much I could learn and contribute here. 

For me, an internal move was not about stepping away from what I had done before, but asking how my skills, judgement and experience could be applied in a different context. Client Administration gave me a deeper understanding of our clients, our operational processes and how teams across the firm work together. Three years later, the opportunity to move into Data in 2025 felt like a natural next step. Data sits at the heart of how we make decisions, serve clients, support investment teams and run the firm effectively. The Head of Data role has allowed me to bring together my experience in governance, risk, operations, leadership and change, while learning a new technical area. 

What have you gained from your experience?

I’ve learned that a varied career does not always follow a straight line. Sometimes the most valuable opportunities come from moving into areas where you do not yet have all the technical knowledge, but where you can bring curiosity, perspective and transferable skills. 

Moving roles internally has given me a broader understanding of Baillie Gifford’s value chain. Internal Audit helped me understand risk, governance and independent thinking. Client Administration gave me a closer view of how we support clients and how operational excellence underpins what we do. Data is helping me see how information, insight and technology can shape the future of the firm. 

Working in data is energising because it is not just a technical discipline; it is about people, culture, decision-making, trust and how we equip the firm for the long term. Over the past year, I have had to listen carefully, ask questions and rely on the expertise of others. That has been both humbling and rewarding. 

I’ve also gained confidence that you do not need to know everything on day one. What matters is being open to learning, surrounding yourself with talented people and being clear about where you can add value. 

What support have you been given?

The support I’ve received has been invaluable. The best support often comes from people trusting that you have the skills and judgement to succeed, even when you are moving into unfamiliar territory. 

Partners and colleagues across the firm have supported me at each stage of my career. They have taken time to explain the context, help me understand how different departments fit together and give me space to get up to speed. That patience and trust make a real difference when you are learning something new. 

I have also benefited from mentors and informal sounding boards. In Data, I have been supported by a team with deep technical knowledge and a real commitment to helping the firm make better use of, and treat data as part of, our DNA. My role has not been to arrive with all the answers, but to listen, learn, ask the right questions and help create the conditions for the team to succeed. 

What advice would you give to others considering an internal move? 

It is easy to become comfortable in a role, especially when you enjoy the work, have strong relationships and feel confident in what you are doing. But standing still can mean missing opportunities to grow. 

My advice would be to stay curious. Have conversations, ask people about their work and put yourself forward for projects or networks that expose you to different parts of the firm. Think about your skills more broadly than your current job title. Leadership, judgement, communication, problem-solving, resilience and the ability to build relationships are valuable in many contexts. Technical knowledge can be learned, especially when you are surrounded by supportive colleagues. 

My journey from Internal Audit to Client Administration and now into Data has shown me that careers do not have to be linear to be successful. Sometimes the brave move is the one that teaches you the most.