As part of our Women in Business series, Savant continues its exploration of what modern leadership truly looks like — not in theory, but in practice.
We speak with exceptional women across our network who are defining leadership through their own lens: shaping industries, reimagining business culture, and mentoring the next generation with intent and intelligence.
In this edition, we feature a leader who embodies strategic clarity, creative insight, and a deep respect for people — qualities that define not only her leadership, but her impact.
With a career spanning private and purpose-led sectors, Oonagh Dockley has built her leadership on solid financial foundations — and a deep-rooted belief in people.
As Finance Director at Greenham Trust, Oonagh helps steer one of the UK’s most innovative charitable foundations. But her philosophy is simple: successful strategy only works when it’s grounded in fairness, collaboration, and vision.
“I love working with businesses to understand, make and implement the best solutions for their success.”
Her work is deeply human, her focus always forward.
When asked about the influences that have shaped her leadership, Oonagh doesn’t hesitate.
“I was raised to treat all people with dignity — so that’s where it all has to start. Dignity and fairness.”
She credits both male and female mentors for giving her the confidence to lead with authenticity — and names her mother as her first example of strength with grace.
It’s a leadership style rooted not in volume, but in clarity: principled, composed, and people-first.
AI, says Oonagh, is the defining shift of our generation — not just a tool, but a transformation. For leaders, the role is to demystify change, not resist it.
“Leaders who help others embrace change and not fear the unknown are key.”
She envisions a future where technology enables sharper, faster decisions — and where leadership creates the space for innovation to thrive responsibly.
Few finance directors list opera among their leadership tools — but for Oonagh, singing is more than a passion. It’s a practice.
“I trained as an Operatic Soprano in my twenties — and I still sing. Solo or in a group, the emotional and mental benefits are extraordinary.”
In a profession that prizes logic, singing brings freedom. It reminds her — and those she leads — that energy, resilience, and breath are not luxuries, but necessities.
Oonagh’s most meaningful accomplishments, she says, are not just strategic, but human.
“Teaching is in my bones. Many of my personal achievements have centred around the people I’ve coached and encouraged in their careers.”
Her approach to mentorship isn’t formalised or performative. It’s part of how she leads — by sharing knowledge, creating space, and leading by example.
For Oonagh, being a woman in business means bringing creativity, conviction, and a personal lens to every decision. It also means rewriting the rules — sometimes literally.
“My daughter still can’t believe that women weren’t allowed to wear trousers in the workplace when I started my career.”
She’s proud of the changes she’s championed — not for visibility’s sake, but because creating room for others is, in her view, the essence of good leadership.
Oonagh Dockley leads with a rare blend of financial acumen and emotional intelligence. She listens intently, acts purposefully, and creates space for others to rise.
Her story reminds us that leadership is as much about the tone you set as the targets you meet — and that progress often begins with those who choose to lead a little differently.
At Savant, we are proud to celebrate women like Oonagh — those reshaping business not only with strategy, but with soul.
