Sophia McNeil

The art of leadership: How Sophia empowers teams to flourish

Language lessons

Sophia McNeil's journey with Third Bridge began with her German language skills. As a native German speaker, she initially joined the London office to work with the German-focused Private Equity team. Having studied law at University, this was a new and exciting direction for her, and thanks to her language skills, she quickly took on a lot of responsibility, growing the German book of business.

Having made rapid progress growing the client accounts she managed, Sophia was promoted from Associate to Manager after just two years. Testament to Third Bridge being a meritocracy, this leap saw her bypass the traditional Senior Associate role and progress straight to Manager, reflecting the impact of her accomplishments. As Manager, Sophia transitioned to the Consulting vertical to better support the needs of the business at that time, and drive her professional growth.

Sophia’s appetite for challenge was not to be limited by borders. When the opportunity to relocate came knocking, she grasped it with both hands, despite a pivot in location. “Third Bridge was planning to open an office in Singapore,” she says “but commercially we ended up going in a different direction. As I’d applied for the role in Singapore, they offered me a role in Hong Kong instead, which I happily accepted because I was super excited about moving to Asia.”

Arriving in Asia presented Sophia with a new language, culture, and environment to grapple with. “Hong Kong was hit very hard by Covid, so a lot of my initial responsibility was focused on rebuilding a positive mindset and generating positive energy in the team.” she reflects. With intentions reset, Sophia was able to turn her attention to what she does best - motivating the team and growing the business - things she knows are inextricably linked.

Overcoming culture shock

While the move from Germany to London was a big transition for Sophia, she admits that relocating from London to Hong Kong was "completely next level". While the city quickly became an amazing place to live for her, she confesses that she underestimated the complexities of the broader Southeast Asia region. The sheer diversity was a revelation, with the Hong Kong office team consisting of 17 different nationalities.

Tasked with the challenge of “turning things around”, Sophia arrived with big plans and ambitions to shake things up in her new team, but she rapidly realized that her first priority was to truly understand the culture and her new colleagues before they could find solutions together. This experience, she says, still challenges her daily, reminding her to remain open-minded and work on her own biases to ensure everyone has a fair chance to grow.

Beyond the professional growth, the relocation has provided incredible personal opportunities. Hong Kong's central location has made travel across Asia seamless and exciting. Sophia has been able to visit key client locations like Singapore, but also explore a variety of countries for leisure. "Hong Kong is such a great spot in the world, you can fly everywhere," she says, adding that she has taken weekend trips to places like Vietnam, Korea, and Japan, immersing herself in the rich and diverse cultures of the continent.

Inspired to manage

Despite having relocated multiple times and transitioned across teams and verticals, for Sophia, making the shift from an individual contributor to a manager was the most challenging part of her career. “I think you fully underestimate what a big role management is,” she adds, “I was taken aback by the change as it was so much harder than I thought it would be.” Upon becoming a manager herself, Sophia discovered a newfound respect for the roles that managers had played in her own development, and this ignited her passion for effective leadership.

Sophia attributes much of her career success to having had impactful coaching and management. “‘I’ve had managers who really supported my growth and ambition,” she says, “I’ve never been made to feel like I’m being overly ambitious.” She credits her leaders for empowering her and helping her hone the skills that enable her to seize opportunities. “I think that's why I've always been so keen on making sure I'm the best manager I can be, because ultimately success comes down to management.”.

Much of her managerial style has been sharpened through on-the-job experience. However, when she expressed a desire to move into a managerial role, Sophia’s manager put her forward to complete a Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Management Degree. This in-depth external program helped her acquire technical skills and methodologies in preparation for her new role.

So what’s her secret sauce for exceptional management? For Sophia it comes down to three key ingredients. “My first point is always to care about people as individuals,” she notes. Whether it's discussing performance, playing therapist, listening to personal problems, or even being a health coach, her first piece of advice is to truly care. “When you see your team member as a whole person, and really support them and their growth, that’s what ultimately drives success.” Second is clear communication. And third? To lead by example, “I would never expect anyone to do something I wouldn't do myself,” she says sincerely.

Paying it forward

Sophia is a strong believer in paying it forward. As a mentee in the Women at Third Bridge program, which supports and empowers female leaders. She was originally matched with Charlton Dwight, now Managing Director for the Asia vertical, but who at the time was Head of Sales in Hong Kong. “I told him what my ambitions and goals were, and he helped to coach me,” she remembers “A lot of the coaching process was not so much about telling me what to do, but opening up opportunities and thought processes to help me take the right steps myself.” This mentorship program not only gave her exposure to the Asia business but set her on the right trajectory to pursue her ambition of transitioning to another region. Now taking on a mentor role within the program, Sophia wants to ensure "that others get lifted up" and can benefit from the same opportunities she was fortunate to receive.

Helping others flourish

For Sophia, the most rewarding part of her work isn't about numbers, it's about people. She finds her greatest satisfaction in seeing her team members grow. "I think back on my personal journey and I really feel like those were the moments that mattered, getting someone into a new role and then seeing them thrive.” she says proudly. This philosophy extends beyond promotions and into a deeper commitment to her team's personal and professional development.

Sophia recalls with immense pride moments where she has seen her team members overcoming their own personal challenges. Reflecting on a team member who struggled to deliver presentations, she says, “Now I see them in a team meeting, and they’re talking super confidently about numbers, analyzing them, and I think ‘YES! So proud.’” Despite seeing many team members accomplish great successes, Sophia’s humility as a manager is abundantly clear, "Obviously it's not all up to me, but seeing them grow and develop, that really brings me satisfaction numbers can’t.”

Her dedication to helping others flourish is a long-term investment. She describes it as her "biggest success" when people she has managed reach out to thank her for her mentorship, even after they have left the company. This passion is crystallised by the example she shares of a former associate who left Third Bridge, completed an MBA, and then sought her advice on returning. Sophia's personal connection at Third Bridge in Dallas, mentorship and guidance were instrumental in the person getting re-hired. To her, the ultimate measure of a successful manager is helping people grow so much that they are set up for future success, whether they stay or move on. “Of course, people leave, they can’t stay forever, but I want them to have a feeling that Third Bridge has moved them forward in their personal growth and accelerated their career path as well.” she reflects candidly.

Advice for graduates

Sophia’s advice for new Associates joining Third Bridge? Work hard, and your efforts will be rewarded. “I really wanted to go somewhere where my effort and input is recognized,” she says, “when you work really hard here, you see it in your compensation, your growth and your overall career trajectory.” Sophia was drawn to Third Bridge because it isn’t a “hierarchical” or “tenure-based” company, but what she found was something so much more. A place where she could forge her own path, would never be seen as too ambitious, and ultimately, shape a lasting career.

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