Harriet Green: What led me to the City? An infomercial headed ‘Sisters are Doin’ It for Themselves’

Harriet Green OBE, the former CEO of Thomas Cook and IBM Asia, shared stories from her illustrious career in the City of London. As a child, she delivered newspapers in Shipton Oliffe, relishing the interactions with villagers. Her first job in the City came after securing a position at Office 2000, a technology magazine, where she sold advertising, reviewed gadgets, and embraced technological change.

It was during a bus ride that she discovered an infomercial for the Macro Group, which sought women with integrity, drive, and a willingness to learn. Harriet joined the Macro Group and climbed the ranks, becoming Managing Director in 1990. She cherishes the City's ambience of aspiration and constant buzz, yet advocates for greater diversity.

One memorable business lunch was with Chris Thomas, MD of Macro Group, who toasted her promotion with a glass of cream sherry. Harriet's proudest moment was seeing her grandson enthusiastically greet her at his new school. She admires Miriam Margolyes for her humor, insight, and irreverence. Harriet advises that "whatever level you reach, getting better never stops" and regrets the outdated advice to work hard, keep quiet, and avoid talking about money.

For lunch, she picks Sweetings in Mayfair, and for drinks, the Donovan Bar on Albemarle Street. During the week, she stays at Brown's Hotel in Mayfair, and over the weekend, she visits Gressenhall, Norfolk.