Episode #9
Leave Loudly: Hazel Smith on Leadership, Loss and Knowing What Matters
Hazel Smith always knew she wanted to be an accountant. Numbers came naturally to her, but she soon discovered that a career in finance was about much more than spreadsheets. It placed her at the centre of a business, building relationships, connecting with people and helping teams understand the decisions being made. Hazel is now Group Finance Director at DFS, following senior roles at Hallmark Cards and an 18-year career at Asda. In this episode of Coach Class, we reflect on the distinctive culture we experienced at Asda: its shared language, Monday morning rhythms, deep relationships and values that became part of who we are. Hazel talks about the leaders who shaped her career, including Judith McKenna, Monica Turner and Ellie Doohan. She recalls Judith encouraging her to take a six-month career break in 2007, assuring her that she would return stronger and that there would be a job waiting for her. We also discuss flexible leadership. Hazel has worked flexibly since her son Adam was born in 2004, setting clear boundaries while recognising that flexibility needs to work both ways. She explains why leaders should “leave loudly”: by being open about leaving the office for family or other commitments, they give others permission to do the same. Hazel also speaks movingly about the sudden death of her partner, John, by suicide in 2021. She stepped away from her executive career for 14 months to support her children and rebuild a stable family life. When she was ready to return, former Asda colleague John Fallon helped create an opportunity at DFS that worked around her responsibilities as a single mum. This is a conversation about finance, friendship and leadership, but also about recognising that success doesn’t always mean continually moving upwards. Sometimes it means understanding what matters most at a particular point in your life. We discuss: Why great finance leadership is about taking the business with you The culture and values Hazel carried with her from Asda The mentors who gave her confidence and backed her decisions Setting boundaries and role-modelling flexible working Stepping away from work following bereavement Returning to her career on terms that worked for her family The relationships that sustain us through life’s unexpected turns Hazel’s ambition to make more room for volunteering and creativity Content note: This episode includes a discussion of suicide and bereavement. Send us Fan Mail Please consider sharing Coach Class with someone who’d enjoy it — and leaving a review on your podcast platform. It genuinely helps more people find the show.
