Two Minutes With… Elizabeth Johnson, Executive Director, Pimlico Advisory

We catch up with Elizabeth Johnson, Executive Director at Pimlico Advisory, to find out her insights on financial communications, the projects she’s most proud of and her favourite recommended reads.

Tell us a bit about yourself and what it is that you do.

I live in London and run an independent bespoke strategic advisory and investor relations consultancy. I work with companies both private and public helping to manage the relationship with their investors and potential investors.

What does financial comms do well, and what could it do better?

Ensuring investors understand the company strategy is key. Good financial comms allows investors to do so and also ensures they are kept up to date with all necessary news. Today we have many ways of communicating with investors from in person meetings to social media, managing it is important. Companies that do a good job typically have less volatile share prices and attract longer terms shareholders.

What do you think has been the biggest influence on your career, or in the industry you work in more generally?

I worked with a not for profit organisation called Women in Mining through which I met so many inspirational people. The organisation provided an excellent network through which  I have made some great contacts/friends over the years. It has also shone a light on how many women work in a wide variety of roles from technical to professional in what used to be seen as a predominantly male industry. The value of networking is not to be underestimated!

Is there a particular project or campaign that you’ve been a part of that you’re most proud of? 

I joined the broking firm FinnCap when they were still a small team. Working at a successful, growing company was a fantastic experience and I was proud to be part of the team.

Is there a book or podcast that is essential reading or listening for you?

I’m not sure it is essential reading but The Big Score by Jacquie McNish is a great read. It is the story of a huge nickel discovery in Canada by a junior company and the battle for a controlling interest in it. Essentially it is the story of Robert Friedland and his rise from a penny stock promoter to one of the most influential figures in the mining industry today.

Who has single-handedly made your industry better?

I’m not sure that any one person has single-handedly made my industry better but Women In Mining as an organisation has definitely improved the visibility of women within the industry.

If you could give a younger version of yourself one piece of financial advice, what would it be?

Invest a little each month, compounding is real!

What is one column or website that you read every day?

I used to read CityAM on the tube going to work but now I work from home I read The Times online.

What would you do if you received £10,000?

I would split it between being sensible and putting some into my ISA and the rest on a treat for my family, probably a weekend away somewhere lovely.