LaunchMe Spotlight: Kitty Shropshire + Lucy Johnson
When Kitty Shropshire joined the LaunchMe mentorship program through 100 Women in Finance, she was at an important stage in shaping her future career path.
A second year undergraduate at Durham University studying Social Sciences with French, Kitty had already begun exploring opportunities within finance through internships and industry programs. Still, like many students entering highly competitive environments, she sometimes questioned whether she truly belonged in those spaces.
Through LaunchMe, that mindset began to shift.
Kitty was paired with Lucy Johnson, Vice President of Client Transitions at Wellington Management, whose career has focused on solving complex business challenges, building strong relationships, and helping clients navigate high stakes transitions.
For Lucy, mentoring has always been about helping early career professionals think more broadly about where they fit within the industry.
“I like to focus a great deal of time on role to personality fit, rather than solely focusing on roles,” Lucy explained. “I encourage my mentees to think more broadly around the role and firm they are applying to.”
That approach resonated immediately with Kitty.
From their first conversations, the mentorship felt natural and personal. The two bonded over shared interests including running, yoga, and music, creating an open and supportive dynamic that made it easy for Kitty to ask questions and seek guidance.
“Mentorship has helped me see that there are many different paths within finance, and that it’s okay not to have everything mapped out yet,” Kitty shared.
Throughout the program, Lucy supported Kitty not only with internship applications and technical preparation, but also with the softer skills that often define long term success in professional environments. Their conversations covered everything from networking and communication to confidence, work life balance, and even professional workwear.
One of the biggest transformations for Kitty was overcoming feelings of imposter syndrome.
“I feel less like an imposter in these settings and now feel like I deserve to be there,” she said.
As Kitty prepared for internships at firms including Nomura and Partech Partners in Paris, she began approaching opportunities with a stronger sense of confidence and belonging.
Lucy believes confidence and authenticity are often what help professionals stand out most.
“Don’t be afraid to be different,” she advised. “If you are confident, personable and committed, you will go further than you think.”
For Lucy, mentorship has also been an opportunity to reflect on her own early career experiences.
“She reminds me of myself 13 years ago,” Lucy shared. “It’s been wonderful to pay forward the advice I received at that stage.”
What made the relationship especially impactful for Kitty was knowing she always had someone willing to support her growth both personally and professionally.
“No question has ever felt too silly to ask,” Kitty said. “She has a way of making me feel both supported and capable at the same time.”
Through LaunchMe, Kitty gained more than professional guidance. She gained a clearer sense of confidence, possibility, and belonging within the finance industry.