Winning Isn’t Everything

As the year is coming to an end, I am reflecting on a few lessons that I learned in 2024. The first lesson that I learned is that winning isn’t everything. It took me a long time to realise this as an insecure type A person who has spent most of my career focusing on the next set of goals. Don’t get me wrong, I think striving for continued improvement is a good thing but not to the point that you do not appreciate the moment. This year, I was humbled for being shortlisted for the 2024 Women In Banking and Finance - UK Inclusive Leader Award. This was an extensive application process that required several people to provide a written testimony for why I should be considered for this award.

I am forever grateful for being recognised for pushing the DEI& agenda in banking especially when years ago someone told me to just to focus on my day job! As the late Maya Angelou said “nothing will work unless you do”. So I have been trying to be consistent by putting in the work by developing innovative ways to promote courageous conversations and challenge “status quo”. While strides have been made, we still have room for improvement. I was grateful for so many of colleagues who came to support me and the four other shortlist finalists from my company. Special shout out to Mike Levine, who jointly won Mentor of the Year. At the end of the day, I just want to live in a world where everyone has the opportunity to bring their whole selves to work and is considered for opportunities that will provide the right exposure for development and progression. So cheers to the recognition and I will not rest on my laurels, the work must continue.