Employee Stories

Daniella Rudge

Hard work and continuous learning: Daniella’s career journey

How have you got to where you are now in your career? Tell us about your career journey so far?

My career journey has been a blend of hard working, continuous learning, and seizing opportunities. I started my career in the Financial Services as an entry-level Credit Analyst, where I honed my analytical skills and developed a deep understanding of risk management. Over the years, I took on various roles in different areas that allowed me to expand my expertise, from Head of Corporate and Financial Institutions Credit Services to Senior Credit Officer; from Business Finance Officer to Business Planning Manager and Governance & Control Officer. I also pursued roles, short-term assignments and trainings in different countries such as Brazil, Mexico, Peru, US, UK, Dubai, China, Singapore, and Thailand. Each role and secondment taught me valuable lessons and helped me build a robust professional network. I am a firm believer in continuous learning and re-skilling so I pursued further education and certifications to stay ahead in the Financial Services ever-evolving industry. My progression to a senior executive role was driven by a commitment to excellence, and the ability to lead and inspire teams toward achieving our strategic goals. So far, my journey with Standard Chartered has been both exciting and rewarding.

What’s the best career advice you’ve ever been given?

The best career advice I ever received was that adversity, often viewed as a challenging or unfavorable situation, can paradoxically become a catalyst for personal growth and opportunity. As a result, I have always embraced change and viewed challenges as opportunities for growth. This perspective has helped me remain resilient and adaptable, enabling me to navigate uncertainties and drive positive outcomes. It has also reinforced the importance of continuous learning and staying curious, which has been instrumental in my career development.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced when working?

One of the biggest challenges I faced was being part of a team of executives that led a major business restructuring during the global COVID-19 pandemic. The task required not only strategic foresight but also the ability to manage change effectively and maintain team morale. Balancing short-term pressures with long-term vision, while ensuring transparent communication and stakeholder engagement, was critical. This experience taught me the importance of agility and the power of a cohesive team working towards a common goal. This challenge forged me into a stronger, more capable, and more empathetic individual.

If you didn’t do the job you do now, what would be your other career choice?

If I weren’t in my current role in Financial Services, I would likely pursue a career in the Arts and Design, which aligns with my educational background. My academic journey has been deeply rooted in creative disciplines, and my passion for the Arts and Design is not just a hobby but a driving force that inspires me to think outside the box and approach problems with a unique perspective. I would love to work in a large art museum! Alternatively, I could see myself working in the non-profit sector, focusing on initiatives that drive social impact and community development, as giving back to society is something I deeply value.