Changing priorities: Tanveer’s story

As I’ve got older, I think I’ve matured quite a lot. As your journey evolves, so do you. I’ve noticed a shift in how I work, which is down to my manager, David Luusa. It’s fair to say he’s believed in me more than I’ve believed in myself at times. He champions gender equality and is a remarkable role model. Now I realise it’s about the team, and not just my individual contribution. It’s time for me to give back, and use my skills and influence to help the next generation.

I am part of the working group for the Africa Financial Markets Women Agenda and have also been included in the Corporate & Institutional Banking Diversity & Inclusion Africa team. The agenda is to develop a mentorship framework for talent, and to promote career development and build a leadership base via short- and long-term assignments across our footprint. I also coached a female graduate who wants to join the global foreign exchange trading team in 2018. I’ve had the privilege to work with a number of IG’s over the last seven years, and where needed provided support through non-formal mentorship.

Outside of work, I volunteer at the Ramgharia Youth Association social and welfare programmes, and joined the mentorship programme at Kibera School for Girls under the Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO). It’s been a real eye-opener and I’ve learned a lot. It’s shown me that we need to listen to the younger generation, and provide them with a platform to tell us what we should be doing.

The opportunities I’ve had, as well as belief from various individuals, culminated for me in 2018, when I was recognised in the Top 50 Emerging Female Leaders Globally by the UK Financial Times.