I’ve recently taken on additional responsibilities which I’m handling by adopting the ‘new style’ of leadership. By this I mean I don’t feel I need to know everything, but I feel secure enough to surround myself with committed individuals who are experts in that area. This makes the team even stronger; everyone is given the opportunity to excel in what they do best, and get recognised and rewarded for their individual contribution. I have my core expertise, but I must continue to build on this. Learning never stops. I’m not afraid to ask questions, to acknowledge that I don’t know it all.
In banking, there are multiple moving parts and it’s common to wear multiple hats concurrently. It means leaders must acknowledge it’s impossible to stay on top of every granular detail. I’m only human; I need to spend time with my family, eat and sleep!
It is plain to see that women are playing an increasingly important role in the banking and financial services industry just as in other industries. More and more women are holding senior position in businesses and organisations. I am a strong advocate for gender equity, diversity and inclusion and believe that banks or businesses or any organisations will gain tremendous benefits as an organization if this can be accelerated. In my view, when it comes to accomplishing goals through multi-tasking or building a solid work family environment, the feminine touch and skills like empathy, intuition and optimism of women work towards the benefit of the organization. Overall emotional intelligence, passion and helpful nature help to create a healthy workplace relationship and well-rounded workforce and women contribute in spades.