I’ve spent about half of my lifetime studying and working outside of India, where I was born, and living in the UK, US and Singapore. And if there is anything I learnt over the course of my international experience, it is that the willingness to step out of my comfort zone has brought invaluable rewards.
By setting out on new adventures, we experience things that we never dream possible—the good, the bad, and the ugly, all of which go toward building confidence and developing problem-solving skills to become a better leader. This is why I continue to say yes to new experiences and places.
In a similar vein, embracing diversity has become my key differentiator in the global economy that we live in today, where one size does not fit all. My multi-country experience has provided me with a better understanding of cultural nuances and ethos that has helped me better relate to my teams and customers.
Additionally, advocating for gender diversity and equity in the workplace allows me to draw on my colleagues’ different life experiences and perspectives and come up with a wider range of ideas. This is especially pertinent in a global bank like HSBC, which supports international customers from across the globe and demographics.
Customers and employees’ needs are ever-changing, and the best way I have found to stay attuned to these needs is to keep my ears on the ground and listen with empathy. When I first moved abroad, we did not have video calls and instant messaging apps, but as my career advanced, so did technology, and mindsets and behaviors have shifted profoundly. Now, people bank on their mobiles from anywhere in the world!
Change is unavoidable and it is only by being open to listening, on top of actively interacting with employees and customers, that we can truly understand them to uncover areas for improvement and open doors to new opportunities. That’s how we make real and lasting impact.
