‘There is nothing that can’t be achieved if you put your mind to it’

By Tony Sanchez 4th September 2024

In our latest Women in Finance Interview, Tony Sanchez speaks to Amina Sohail, software developer at Fiduciam.

Originally from Pakistan, Amina kicked off her career in tech by working with the technology team at a microfinance bank.

In October 2020, she made the move to London, where she earned a postgraduate degree from Queen Mary University.

The summer of 2021 marked the beginning of her journey as a software developer at Fiduciam, and just a few months later, in January 2022, she embarked on a new chapter in life, welcoming her first child.

What brought you into financial services?

It was meant to be.

I’ve always been drawn to the world of finance.

Being a cautious planner, I pursued a degree in software engineering, knowing that it will open many doors for me across industries including finance.

Fast forward here I am working as a developer in finance.

What do you think makes a successful leader? And in particular women leaders?

Regardless of gender I would say a successful leader is someone who can articulate a compelling and inspiring goal, they should possess exceptional communication skills that allows them to effectively convey their vision and motivate their team.

Moreover, I believe it’s crucial that for someone to be regarded as a successful leader they should be able to build trust among people of different backgrounds and demonstrate empathy and understanding for diverse perspectives, fostering a sense of inclusivity and collaboration.

What are the biggest barriers you have faced in your career in financial services?

Starting my career in London with a baby on the way!

Navigating through the demands of motherhood and my professional responsibilities has surely been challenging.

However, I was and will continue to remain determined to succeed. I

t would not have been possible without the right support from people around me in both my personal and professional sphere.

If you could tell your younger self one thing you know about business now, what would it be?

There is nothing that can’t be achieved if you put your mind to it. Nothing is impossible.

What’s your own personal mantra?

Everything eventually falls into place—trust the process, stay resilient, and keep moving forward.

What do you think is key for finding a successful work-life balance?

Finding a successful work-life balance, especially as a working mother, is something I continue to work on.

I’ve found that prioritizing and setting clear boundaries is essential in allocating time and energy wisely, both at work and at home.

Equally important is surrounding yourself with a strong support network. Having people who encourage and assist you can make a world of difference.

What’s one key leadership lesson you’ve learned along the way?

To always be open to change and embrace challenges rather than fearing them.

What we often perceive as obstacles can rather be valuable learning opportunities that benefit us in the long run.

It’s also important to leave room for continuous improvement and learning.

Being receptive to constructive criticism is crucial; there’s always something new to learn each day.

What advice do you have for women aiming for leadership positions?

My advice for women, especially mothers, aiming for leadership positions is to be your own cheerleader.

In those moments of self-doubt, remember that you’re already doing so much. Trust in your abilities and give yourself credit for all you’ve accomplished.

What do you think is holding women back? Do you think there is still a glass ceiling?

I believe we, as women, have come a long way.

I salute all the women who have worked tirelessly to pave the way for us to be respected in our respective fields today. However, if I were to generalise, I’d say a few things still hold us back.

Imposter syndrome is one of them, especially in industries like finance, where women might feel out of place or doubt their abilities simply because the field is perceived as male dominated.

Confidence is another challenge; we sometimes hesitate to assert ourselves or put forward our opinions.

From my personal experience I know how new parental responsibilities can make us worry that we’ll have to stall our careers or to choose one over the other.

However minuscule there is still a glass ceiling out there. Addressing these challenges requires both individual effort and organizational support.

Encouraging mentorship, promoting work-life balance, and fostering an inclusive culture can make a significant difference in helping women overcome these barriers and truly excel.

What are your thoughts on the Women in Finance Charter?

I think it is an important initiative to bring about more gender diversity and equality across the industry.

However, its overall impact ultimately relies on the true commitment and concrete actions taken by the firms that pledge to it.

How do we encourage more women into financial services?

Growing up, I rarely heard about women making waves in finance, so I believe it’s important to highlight successful role models and demonstrate the tangible impact women can have in the industry.

The visibility of women leaders and their achievements can inspire others to pursue careers in finance.

The gender pay gap is only second worst to the construction industry. What can organisations do to address this?

Transparency is key along with conducting regular reviews of compensation practices to ensure fairness.

Additionally, implementing policies that promote equal opportunities for advancement and regularly monitoring progress can help create a more equitable workplace.