‘When you commit yourself, there are no limits to what you can achieve!’

By Tony Sanchez 7th March 2025

In our latest Women in Finance Interview, Tony Sanchez speaks to Sahira Gondal, Case Handler at Bluecroft Finance.

Sahira Gondal joined Bluecroft Finance last year and is a passionate professional with a unique blend of personal and professional experiences.

She is one of seven siblings and has honed her collaborative and leadership skills from an early age, skills that have translated into her work over the years.

Over the past 10 years, Sahira has cultivated expertise in legal administration, client relations, and office management.

She has also managed a diverse caseload spanning conveyancing, family law, immigration, and personal injury, all while ensuring superior client satisfaction and operational efficiency.

What brought you into financial services?

Like many others, I found my way into financial services.

I initially worked in the legal world but was eager for a change and a new challenge.

When I was offered a position at Bluecroft, I took the leap and, as they say, the rest is history!

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

I believe a successful leader, regardless of gender, is someone who can clearly articulate a powerful and motivating vision.

They must have outstanding communication skills to successfully share their goals and inspire their team.

Additionally, I think a key trait of a successful leader is the ability to build trust with individuals from diverse backgrounds, showing empathy and understanding for different perspectives.

This helps create an inclusive and collaborative environment.

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

Not having a degree, I initially found this to be a barrier in my career.

However, as time passed, my experience proved to be far more valuable, and the transferable skills I developed played a key role in my growth.

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

When you commit yourself, there are no limits to what you can achieve!

What’s your own personal mantra?

What you overcome fuels your growth!

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

I believe that prioritising both physical and mental health, along with spending equal time with family and friends, is important.

This helps me feel more satisfied and ultimately boosts my purpose and performance at work.

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

Be kind to yourself! As women, we often tend to be overly self-critical and hard on ourselves.

While we’re quick to offer empathy and support to others, we often struggle to extend the same kindness to ourselves.

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

Don’t try to change yourself to fit a certain mould.

Many women believe they must adopt male behaviours to succeed in leadership roles, but the traits often considered feminine are not weaknesses, they are strengths!