Mahari Hay

Making A Difference to the Lives of Others

What does an average working day look like for you?

It’s always key to remember we are superheroes outside of work and are not defined by what we deliver in our jobs.

My day usually starts at 6:00am and I’m up and headed to the gym before getting to the office – it sounds cliché but I do feel better when I work out in the morning! I’m in the office for 8am because I like to structure my day (emails and diary check) before meetings kick off around 8:30am/ 9:00am. The mornings are a mixture of focus time, face to face collaboration sessions and of course virtual meetings nothing beats face to face meetings though especially if you ’ re a people person like myself

As we move over into the afternoon, I have a great team and I sometimes I walk out for lunch with a few colleagues just to get away from the computer screen. I find taking that time to refuel and have lunch is highly beneficial and gives you that boost for what majority of the times is a busy afternoon.

My day runs on again with project work, meetings and focus time and usually finishes about 6pm (school run dependant, of course)

There is no place like home – so I always look forward to getting indoors,

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I am very big on family and spend as much time with them as possible, plus my Mrs (Nikki) is an unbelievable cook so I reap the benefits of that daily come dinner time and then I close off the day with a nice bit of Netflix or watching football if the season has started

What is the inspiration for this career path?

The Financial Sector is a highly complex and dynamic sector that has always played a huge impact on society

When I was growing up, it was difficult to have conversations about money because my family did the best we could to provide for each other. I came from very humble beginnings and gaining access to money from financial institutions was something we needed more education on in order to thrive not just as a family but as a community.

The lack of knowledge about finance and obtaining access to cash for personal and business ventures is what drove my passion for wanting to build a career in Finance. I wanted to be a role model for my community in order to provide the key financial information to those that needed it

What things do you enjoy about your job?

One thing I love about my job is the exposure it gives me to collaborate with other people. Connecting with people from a hearts and minds perspective has been crucial to my own career journey

Challenges

you have faced in your role and getting to your position.

Life is full of challenges but how you bounce back and overcome those challenges is the bigger story I’ve been in the Financial sector for over 18 years and the biggest hurdles were, others being unable to spot the potential you have, and then nurturing that talent in order for you to progress

I had to take ownership of my own development and career goals by actively seeking out the help of my peers and senior leaders that could help guide me I would set out clear objectives ahead of any conversations because not everyone has the time so you want to be ready for any conversation at any given time I was very good at being purposeful in what I wanted, and at the same time was able to demonstrate how I would add value to any role or opportunity that presented itself All these attributes combined with a willingness to be kind and personable with those I worked with all played a key role in me obtaining the senior role I am in today

What advice do you have for others who want to follow a similar path?

I would say do it – be bold in your

4 5 decision making and prepare to be a change maker. Three words: ENGAGE, EXCITE & EXECUTE

1 – Be engaging, think about how you will add value to whatever career path you choose to follow

2 - Once you have them engaged, how will you excite your new world? Ideas, new ways of working and other exciting concepts.

3 – Have a call to action for everything and always execute on your promises and deliverables.

What are your ambitions for the future?

I have always had an ambition to lead Throughout my career I have taken steps that would put me in a position that would help me to influence those around me which ultimately created opportunities and opened doors. I want to lead a division that is geared towards driving the change we want to see for more Black professionals to thrive and prosper.

What would you be doing if you didn't enter this profession? What would have been your Plan B? That’s easy!

I am naturally a creative and enjoy cinematography so I would 100% be a film director. Check out my films on LinkedIn and my website @ maharihay.com