09 October 2024
Hilton Deansgate, Manchester
#WiCConference
60 Second Interview with...
Sharniya Ferdinand, Enterprise Community Strategy Director, NatWest Group
1. In your opinion, why do you think representation should be more championed in the industry?
A: The phrase ‘if you can see it you can be it’ is often used and it’s 100% true. For some if they don’t see themselves reflected in the companies they might choose to work for and the brands they choose to interact with then they believe those organisations don’t care about them and won’t understand their experience. Visible role models not only provide a path to aspire to but are also integral to creating inspiration and belief that goals can be achieved. Of course there are always pioneers who are fuelled to achieve their goals so that they can be the visible role models themselves but for so many being able to point to someone who you identify with helps to make your dreams feel that much more attainable. |
2. What advice would you give to the next generation of women in the industry?
A: For me, finding community has been the lynchpin to my success and my sanity. Some call it finding your tribe, however you phrase it, connecting with those who support you when you need propping up, champion you when you’re not in the room and provide opportunities for you to grow are the best people to have around you. They may be your managers, your teammates or that colleague you only worked on one project with, but building a stakeholder map and ensuring to build reciprocal relationships will serve you throughout your career.
I’d also advise being curious and seeking out opportunities to learn new skills or build on existing ones. Try out different things to help you work out what you enjoy and where you need to stretch yourselves and build muscles. Modern careers are built with a variety of experiences and the more you can push yourself to learn new things and adapt to different environments the more flexible you’ll be and be able to succeed in any situation.
3. In your opinion or experience, please name 1-2 things that can be done by a) individuals b) companies and/or c) society to support the elevation of women in senior positions in the industry?
A: As a supportive colleague or ally individuals can provide coaching/mentoring and most importantly sponsorship to help elevate women into senior positions, sponsorship is when a (usually more senior) individual talks about you when you’re not in the room and uses their profile and influence to create opportunities for you to advance in your career. Companies can create cultures of inclusion by clearly defining their expectations in their narrative and creating inclusive measures by capturing and assessing their diversity data while making leaders and colleagues accountable for upholding inclusive values.
4. What does allyship mean to you and how can others be an ally in their industry?
A: Allyship is using your own position of privilege to advocate for others when they aren’t in the room, and making space for them to use their voices when they are. Understanding the experiences of others who have faced challenges you haven’t is the first step but creating and facilitating opportunities for those who haven’t experienced the same privileges you have is integral to being an ally. |
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