ANITA MENON:
You have recently been named as one of the Top 50 Most Influential Women in Islamic Business and Finance globally by Cambridge IFA, UK. Congratulations on this achievement. What do you think has led to your success in this traditionally male-dominated industry?
Thank you very much. I come from Malaysia where women have been in leadership roles in the field of Islamic Finance for quite a while and hence it is no longer the exception. Having said that the percentage of women business leaders in this sector is still relatively low. When I started my career at KPMG and eventually became the Head of FRM and Head of Islamic Finance for KPMG Consulting in Malaysia and part of KPMG’s Global Islamic Finance and Investments Group, I never felt that there were any barriers to my progression. I was passionate about my work and enjoyed the opportunity to drive the development of the IF industry, resulting in the licensing of Islamic financial institutions as well as towards capacity building and thought leadership. Having a can-do spirit, being passionate about what I do, challenging myself and stepping out of my comfort zone as well as having good leaders whom I emulated have all contributed to where I am today.
Can you share with our readers some of the milestones in your leadership journey? What has shaped you?
One of my first major milestones in my working career was when I started off in the port industry which was very male-dominated industry at that time. Being able to successfully manage one of the largest shipping lines as an account manager and to earn their respect was something, I am still proud of.
The next highlight was the time spent at KPMG where I joined as Senior Consultant and become a partner in a fairly short time. I had a good leader and the trust that was given to me shaped me to take on more responsibilities. Managing clients professionally allowed me to win their respect and taking their feedback in my stride made me more resilient.
Taking on the role at Prudential BSN Takaful was the next milestone which allowed me to work directly in the industry and to contribute to the end customers whose lives we touch through the work we do. I have realised that people and
teamwork are the keys to the success of any organisation. Being resilient and professional, not being afraid to ask questions and having the ability to analyse information, paying attention to detail and challenging the status quo have all served me well in the different phases of my career.
What was your support system like as your career advanced? Did you have a particular role model?
I have been fortunate to have a support system although it was a constant juggling act between delivering at work and being a hands-on mother, as I wanted to be present for all the significant moments in my children’s day.
My mother is my role model. She taught me and my siblings about the values of working hard, and having integrity at all times. She was fiercely independent and instilled in me a sense of responsibility and the need to show up and be counted. As such, I have never had qualms about rolling up my sleeves whenever it was needed.
How do you make sure that you are always growing and learning in your career?
I believe it is vital to consistently develop new skills and knowledge to move forward. My move to Prudential BSN Takaful, taking up this role after being a partner at KPMG made me step out from my comfort zone, challenging myself to a greater level. Last year, I signed up for a CIMA CFO programme to enhance my professional qualification in leadership, people and business. I read a lot and enjoy speaking to people from different industries and backgrounds, as you learn something by listening to their experiences.
What do women leaders bring that is unique?
There is enough research out there that reaffirms the fact that diversity produces better results. Women are generally able to take a balanced view, are adept at multi-tasking and tend to take a more collaborative approach to leadership.
Women are also able to temper tough management decisions with empathy and these qualities are useful to have in any leader. There will be times when tough decisions need to be made and a consultative approach will not work, but ensuring that you constantly engage with your team and maintain open and transparent communication helps in managing expectations.
What advice would you give women looking to move into positions of leadership?
Women should not be afraid to take charge and volunteer to lead whenever opportunity arises. Constantly engage with your teams; build relationships with them and practice objectivity. At the same time, women should not see it as their entitlement to be considered for roles because of their gender; instead be proactive, assertive and professional.
Women should commit to mentoring and supporting other women as well as men who are aspiring for leadership roles; and be passionate about what you do. I firmly believe that women can have a voice without having to thump tables or behave with aggression. Ultimately, the aim is for women to be promoted on merit and for their skills and experiences and not to fulfil some quota. Lastly, I was recently inspired by the Japanese term of Ikigai – be true to your personal values and beliefs, stay grounded and that will take you far in your career even though the road may seem long and winding at times.
