DIFFERENTIATE. INSPIRE. CELEBRATE

‘A balanced World is a better World’ and what a better way to acknowledge same than by glancing at the journey of our AfrAsian Ladies. Securing a 40% representation on our Executive Committee, these Ladies defied the norms, carved their own path to success and rightfully earned their crowns. In recognition of this year’s International Women’s Day theme ‘Balance for Better’, we proudly celebrate our Ladies, whose stories of prowess and audacity are leading to a truly ‘new day’, where strength has no gender.

Suneeta Motala, Chief Marketing Officer

Title: Chief Marketing Officer

I joined AfrAsia in: 2007

My management style: Democratic – I’m receptive to feedback and always curious for knowledge and new ideas.

The proudest moment of my career: Witnessing AfrAsia emerge as one of the leading banks in Mauritius and what a fantastic experience it’s been to work alongside a passionate team to build a bank from scratch.

The one attribute one should have in today’s corporate world: Not one! You need Integrity, Passion, Focus & Determination

The best professional advice I’ve ever been given:
Be greedy for knowledge and be foolish! Basically, never stop learning!

If I had the power to eliminate one thing from my work day, it would be: People who have a problem for every solution.

My work desk right now has: Can’t tell but an exciting project as always!

How do I #BalanceforBetter? I think ‘balance for better’ is a simple change in our behaviour that can make a big difference to others. It’s my daily attempt to boost the self-confidence of others to reinforce their trust in their capabilities whenever that seems to be faltering.
I’ve been blessed to have strong women around me : my mum, my sisters, my mother-in-law and friends. Today, I look at my daughter with pride and amazement as to how confident she is, which reassures me that our future generation will ensure a “Balance for Better”.

My biggest fear in life: Losing my loved ones. But I hadn’t even thought about it until this question popped up! As the saying goes, ‘Happiness lies in the quality of your thoughts’.

My advice to women looking to make it to the C-suite: Above all, there’s no glass ceiling! The more you will think about it, the more visible it will become. Don’t allow any failures be a setback for you in life. If you want something, go get it Girl! But never compromise on your ethics and integrity!

Maureen Treanor, Head of Human Resources and Change Management

Title: Head of Human Resources and Change Management

I joined AfrAsia in: 2010

My management style: Supportive

The proudest moment of my career: Launching our HR system (9 modules in 9 months –
I think this is unprecedented).

The one attribute one should have in today’s corporate world: Flexibility
The best professional advice I’ve ever been given : “Don’t sweat the small stuff”- one should always put things into perspective.

If I had the power to eliminate one thing from my workday, it would be: Emails

My work desk right now has: A picture of my 2 kids and a glass elephant that reminds me of a training course that taught me quite a lot - elephants never forget.

How do I #BalanceforBetter? As a single parent living miles away from my family in the UK, its crucial to be organised and not try to be super woman. I don’t beat myself up for not being “perfect” but rather consider myself lucky to have a strong circle of very dear friends, with whom I can have both crazy fun and a good cry over a glass of vino.

My biggest fear in life: I’m not fond of heights. Nevertheless, I am doing a sky dive in March to raise awareness for a local charity; if that doesn’t make me overcome my fear, nothing will !!!!

My advice to women looking to make it to the C-suite: Aim high and look for a mentor or someone you can really talk to about your career goals & make a plan to get there
(even if it takes 20years!)

Jennifer Jean-Louis, Chief Financial Officer

Title: Chief Financial Officer

I joined AfrAsia in: 2007, AfrAsia Bank’s inception year

My management style: Participative

The proudest moment of my career: Rather than one particular moment, I’d say that my entire journey at AfrAsia Bank is a matter of pride and satisfaction. Having been at the Bank since its inception, I have been closely associated with all its strategic initiatives.

The one attribute one should have in today’s corporate world: Ethical conduct

The best professional advice I’ve ever been given: “Fight for what you believe in, while being guided by a strong sense of respect, ethics and discipline”.

If I had the power to eliminate one thing from my work day, it would be: Excessive regulations, but I guess that would be quite a challenge!

My work desk right now has: My laptop and, sadly to say, too many files.

How do I #BalanceforBetter? For me, it’s all about firstly getting my priorities right and having everything else revolve around same. That said, there is no perfect combination.

My biggest fear in life: Rather than a fear, I would say the challenge of being a doting mother and a passionate professional simultaneously : raising my two adorable sons and trying to shield them from myriad societal influences whilst living my passion at work.

My advice to women looking to make it to the C-suite: C-suite is earnt through hard work. But, what’s crucial is to be committed to and uphold the trust and faith people have in you.

Sevami Moonien, Head of Credit Risk

Title: Head of Credit Risk

I joined AfrAsia in: 2013

My management style: Participative

The proudest moment of my career: When 14 years of perseverance and hard work paid off:
my appointment as the Head of Credit Risk.
The one attribute one should have in today’s corporate world : Ability and willingness to adapt to change.

The best professional advice I’ve ever been given: “Treat others the same way you want to be treated” and never get into office politics.

If I had the power to eliminate one thing from my workday, it would be: Unproductive meetings

My work desk right now has: Credit proposals!

How do I #BalanceforBetter? You need to make time for both your professional and personal life and always do things that align with your priorities. It’s important to carve out time for yourself and do things that you love while staying true to yourself and adhering to your values. The secret is finding happiness in the little things in life and this applies to both one’s personal and professional life. Remember that things always have a way of working out perfectly!

My biggest fear in life: None. Fear is only a state of mind. If you have a positive mind-set, you can overcome all your fears.

My advice to women looking to make it to the C-suite: Always believe in yourself as each one of us has a hidden potential to outperform our own limitations and deliver beyond the boundaries we have set ourselves.