DIFFERENTIATE. INSPIRE. CELEBRATE by Weekly

‘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 who 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.

Anusha Ramkhalawon

Department: Corporate Banking

My job entails : Working closely with large corporates and accompanying them in their business growth journey locally and regionally. One of the particularities of my portfolio is financing the local real estate sector and putting together a tailor-made win-win solution for our clients as they grow their business further.

My highest professional achievement : Having contributed to one of the biggest and most competitive healthcare deals in Mauritius, backed by one of the largest conglomerates on the Island.

The most important lesson I’ve learnt in my career : “Everything comes to us that belongs to us if we create the capacity to receive it.” - Rabindranath Tagore

My best moment at the Bank : Throughout my journey, I have met extraordinary people and built a strong relationship with an amazing team.

The quality/ies to have in this client-facing role : Rigor, customer-centricity and genuineness.

How do I maintain a work/family life balance? I enjoy my work and I spend priceless moments with my family & friends. Above all, I stick to my mantra: ‘Be Healthy and Be Happy!’

If I were to describe a day at AfrAsia using a movie name, it would be : Wall Street, the Money never sleeps! The art of the deal is being proactive with a “Can do” attitude but also to preserve the integrity and reputation of the Bank.

If I were not in the financial industry, I’d be : An interior designer

The one moment I wish I could freeze in time : When I hold my 2 daughters in my arms after a long day at work.

My secret vice : Dark chocolate

Isabelle Ah-Kye François

Department : International Banking

My job entails: To build and maintain trusted relationships with our customers and business partners locally and internationally, specifically with Global Business Companies, International Management Companies and Trusts. To anticipate and proactively understand client needs and ensure satisfaction at all times.

My highest professional achievement : My entire journey starting as a mere clerk and growing into a Senior Relationship Manager today. Through the years, I braved the storms with the support of my family, friends and colleagues and eventually, my hard work and determination paid off.

The most important lesson I’ve learnt in my career : Great success always starts with small steps.

My best moment at the Bank : I actually live my best moment every time I succeed in meeting the expectations of my clients and they acknowledge my dedication.

The quality/ies to have in this client-facing role : Dedication, patience and empathy.

How do I maintain a work/family life balance? I prioritise my tasks and spend the maximum time I can with my family.

If I were to describe a day at AfrAsia using a movie name, it would be : The Maze Runner. At the end of the day, it’s team work that gets you out of the maze. If I were not in the financial industry, I’d be: Working in an animal shelter.

The one moment I wish I could freeze in time : The era when my two kids were still toddlers.

My secret vice : Taking a nap whenever I can… of course, not at work though!

Valerie Lincoln

Department : Private Banking & Wealth Management

My job entails : Building and maintaining one-to-one dedicated relationships with clients, mostly in the expatriate sector. Packaging tailor-made financial offerings that suit clients’ needs and constantly aiming to find the ideal banking services, products and alternative investment solutions bundle.

My highest professional achievement : To be honest, it is difficult to highlight one achievement! Every time we find the perfect tailor-made product/service for a client, it’s an achievement! Every happy customer is a victory!

The most important lesson I’ve learnt in my career : Always trust your gut feeling! If something doesn’t seem right, slow down, re-evaluate the case and find a solution.

My best moment at the Bank : The learning! The financial world offers so many different avenues to constantly learn and grow.

The quality/ies to have in this client-facing role : The ability to lend an ear at all times. How would you find the best option for a client if you do not understand what he really needs?

How do I maintain a work/family life balance? Happiness at work is crucial in creating a good balance. At the Bank, we are a close family and I’m lucky to be part of an institution that understands the importance of work/life balance. Moreover, spending quality time with my kids helps me reinforce that healthy balance.

If I were to describe a day at AfrAsia using a movie name, it would be : Speed 2! We tend to be on-the-go at all times!

If I were not in the financial industry, I’d be : Working in Property Sales! I’ve got a property sales background and I still love it!

The one moment I wish I could freeze in time : My holidays at the breath-taking Namib Desert. This was one of my most priceless travel experiences last year.

My secret vice : Secretly, I need to add a new piece to my wardrobe every month – it’s a question of survival!

Yamini Doyekee

Department : Treasury & Markets

My job entails : Creating an interdepartmental synergy around Custody and Debt Capital Markets and the development of their potential as a product house. Also, building a product portfolio, which highlights the competitiveness of the Bank.

My highest professional achievement : Carving my place amongst high-performing individuals and maintaining the performance momentum across clusters in a relatively short span of time.

The most important lesson I’ve learnt in my career : Along the years, I actually learnt how crucial it is to have your own yardstick of improvement and the ultimate need to keep the fire burning irrespective of circumstances.

My best moment at the Bank : My comeback following my Masters in the UK, which validates my professional choices to have started with AfrAsia and to thereafter take the collaboration forward.

The quality/ies to have in this client-facing role : Proactiveness

How do I maintain a work/family life balance? Honestly, the credit goes to my parents for being my backbone and bearing with me every day!

If I were to describe a day at AfrAsia using a movie name, it would be : The Devil Wears Prada….a way to show that it’s ok to always maintain a firm stance if you are to break those glass ceilings!

If I were not in the financial industry, I’d be : Working in Strategic Consultancy

The one moment I wish I could freeze in time : When the Bank offered me a sponsorship for my studies while I simultaneously got a scholarship from Warwick Business School.

My secret vice : Indulging in random hard talks to irritate my close ones :P