1. Where were you born and raised; current city; family hobbies; past business highlights.
I’m born and raised in London, UK! Born in East London raised in South West London, spent a few years in North London and now raising my family in West London so a true Londoner!!
My parents are both immigrants. My father moved to the UK in the 70s after having to leave their stable life behind in Uganda and my mother moved to the UK in the late 70s after marriage.
Although both my parents came from humble beginnings and had to rebuild their lives on moving to the UK, they have clearly demonstrated to me and my brother what hard work and sacrifice can give you. My first experience of entrepreneurship came from a very young age when I helped my parents in their business at the tender age of seven.
Fast forward to my teenage years when I went off to University but realised quickly this wasn’t the path for me; however, with hard work and perseverance I managed to work my way up the corporate ladder and built a career in the banking industry working for the largest retail UK bank (22 years to date).
I am now married with two amazing daughters. Our passion is definitely jet setting to beautiful places and seeking adventure as often as we can. I also love photography and enjoy enhancing my photography skills in my spare time.
2. How have you grown or personally developed since joining PlanNet?
When I came across this opportunity, I was on maternity leave and we were also in the midst of a global pandemic; however, this did not deter me. I was definitely seeking a change as I had become conscious with the fact I had lost some of my personal identity after becoming a mother, and although my children are my biggest blessings, I was also ready to find ME again. The timing and positioning couldn’t have been more perfect so in February 2021 I grabbed the opportunity and ran with it!
As I approach my three-year anniversary and reflect on just how impactful this journey has been on my mindset and personal growth, it’s truly phenomenal.
3. What drives you; what motivates you?
We all have pivotal moments in various stages of our lives where something happens and from then everything changes. My time in this business is no different. When I first reached Directorship I received some messages from other south Asian women whom I had never met in the business, congratulating me and letting me know that seeing someone who ‘looks like them‘ achieve this special milestone gave them the inspiration to go for it too. This was a real pivotal moment for me in my business. Whilst you’re building your empire and inspiring your people, there are so many others also watching and being inspired too, without you having any knowledge of it.
Having this awakening, I know I have a bigger responsibility to continue help as many other people who 'look like me’ reach their goals and aspirations. That is what drives me every single day!
4. Who would you consider a role model and why?
My parents will ALWAYS be my biggest role models. I saw my mother build a successful business in five years having only lived in the UK a short amount of time, where English was not her first language and whilst raising two young children. My father was also a banker working full-time in the city and supporting my mother with the business on the weekends. They had the grit and determination to make the future brighter for my brother and me. I also have the same grit and determination to make the future so bright for my girls so that they always have a life filled with options.
5. The three words that describe me best are:
Passionate, Generous and Resilient.
6. If you had some sound advice to give to anyone what would it be?
Live life on PURPOSE and with PURPOSE.
7. What does your life look like five years from now?
Five years from now I will be enjoying life on my own terms. I will be able to live my life by design and most importantly, I will have helped 1000s of others do the same around the PlanNet.