As the world comes together to celebrate International Women's Day 2024 under the theme Embrace Equity, we asked Kiran Pabial, Risk Manager at Mansfield Building Society and Hela Ebrahimi, Senior Risk Consultant at Protecht about their experiences in the risk industry. Here they describe the challenges and triumphs they've faced, from navigating workplace dynamics and breaking stereotypes to the personal and professional milestones that have defined their careers.
Can you tell us about your journey into risk management?
"You could say that risk management found me. My career started out as an Internal Auditor in the Public Sector. When I found myself in the Finance Sector, I excelled as a manager of an underwriting department and later as an insurance department manager, reviewing processes and ensuring that there were controls in place to mitigate the risks that may occur. The years of auditing had given me the knowledge and experience of what 'good' looked like, and the benefits to the business if there were effective controls in place to mitigate risk. As I progressed in my career, I had an opportunity to work as an Operational Risk Manager, where I helped the business embed the three lines of defense. I acted as '1.5', helping all the business departments review their processes and strengthen the controls, and ensuring we were decreasing the risk exposure. For several years, I continued to gain risk management experience and enjoyed the challenges of working with the business to identify and change practices and embed a positive risk culture."Kiran Pabial, Risk Manager, Mansfield Building Society
"An unintended path, but I'm grateful my path crossed this way. I was a lawyer, helping with contracts and managing vendors. The line 1 risk team supporting me recognized that I understood supplier risk well and recommended me for a secondment in Risk Management for Social Media. I was the second-best candidate for the role and only got it because the first preferred candidate rejected the role. So, thank you, whoever you are, because that gave me the opportunity to learn about the amazing world that is Risk Management. The more I learned about risk management, the more I became a risk nerd. I love supporting people in understanding that risk management is what we do day-to-day and really seeing that 'I get it' moment when risk is embraced as opposed to a checklist activity that has to be done."Hela Ebrahimi, Senior Risk Consultant, Protecht
What inspired you to pursue a career in risk management?
"I enjoy working collaboratively with colleagues and facing the challenge of dealing with all parts of the business to solve issues, understand Risk, and share my knowledge to help the business mitigate risk."
Kiran Pabial, Risk Manager, Mansfield Building Society
"I actually wanted to be a Human Rights Lawyer. However ended up being an insurance litigator once I finished university. Suffice to say, I was not satisfied. I enjoy risk management because it allows me to help people navigate through a different lens on seeing the world. The role is also unique in that you are learning every day by really listening and understanding the objectives of your client's needs and working with them in managing risk and compliance obligations in a way that is fun. Yes, I did say fun. I genuinely enjoy risk management and am excited to share my passion and knowledge, as well as continue to learn myself."Hela Ebrahimi, Senior Risk Consultant, Protecht
Can you share a moment or decision in your career that you feel was a turning point for you?
"When I took the role as Operational Risk Manager, it was a role created to help embed the three lines of defence into the business. Educating the 1st line to identify risk and report risk events within their own area as a positive thing to do is crucial, as usually, it’s something small that happens that you can control and put right before there is a major issue to deal with. Building a positive risk culture and having it recognized by the Senior Executive Team was rewarding."
Kiran Pabial, Risk Manager, Mansfield Building Society
"Deciding to leave the law was significant for my family, and walking away was hard for them to accept. They did not appreciate what Risk Management entailed and were worried I was throwing away an opportunity. Being able to share and show them that it is an industry of great importance, and bringing them on the journey with me, has been great."
Hela Ebrahimi, Senior Risk Consultant, Protecht
How do you think being a woman has shaped your approach to risk management and leadership?
"It’s a known fact that has been identified that women are more risk-averse than men. I know that I am very much risk-averse, and I’ve always reported to a male line manager; there have been some healthy debates because of seeing things differently. I always stay true to myself when looking at issues and problems we may come across and ensure that I’m not influenced by others. I’ve been told many times (usually by my line managers) that I’m a strong-minded woman, and this may have something to do with working as an auditor in my early days, where I needed to have difficult conversations with senior managers (more often male). Colleagues that I work with know that I will only do things that benefit the business."
Kiran Pabial, Risk Manager, Mansfield Building Society
"I am a first-generation Australian; my parents immigrated from Afghanistan in the '70s and worked really hard to provide for us. My two young children are also from Afghanistan and joined our family a year ago as refugees. My daughter, at the age of 8, had never received an education until she arrived in Australia. Front of mind for me always is that every woman should be afforded an opportunity, and for me to always work really hard with purpose. I want to inspire and encourage women to back themselves always and to believe in their abilities. And to not feel guilty for having the opportunity. I say that more so to myself, as sometimes I feel like I have been afforded so much, where I was born (outside of my control) has shaped my life significantly. But I have learned to replace guilt with gratefulness."Hela Ebrahimi, Senior Risk Consultant, Protecht
What changes have you seen in the industry regarding gender diversity and inclusion since you started your career?
"Being a British-born Indian female, and from South Yorkshire, I saw small changes during my early career years. I was definitely in the minority, and there have been many occasions where I’ve turned up to meetings and they have been expecting a male, as my name is confused with the male Irish origin name 'Kieran'. In the motor finance industry, there were few females in managerial roles; however, I’m pleased that this is slowly changing. Currently, as Inclusion Forum Chair, I want to continue championing female representation at all levels of management within Mansfield Building Society."
Kiran Pabial, Risk Manager, Mansfield Building Society
"I have observed that there are more dedicated organizations and events focused on Risk Management for women, and more women in leadership roles. We are still talking about gender gaps. I see the gap closing, but it is an ongoing issue. I would love to see more women in leadership roles in Risk Management."Hela Ebrahimi, Senior Risk Consultant, Protecht
Who have been your role models or mentors in your career, and how have they influenced you?
There are a number of role models and mentors who have influenced me over the years. Firstly, my mum, who was 18 and newly married when she came to the UK. I remember that nothing fazed my mum; she dealt with everything. I never once saw her give up or get upset. I remember thinking I wanted to be strong like my mum. Another role model would be Emmeline Pankhurst. What she and many others did for female rights across the world is remarkable, and I can’t imagine how much they must have gone through to make their voices heard. Throughout my career, there have been times where I’ve had to make my voice heard to be included and contribute to discussions. Again, I’m happy to say that this has definitely changed over the last few years, as colleagues become more aware of inclusion and diversity."
Kiran Pabial, Risk Manager, Mansfield Building Society
"Vittoria Shortt is a role model for me. I first started in risk management working in the marketing space and was afforded an opportunity, as a relatively junior risk manager, to work closely with her and her team. The leadership that I experienced while working with Vittoria inspired me to model her approach, which includes communication, collaboration, empathy, and confidence, to name a few."
Hela Ebrahimi, Senior Risk Consultant, Protecht
How do you think companies can better support women in the workplace, particularly in leadership roles and male-dominated industries?
"Firstly, equal pay; now, this may be a thing of the past in big corporate companies, but it should be law. I was naive to this until it happened to me when I saw someone fill my old role and was put on a higher salary than what I had been on. He had less experience and was a lot younger than me. Pay should be set for the role regardless of who is successful in filling it. I think where there are male-dominated industries, they should invest in recruiting females, as it has been proven that females do approach/think differently to males and having a gender-diverse workforce will bring different viewpoints. Working together means getting the best results for the business. Having leadership programs and mentoring programs for females will only help the business be stronger and retain employees."
Kiran Pabial, Risk Manager, Mansfield Building Society
"Have a purposeful and determined approach to knowing each person in the organization, men and women. Really understand each person's goals and aspirations and have a solid plan of action to assist in a meaningful way. Have a look at the roles and responsibilities, and ask yourself, is there a gap? Put a solid plan into action to address it."
Hela Ebrahimi, Senior Risk Consultant, Protecht
International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality. Find out more.