Deloitte Women in Risk Advisory

How would you best describe your role to a five-year-old?

I would tell a five-year-old to imagine I am a police officer who helps companies stay safe and make good decisions. Just like the police, I have special weapons and skills to understand my client’s problem and fight to solve it. We stay on the lookout for any challenges or potential risks that could emerge and find ways to fix them. So, my job is to ensure the organisational ecosystem is secure and healthy.

What was the most challenging phase you’ve encountered in the span of your career and how did you overcome it?

The most challenging phase I encountered in my career was during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The sudden and widespread impact of the pandemic completely transformed our ways of working and left us to redefine what would be the “new normal” for our numerous professional equations.

I realised that communication and collaboration played a crucial role during this time. I maintained open lines of communication with stakeholders, using virtual platforms to facilitate discussions, share insights, and provide support. By fostering a sense of teamwork and solidarity, I think I was able to address immediate concerns, manage risks, and guide our clients through this turbulent period.

While the pandemic presented significant obstacles, it also opened doors to innovation and creativity. Being from a non-consulting background, I was put on very demanding projects, which pushed me to mature as a professional and acquire new skill sets. I’m grateful for those opportunities that made me upskill myself. These experiences taught me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and proactive problem-solving. By remaining focussed, staying connected, and embracing innovation, I was able to overcome the challenges presented by the pandemic and emerge stronger, both professionally and personally.

Why should more women consider a role in the risk domain?

In my opinion, more women should consider a role in the risk domain because it's a place where they can use their unique skills and make a big impact. Women naturally possess a lot of qualities that could make them great professionals in this sphere, such as paying attention to detail, thinking on their feet, and understanding complex situations. These skills are important in the risk domain because it helps us find problems and solve them before they become huge crises. By joining the risk domain, anyone can carve their unique niches and build fulfilling careers that can help inspire the next generation, irrespective of gender.

Where are we likely to find you on the weekends and after-work hours?

Post-work or on weekends, you are likely to find me cooking and listening to music. I believe in taking breaks and striking a healthy balance between work and life. You might find me spending time with my family, socialising with friends, exploring nature, reading books, or painting.

What's one piece of advice you'd give your younger self about getting started in Risk?

If I could give one piece of advice to my younger self before getting started in the Risk Advisory practice, it would be to always be curious and never stop learning. This is a very dynamic field that keeps changing and evolving. There is always something new and exciting to learn. So, it's important to be proactive, not hesitate before asking questions, and stay open to learning new things. Every experience is an opportunity to grow and become better at what we do.

Who are some women working in Risk today that you admire?

There are many inspiring women working in the risk domain today whom I admire and look up to, but I would love to take this opportunity to celebrate one of my colleagues, Preeti Jain. I admire her because I have seen her journey. She has overcome challenges and achieved success in the risk domain, inspiring others along the way. She works with great dedication and has shattered glass ceilings to achieve remarkable success in the risk domain, serving as a role model for aspiring women professionals.