WeAreTheCity’s Rising Star Awards are now in their tenth year.
The Rising Star Awards are the first to focus on the achievements of women below Senior Management or Director level – representing the female talent pipeline and the next generation of future leaders.
In this ongoing series, we speak to our winners about life after winning a Rising Star award.
We spoke to Hena Naranbhai, who won a Rising Star Editors Choice Award, in 2023.
Hena is a Director Strategic Development in Finance at Barclays, She has led a number of Transformational Programmes from delivery of Big Data solutions, to General Ledger migration and Target Operating Model design. Hena is a qualified accountant and has spent over 20 years traversing between Technology and Finance.
Hena is a member of the Women in Technology committee, recently appointed as WiT EMEA Chief of Staff, leading on various external partnerships. The WiT network aim to empower women of all levels and backgrounds to achieve their career aspirations in technology.
Hena has also led on various wellbeing initiatives and passionate about DE&I.
How did winning a Rising Star award influence your perception of your own achievements and potential?
I still pinch myself just to check its real. I wouldn’t say its changed my personality but has definitely given me a lot more confidence in what I do and a sense of achievement. I’ve loved sharing the experience with my children. They actually watched the livestream of the awards evening from home in their PJs.
I do what I do for them, I want them to have positive roles that they can look up to associate with.
Have there been specific opportunities or doors that opened for you as a result of receiving the award?
As I went through the nomination and awards process earlier this year I felt like a row of dominos had been set off. From being promoted to Director, shortlisted for a number of other awards during the year and then appointed as Chief of Staff for Women In Technology EMEA.
In addition to this I’ve also taken a different approach to opportunities that have crossed my path. I’ve always been very risk adverse and often shut doors before anyone got their foot in the door.
However my whole mindset to 2023 has shifted to ok tell me more… what have I got to lose? Which in turn has bought about speaker events, more mentoring opportunities, events to get involved, etc. But it is a fine art in striking a balance between work, children and pleasure.
Don’t take rejection as failure but an opportunity to grow and evolve. When the time is right you will shine.
How has winning the award affected your professional network and relationships within your industry?
I’ve been very fortunate with the Rising Star awards, my network has grown by 100 women overnight, well actually more than then that. As I find being connected through acquaintances to other Rising Star alumni. As I said before its like dominos which for me hopeful haven’t come to an end yet.
Have you had the chance to mentor or inspire others based on your experience?
Yes definitely, I can’t wait to make nominations in 2024. I hope I have inspired many women behind in both those that I work with, those that are in my network or have mentored but also family members, nieces and my children. I recall my daughter telling her teacher back in the summer and the excitement she had. I also used this to inspire her and outline you don’t have to be academic (although helpful) you just need a heart, be kind and do the things that make you happy. And in doing so you will make a difference.
What advice would you give to someone else thinking of nominating themselves or others for the awards?
Just take that leap of faith, what have you got to lose?
If you are doing what you love anyway. No one can take that away from you. But by not nominating you’re not sharing your passion, your story and your journey.
I’ve actually found that there is great value in community and the Rising Star awards provide that opportunity to be a part of a magnificent community. Which may lead to more doors opening.
What advice do you have for individuals aspiring to achieve success in their careers?
Find someone who will support you with your aspiration, be it a friend, mentor or sponsor. Although you can do it, you also need someone to push you over the cliff so that you can fly on the days you feel scared.
Write down you’re objectives, so that they are real not just in your head. 80% of women who write down their goal achieve them.
Don’t take rejection as failure but an opportunity to grow and evolve. When the time is right you will shine.
And don’t give up on your dreams!!! Its easy as a child but in adulthood we limit ourselves because of our fears.
What is next for you?
Keep saying yes – until it gets me into trouble… No to be fair I haven’t completely worked out what next looks like at the moment I’m enjoy new doors, opening them and walking through.
There are one or two medium to long term aspirations on the horizon but there is also a tie back to some personal goals I want to accomplish. This might all sound a little cryptic, however there is a part of my that doesn’t want to tempt faith along with the ambitious side of me that knows that I need to be uncomfortable to stretch and grow.
In the short term I’m excited about 2024 and the opportunities that might arise.
Where can others follow you?
The best place to find me is on LinkedIn, drop me a DM and connect. Happy to have a coffee and discuss ideas. This is where is beings 😊
