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We Rise By Lifting Others

A proud South Londoner of Bangladeshi and Irish heritage, Joy Crookes is a multihyphenate artist shaped by a rich tapestry of influences. She’s a singer-songwriter and multi instrumentalist. In 2020, Joy made the prestigious BRITS Rising Star Award shortlist, as well as placing fourth on the BBC Sound Poll, and headlining ‘ones to watch’ lists from YouTube Music, Amazon Music, MTV Push, NME and beyond. Renowned for her live performances, Joy has played Glastonbury, BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend and Later…With Jools Holland, as well as selling out her own headline tours across the UK and Europe.

WOMEN IN FINANCE

Karla Maloof

Karla Maloof leads the International Corporate Banking coverage effort for Barclays’ Financial Institutions Group in the Americas. Karla also serves as Co-Chair of Win, the gender network, and Trustee, Finance Chair and Treasurer on the Board of Harlem Educational Activities Fund, a New York based college access program.  She is passionate about promoting diversity in the workforce, and about access to education for everyone in our communities.

"Be curious, lead with integrity and really believe in yourself. It’s important to build a network, create a circle of connection that can help you test out ideas and talk through challenges. You are in control of your destiny so be your own best advocate."

KARLA MALOOF

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I grew up in Seattle, Washington, and come from a bi-lingual and multi-cultural household. My mother grew up in Germany, so I am a first generation American on that side of the family. My father is a first generation Lebanese American. 

 

I have been fortunate to travel extensively and live in other countries outside the US, which has fueled my curiosity for different cultures, different ways of working and living. I enjoy making connections with people, and I am always interested in their backgrounds and perspectives. It's really served as a great foundation for who I am and what I do today.

 

I started my professional career at a middle eastern bank in New York. It was a unique experience in that it gave me the opportunity to learn about a number of different aspects of banking through departmental rotations. My boss became my mentor and advocate well beyond my time there. He always gave me access to challenging opportunities from very early on, and pushed for me to succeed.  I have remained in banking ever since, focusing on client coverage and corporate finance, with a specialty in insurance banking and FIG.

 

What do I love most about my job? Well, I love that it changes every day. I speak to clients and colleagues all around the world. It’s energizing to think through clients’ priorities, objectives, challenges, and to come up with solutions for them. I thoroughly enjoy these interactions while building a sustainable business together with great people.

 

I am also co-chair of our women's network which brings additional dimension to my engagement with colleagues and clients. It’s really important that we both amplify and listen to diverse perspectives with not just a seat at the table, but 

 

also a voice. Being able to connect with colleagues and clients with a common goal of achieving equity and balance in the workplace, and in our communities, is rewarding.

 

There's a lot more work to be done level the playing field and drive gender equity in the finance/banking world. I'd like to think that the last couple of years has really opened the doors for more robust conversation to challenge the status quo, and create more opportunities for women to excel in the workplace.  This is also true beyond gender. The events of the last year have really challenged us all to have the courage to make changes and become intentionally more inclusive around talent. If you have a more inclusive workplace, business outcomes are not only better, but the path to achieving those outcomes are much richer. 

 

The career advice I would give to a young woman starting out in her career is to be curious and ask questions. Believe in yourself and your potential, and raise your hand for stretch projects and new opportunities.  You are your own best advocate, so don’t be afraid to talk about your accomplishments and articulate your goals. Building a professional network is also key, as in doing so, you will build a circle of support and advocacy which will be fulfilling and help your career.  And, perhaps most of all, find your north star - for me, it’s acting and leading with integrity.  

You are your own best advocate, so don’t be afraid to talk about your accomplishments and articulate your goals.

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