The NOBEEL media team sat down with Mr. Mahari, the winner of the NOBEEL Trailblazer Award 2023, the Director of People and Culture for one of the largest financial institutions in the United Kingdom and a co-chair of BOLD Network LBG across the
United Kingdom and the United States.
We were curious as to how he has done it to transition from graphics design and business call centre into becoming the edifice of excellence that he is today. Here is his awe-inspiring and exclusive personal story, shared with us.
● Can you share a bit about your journey, specifically how you got here?
I’ve always had a passion for creativity, storytelling, and simplifying complex problems for easier understanding.
After graduating with a BA in graphic design and communications, I excelled in creative storytelling, both through computer-aided design and communication. My transition into finance was deeply influenced by my background as a Jamaican immigrant. My mother, also a Jamaican immigrant and a nurse, struggled with financial literacy. In our community, discussing finances was rarely done. I vividly remember the day we went to a high street bank to open an account for me when I was around 13 or 14. Because my mother couldn’t articulate her needs, she was dismissed, and we left without opening the account. The disappointment on her face left a lasting impression on me; I wanted to change that experience. From that moment, I vowed that if I had the chance to enter the financial sector, I would seize it. I continued to pursue graphic design and communications but saw finance as a way to make a difference. While freelancing as a graphic designer, I found an opportunity as a call center agent with one of the largest financial organizations in the UK. I was hired due to my strong communication skills and ability to engage with customers.
Once in the call center, I decided to use this role as a springboard to climb the ladder in the financial services sector. I wanted to understand mortgages, business loans, and how I could influence others positively. This motivation stems from my desire to help my community and ensure that no one else experiences the disappointment my mother faced. My finance journey is driven by a commitment to improving financial literacy and empowering others to prosper.
● What inspired you on your journey? Did you meet someone or see an image that made you feel it was possible to pursue your goals?
Think back to the financial services sector 20 years ago. When I entered a call center, I noticed a lack of representation; there were no black men or women who resembled me culturally or ethnically. This absence made me question how I could drive
change. center Fortunately, I found key individuals who, while not at the board level, recognized my potential at managerial levels. One significant influence was my mother, who left her homeland to give me opportunities for greatness. Although, as a son, I sometimes dismissed her advice, her dedication remains a strong motivator for me. In the financial services sector, I possess a unique skill set. Having mentors and line managers who could identify and nurture my talent was invaluable. Many people get overlooked, but when someone sees potential in you and invests time to help you grow, it’s a blessing. I had peers who encouraged me to pursue great things, allowing me to recognize abilities I hadn’t seen in myself. This support became my springboard, demonstrating the positive impact of surrounding yourself with people who believe in you and your career.
● How would you describe the best approach to mentorship?
To get the best out of a mentoring relationship, you need to consider that potential mentors often have limited time. Many Csuite leaders receive numerous requests for mentorship, making it challenging to balance their work, family, and extracurricular activities while also mentoring someone.The relationship needs to work both ways. You shouldn’t be the only one benefiting. To make the most of a mentoring conversation, come with clear objectives. Instead of just saying, “Hi there, can you be my mentor?” have a structured plan. For example, you might say, “Hi, I’m looking for a mentor. I’ve seen your work in ABCDEFG, which aligns with my long-term goals of achieving ABCDEFG.” This approach shows that you recognize the mentor’s achievements and how your background and experiences can provide a different perspective. In this exchange, you both identify how you can help each other. When a mentor sees that it’s a mutually beneficial relationship, they’re more likely to engage.
● What advice would you give to aspiring black entrepreneurs and professionals who are just starting?
Remember who you are and honor those who came before you. My family is from the Windrush generation; they paved the way for me. My mother always said, “If you can choose to be anything, choose to be kind.” How you treat people matters, as they will always remember it. While others can read your CV or LinkedIn profile to see your qualifications, those platforms can’t convey your character. When you meet someone, they assess if you’re a person they can work with and whether you align with their organization’s values. It’s not just about your ability to do the job; it’s also about whether your team enjoys working with you and if you contribute to others’ success. As a young professional, aim to excel based on your skills and passion. Convey that you’re a valuable team member who supports others and knows how to communicate effectively. Learning to manage relationships not only with peers but also with those above you is crucial. If someone asks you about yourself, can you articulate who you are and how you add value in one or two sentences? If you can, you will go far.
● How has your background in graphics and storytelling helped your career, and how important do you think storytelling is?
You touched on it, so I want to follow up on what I said about storytelling. Your greatest asset is your story. When I speak to
someone, I want them to engage with me as an individual before considering what they need from me. This connection from a heart and mind perspective allows me to influence their thoughts. I operate on three principles, which I call the three E’s: engagement, excitement, and execution. When someone speaks to me, I aim to be engaging and encourage them to learn more. Through our conversation, I want to excite them about what I can offer if they wish to hire me or bring me into a project.
After engaging and exciting them, the final step is execution. This involves a call to action. I need to clearly articulate how I can help them execute their business objectives or how they can assist me in achieving mine. If you focus on these three principles, you will go far.
● What would you call your big secret? If we said this is the Mahari secret to success, what would you tie that to?
My big secret is my ability to treat everybody as an individual. I’m very personable, and my interactions are relatable. I don’t separate myself in a way that makes it hard for people to connect with me. I focus on human-centric communication. I strip away titles and accolades to see people for who they are. I’m not impressed by job titles or material possessions. In my office, I know everyone by name, from canteen staff to security guards. I have the same conversations with the person cleaning our offices as I do with someone in a high-level position. I treat everyone with respect, showing them that I see them and hear their voice. This comes across in every interaction I’ve had with you, and I noticed it on your website as well. That’s one reason the team encouraged me to follow up with you. Thank you for sharing that—it’s a significant insight. I won’t keep you too long.
● I understand that family is a significant part of who you are, as seen in your LinkedIn and social media. I’m curious about how you’ve built a successful career while staying grounded in your core values, especially regarding family.
First of all, there’s no love greater than the love of God. Godteaches about the love of family and how, without Him, you cannot prosper. My mother raised me as a Christian, and God meanseverything to my family and me. Everything I do centres around
my family. If I have God’s love and my family, it keeps me grounded. There’s a saying, “Happy wife, happy life.” My wife is happy, so I am happy. Another saying is that behind every great man is a great woman, but that’s not true. They are beside you or in front of you, shielding you. I give testimony to my wife, Nikki; without her, I wouldn’t be who I am. She has been my rock and a source of clarity. Through the celebration of my life and what my mother instilled in me, I recognize the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes. This inspired me to create the community corporate cultural world to honor the unsung heroes in our lives. No matter where I speak, I always start with a testament to those who have helped me become the man I am today. I felt a strong connection to your words; they are authentic. It’s evident when someone speaks from the heart. I want people to recognize my family’s influence in my life, not just my achievement.
● Now, for a final question: Do you believe the face of global economic leadership could be balanced in terms of race? Can we attain equity for Black people as the new face of global wealth?
If you look at some of the richest people in the world, many come from Black heritage. There are influential people in important roles globally. What we need is more visibility so other Black individuals can see what’s possible. Twenty years ago, there may have been people at those levels, but I didn’t see them. That’s why I always bring my Jamaican flag on stage or share my story on LinkedIn. Visibility breeds inspiration, encouraging the next generation to believe they can achieve great things too.
● Would you say that what we need now is more storytelling and visibility for Black people who are already doing well? This way, more Black individuals can be inspired to share their stories from different parts of the world, showcasing what they are doing.
That is excellent. Storytelling is crucial. It’s not what you know; it’s who knows you. People often think it’s about who you don’t know, but it’s about who knows you, who knows Mahari for certain things. Once they recognize you as that person, amplify that message. Make positive noise that creates a ripple effect throughout your sector, nation, community, and family. People are always watching, even if they don’t have the confidence to reach out and say thank you. What they see can inspire them on their journey. So make yourself visible, especially if you’re doing something positive that uplifts the Black community.
● Are there any last words you would like to share with the Black community?
Never forget how brilliant you are. Don’t judge yourself based onothers’ metrics. Before you leave your house, remind yourself of your brilliance because you are truly brilliant. Never forget that.
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