02 April, 2025
Liliane Bahufite
What was the turning point of your career?/ When did you realise that everything was finally making sense?
More than ten years ago, I embarked on a personal development journey after a conversation with my manager revealed that I wasn't effectively conveying the image I intended. Although my performance was commendable, I wasn't perceived as a high potential due to my lack of visibility. I diligently carried out my responsibilities and even took on additional tasks, but I believed that my efforts would be noticed without any self-promotion. The birth of my first child instilled in me a sense of urgency to realize my full potential, as if I had been reborn. This transformative experience led me to engage in self-exploration, continuous learning, and personal development. Through these efforts, I discovered that dedicated work results in opportunities.
Nearly seven years ago, this journey inspired me to initiate and co-found a grassroots initiative aimed at creating safe spaces for colleagues to discover their full potential. Today, I am committed to sharing my experiences through events, writing, and various initiatives, hoping to inspire others. One never knows the profound impact a word or conversation can have on someone's journey.
What makes you feel empowered?
Empowerment can be an intimidating concept, as it carries the weight of responsibility. However, when fully embraced, it becomes an exceptionally rewarding experience. For me, empowerment comes from understanding that I have the capability to conceive, create, and actualize any idea I put my mind to, thereby positively influencing those around me.
As an author, I feel empowered when the stories that originate from my heart and mind resonate with others. This exemplifies the beauty of the human condition: our intrinsic interconnectedness and the universal need to belong, to be part of something greater than ourselves. This understanding empowers me, as I recognize how individual contributions can collectively bring about change. My motivation is not constrained by numbers but rather fueled by the willingness and dedication of those involved.
What does great leadership look like to you?
One of the most valuable leadership lessons I learned in 2024 was that sometimes, as a leader, your primary role is to hold space for people. When challenging times arise, and they inevitably will, it's crucial to allow people to fully experience and process their emotions. This means giving them the space to get lost in their frustrations, to own those feelings, to reassess their motivations, and ultimately to return to action more energized than ever.
Leadership is not always about providing vision, direction, inspiration, and motivation. There is immense value in simply showing up for people and creating an environment where they can flourish. To do this effectively, leaders must truly understand their people to assess when to adopt different roles.
Great leadership is not confined to a formal role but emanates from an individual's character and personality. Throughout human history, many prominent leaders demonstrated their leadership qualities long before they were appointed to official positions. I consistently distinguish between leadership and management, as true leadership transcends titles and functions. For anyone interested in leadership, I would recommend reading John C. Maxwell one of the most knowledgeable experts on Leadership topic. I loved his book, "5 levels of leadership".
What would be the change you wish to see/make in the financial services industry in the future?
The financial industry is the heartbeat of people's lives. The connection may not always be evident, but we have all witnessed its impact in various ways and at different levels. It holds the power to shape people's futures, for better or worse. Understanding this and recognizing the growing diversity of society and the evolving customer base, it becomes imperative for companies to maintain balanced leadership in terms of diversity to remain competitive and credible.
A balanced leadership will not only reflect their workforce, allowing employees to see themselves represented, but will also instill confidence in the customer base, thereby increasing their trust. Research has consistently shown that diverse leadership not only brings varied perspectives and ideas but also enhances decision-making and fosters innovation.
Is there a quote/an emblem/ a trinket that motivates you/was the driving force of your career?
I have many quotes that motive me. I would share this one: " It's not over until I win" from Les Brown a great American motivational speaker
