In the financial world, where few Black professionals hold leadership positions, Barclays’ Head of Business Banking and Cards, Audrey Adams, can fearlessly explore her skills and take on new challenges, making her a standout.

"I am enjoying being a new girl in the business banking world. I am a scientist by background, so I'm used to not being one of many. It's not unusual for me to be in a space with few Black people or women. That's never been a barrier for me, and it's made me dare forward and prove myself and use it to educate people on what is possible.”

Spending more than a decade in wealth and investment management, Adams recently landed her current role. They sat down with BYP to chat about the power of reverse mentoring, authentic equity and paying it forward.

BYP: What does changing the Black professional narrative mean to you?

Adams: When I first started, being the only [Black professional] was very common. Now to be one of an increasing number is great. It gives me a sense of satisfaction and pride. The downside is that the Black presence is still insufficient in senior positions, and there's still a journey.

BYP: What strategies could help boost Black professionals in senior leadership roles?

Adams: Several things can be done. One has access to mentorship, which is powerful. Engaging in dialogue, comparing lived experiences, and how we show up to work is powerful. This is especially true when it's reverse mentoring, when you're educating someone else about you and your experiences. Some difficulties have been that hiring managers and senior leaders don’t fully understand the different experiences that influence their talent pool.

Additionally, it's something about giving people exposure. Some things we do at Barclay, for example, are to create committees and boards, adding people from different backgrounds. Unfortunately, if you have lots of similar people, looking at things from a relatively similar way, then you're not getting that diversity of thought.

Leadership development programs are essential to ensure equity of access. Often our practices are equitable because discrimination is not allowed, but measuring everyone's level of equity within them is difficult.

BYP: You mentioned the value of mentorship. Have you ever been a mentor or had someone as a mentor in your career?

Adams: Yes, and mentoring has become an increased focus at Barclays. I've had reverse mentors who have been helpful. When you have an excellent reverse mentor, it gets to the point of sponsorship, where they will speak on your behalf when you're not there. Within these relationships, my sponsors have been the ones who have encouraged me to play those senior roles on boards and to have the confidence to do things that I would've previously hesitated.

It's important to pay it forward. You can't purely focus on yourself. You have to think about how you are making things better for others. How can you also be a person who seeks to guide, help, coach and support?

BYP: What is the most significant milestone in your career?

Adams: Being one of the co-chairs for our Employee Resource Groups. It's quite a big commitment, so I was hesitant about it, but at the same time, I was encouraged by my coach. I took the leap of faith and got involved, and it has been extremely rewarding. It's not just about driving the agenda and making things better for other colleagues; it's also about being of service. It's inspiring to have that purpose to try and make a difference.

BYP: Looking back at your life, what are you most proud of accomplishing?

Adams: Getting my PhD is rewarding because it reminds me of what I am capable of, especially during moments of doubt. When it comes to my children, they drive my passion and make me think about my passion and my goal. Careers are great, but are only fulfilling if they're done for something. I know that what I am doing is making the world better for them.

Thinking about a career in finance and how to land a role at Barclays? Visit their website to learn more about their ERG programmes and upcoming job opportunities on BYPs Job Board.