Motunrayo, Finance Professional

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I loved Math growing up and knew my Dad was good at it because he used to help my siblings and I at it, following some coaxing from my Mum. I also remember that he used to have “special” calculators that he brought out from his briefcase which always intrigued me. Both of these experiences meant I was drawn to my Dad’s profession of Accountancy.  

What do you want most in the future? 

Financial freedom. I want to be able to own assets which can be passed down to future generations so that they can start life on a decent playing field. I want to educate those less fortunate from poorer background on what it means to be financially literate, understand the importance of mental health and learn how to be spiritually free. Also I would love to be a pro coder.  

What’s been your biggest achievement to date? 

That’s a tricky one, nothing in particular stands out to me. I would say it’s a mixture of a having a good career in a world class investment bank and buying my property with my sister a few years ago. I think the best is yet to come and I am working towards that.  

What’s your advice to other women/girls? 

Don’t allow fear to triumph over faith.  

Believe in yourself, a rejection does not define you.  

Make sure you network and don’t be shy to ask for help or work experience. 

Educate yourself, whatever your indsutry of choice. Make sure you stay current and read up on the frontier of knowledge in your industry. 

Save and invest sensibly. Even if it is a small amount of money the magic of compounding will turn that small amount into something meaningful. Just invest and do it consistently.  

What does it mean being a black woman in your industry?

It means being overlooked at times, being left out of the “boys” conversations. It means at times feeling like you are an imposter and attempting to express your articulately but being worried you might be perceived as aggressive. But I think following the BLM movementa lot more focus has been put on diversity and inclusion, at least in my workplace.  

What school did you go to?  

What is the most important thing in the world to you?