International Women’s day - An interview with Ramneek Sohal

Ramneek Sohal - HR Director

1.Can you tell me about what you do?

I am a HR Director. Essentially, I form part of the leadership team and partner the CEO and other leaders to develop a people strategy/plan that enables the business strategy and enables people to have a great experience at work.  It includes areas such talent acquisition and development, colleague engagement, change management, performance, organisational design, leadership capability etc.

2.What are your main responsibilities and achievements?

I have been in human resources for more than 20 years and have worked in a variety of industry sectors and for some fantastic brands. I am able to identify opportunities and build a plan that is fit for purpose and develop an HR team to deliver effectively at pace in sometimes challenging situations. The key thing with HR is that one size doesn’t fit all.

3.Did you always want to work for a Technology (Fintech)Firm?

No. Whilst I was doing my law degree, I quickly realised that a legal career wasn’t for me after doing some work experience during the summer of my second year. However, I did go straight into a HR career after I graduated. It is really important to me that people can thrive at work and that they are happy. I have also have a strong desire to make a difference and I love what I do. It’s not always easy and you come across challenging people and situations all the time but my role is about putting people at the heart of an organisation and that is really important. 

4.Do you think there is a lack of women in senior HR positions?

Yes there can be depending on the sector. Although I have had the pleasure of working with some fantastic female HR Leaders who I admire and have learned a lot from. 

I believe HR has a different diversity issue. My personal experience has been that there is a lack of BAME female leaders at the top. Generally speaking, I have worked in all white HR leadership teams. In some of these teams, they have generally come from a middle class background. Often D&I ‘programmes’ or ‘initiatives’ focus on gender but by doing so, are generally focused on white women by default. As a woman who is over 40 from a working class BAME background, they don’t always have an impact on me. 

HR could also do with more men across non-leadership roles in HR. My preference would always be to have a balanced team.  

5.What barriers have you faced, as a woman, in becoming successful in your field? How did you overcome them?

Lack of confidence, fear of failing and ensuring that people take me seriously. Having strong mentors and champions around you are key. These do not have to be women or people from the same background as you. These are people who see your worth and value regardless of your background.

6. Is there anyone (male or female) that inspires you in your career?

Lots of men and women inspire me. To name just a few would be unjust. 

7.How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?

Support without judgement is so important. I think women supporting other women is incredibly powerful which I why I choose to mentor women outside of work to support them with their goals and help them realise their potential. We also need to support each other to challenge the foundations of inequality and sexism. Being the eldest of five sisters, this is very close to my heart.

8.On International Women’s Day what is the most important message you want to send out to young women starting their career today?

Stay true to yourself, stick to your values, and enjoy the process of learning. Remember leadership is behaviour not a job title. Be happy.