Winner of our Individual Achievement Award, Eleni Sifakis, Account Manager, Head of France & Eastern Mediterranean, PIMCO
How are you seeing diversity impact the industry?
In today’s interconnected world, it is widely recognised that diversity is crucial for the asset management industry, and society as a whole. By acknowledging the diverse range of variables that contribute to our individuality, we can develop a greater sense of empathy and understanding towards others. We can also create a more pleasant work environment that will not only improve our learning experience but also make teams work more successfully together.
It is also important to go beyond gender diversity, as gender is just one characteristic among many that form diversity. Being a white Greek orthodox, French-born woman married to an Italian and having lived in various countries including Switzerland, China, the US and the UK, I am the result of a multitude of variables that have shaped my identity.
One of the main challenges for organisations and leaders remains how to put the right conditions in place to harness diversity. While progress has been made, there is still more work to be done to ensure that future generations grow and thrive in an environment where diversity is not only recognised and accepted but valued and exploited.
What does this award mean for you?
I have been fortunate to grow up in a family in which my parents worked hard to give me and my brother the best possible education and provided the necessary support for us to succeed academically and, later on, professionally. I often remind myself that in many cases today women around the world still do not receive equal access to education and are not empowered to fulfil their potential.
I want to make sure that this opportunity does not get wasted by showing at my level that, while not always easy, women can achieve success in multiple areas of their lives and challenge traditional gender roles and stereotypes. This award means a lot to me as it is a sign of recognition and a validation of the hard work accomplished over the last 11 years at PIMCO. It also serves as motivation to do more and better. Finally, it is a reminder that any accomplishment requires the collective effort and support of many individuals both in the professional and personal spheres.
What would you like to do, to support positive change in the industry?
Everyone has a responsibility to support diversity and create a more inclusive work environment.
As a senior person in my organisation who has recently moved to Paris to build our office and create a new team, I think relentlessly about how to be a driver of a positive change (first within my own team, but also beyond) across PIMCO and the asset management industry. This includes leading authentically, challenging my own biases and prejudices, and creating connections to bring people closer and foster dialogue.
I also try to share advice proactively with the younger generation of professionals who may struggle to realise themselves to their full potential. In a still male-dominated environment, some women may for example need help to build their confidence and self-belief. I still remember how small pieces of advice have played a pivotal role in my own career path and hope that at my level – albeit small – I can also make a difference.
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