Tell us about your role and a bit about your career background.

I have worked for Triodos since the start of 2021. I work as a Lending Operations Manager within the Business Banking department. My team are responsible for managing the lending process from credit approval through to pay out, documenting new facilities, securing the lending as well as ongoing operational administration of the Bank’s loan book. Prior to working in Triodos, I worked for one of the big UK High Street banks for over ten years. I spent most of my career working in the Business and Commercial banking space.

In terms of how I started, I fell into banking by accident. I stumbled upon it while searching for a part-time job during university. Applying to various positions on a recruitment website led to an interview for a branch role, and from that point forward, I never looked back. Despite enjoying my university experience and pursuing a degree in journalism and politics, the more I worked in banking, the clearer it became that this was the path I wanted to pursue for the future. 

What inspired you to pursue a career at Triodos?

I made the decision to leave my previous job during my maternity leave with my son. I knew that I wanted my next job to be something different, somewhere where I could truly make a positive impact. I wanted to be able to change the world and for it to be a better place for my son and future generations. It's not an easy task to link work in financial services with sustainability or making a positive change. Usually, financial services are perceived to be profit-driven, with a focus solely on chasing money rather than considering the broader implications of actions on the environment or the world. A former colleague informed me about an entry role at Triodos, and though I initially opted against a different position, I stayed informed about available opportunities. Eventually, I found a role aligned with my goals and decided to apply, leading me to where I am now.

How does the work you do within your role/department contribute to the mission of Triodos and what we are trying to achieve?

In Business Banking, our focus is on providing sustainable finance for businesses that positively impact the world. The team I manage play a crucial role on an operational level - documenting and securing lending, ensuring funds are disbursed efficiently, and overseeing the bank's loan book from operational perspective. This in turn contributes to helping customers achieve their goals and plans. 

What aspect of your role or our company's mission resonates with you the most?

It’s all about thinking ahead and for me sustainability takes precedence. I want the world to be a good place for my son when he grows up and working for Triodos makes me truly feel that I am making a difference and contributing to the planet's sustainable future. Even though it's a small contribution, it's a meaningful one that I wouldn't be making elsewhere. Being able to apply my existing skills for a purpose aligned bank with positive impact, I can confidently say that sustainability is a core aspect of our mission that resonates with me the most.

What makes Triodos Bank different to other companies you have worked for?

Triodos is different in many ways. Unlike my previous jobs, our focus here is on prioritising projects and collaborating with businesses that have a positive impact on society and the environment. It goes beyond mere profit pursuit; there's a greater purpose behind the relationships we cultivate. It's very rewarding for us as co-workers to actively contribute to making a meaningful difference. Triodos is very transparent and actively measures and reports back on its impact. As a team, we witness tangible results in promoting sustainability and driving positive change in the world, something I never felt in any of my past roles.

What do the Triodos values of responsibility, freedom and equity mean to you?

The values of responsibility, freedom, and equity are deeply meaningful to me, especially when considering the well-being of my family and the future of generations to come. Responsibility guides our actions, ensuring that every decision we make considers the impact on individuals, communities, and the environment. Freedom allows us to innovate responsibly, fostering a sustainable and inclusive financial landscape. Equity is the cornerstone, promoting fairness and equal opportunities for my child and future generations, creating a world where financial choices reflect our commitment to a better, more equitable future.