To mark International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the women of Interpolitan with a special interview series to highlight some of the brilliant minds behind our success.
In our last spotlight, we meet Binita Patel. As head of Interpolitan’s treasury department, Binita is a fantastic leader with a talent for bringing out the best in her team. A calm, clear-headed navigator under the most challenging circumstances, she’s an excellent person to have on your side.
Below, she shares her journey and explains how companies can empower women and encourage them to move into leadership roles.
1. Have the opportunities in your career differed from those available to your mother or grandmother?
I’ve had very different opportunities than those available to either my mother or my grandmother, and I think education, culture and societal expectations have all played into that.
My grandmother was born in Uganda and moved to India as a child. She had very limited access to education and married young, devoting all her time to family life as a wife and mother. At the time, that was the norm for many women – especially from her background.
In contrast, my mum moved to the UK as a teenager, which gave her access to better educational and career opportunities. After leaving school, she immediately took a job as a temporary clerk in an office and, over the years, worked her way up to a managerial position.
As a kid, I assumed I'd follow in my mother’s footsteps when I got older. I thought, “My mum works, and it’s been great – I’m going to do the same thing.”
My mum was my role model, and I’m grateful for the path she chose. I’m not sure I’d be where I am today if it weren’t for her example. That said, I think it was still much harder for her to reach a managerial level 40 years ago than it has been for me.
2. Can you share a challenge or experience that shaped your growth or professional life?
Work has always been one of the biggest influences in my life. To begin with, I didn’t have a clear career goal in mind – I focused on working hard and doing a good job, but didn’t necessarily strive for a senior position. So, a big challenge for me came when I was asked to manage a team for the first time.
Until then, I’d worked independently and measured my success by my own performance. I lacked confidence in my leadership abilities, so being given a managerial role felt overwhelming. I wasn’t sure if I could handle the responsibility of creating processes, meeting deadlines and managing other people – especially all at once. It was a bit of a jump into the deep end, coordinating with other department heads and adjusting to a completely new way of working.
It was difficult at first, but over time, I learned how to swim – so to speak. This experience, which happened in my previous job, was a turning point for me. My team expanded and progressed, and some members felt confident enough to go for promotions. Knowing that I played a part in their development felt truly fulfilling, and I never stopped pursuing growth opportunities outside my comfort zone after that.
3. What do you think still needs to be done to level the playing field for women in business?
In my view, there should be more leadership opportunities for women. We often hear about this subject in the news: there are still significantly fewer women in executive and board-level positions.
I think companies need to focus on mentoring, sponsoring and actively supporting women by providing them with resources and opportunities which give them the confidence to step into leadership roles.
Another major challenge I’ve personally seen is that many women who’ve worked their way up to senior positions find themselves having to step back or put their careers on hold when they start a family. Workplace flexibility is crucial for these women – flexible hours, remote work options and the ability to take time away from their careers without losing the progress they’ve made would make a huge difference.
Lastly, raising awareness within organisations is an essential part of the battle. Providing training and encouraging open discussion can help people recognise and address biases, ultimately creating a more supportive environment for women to advance in their careers.
4. What is the most important piece of advice you would give to young women starting their careers?
Women starting their careers must believe in themselves and recognise their value. It’s easy to doubt yourself and assume you don’t have what it takes – I’ve been through that myself – but confidence is key.
To build that confidence, I’d suggest a few things. First, don’t shy away from celebrating your successes, whether big or small. Acknowledge your achievements and take credit for them – this not only boosts your confidence but also shows others that you’re capable and deserving.
Second, surround yourself with supportive people who can guide, motivate and empower you. Mentors can provide invaluable advice, and having a strong support network makes it easier to tackle challenges. Learning from others is incredibly important.
Third, don’t be afraid to take risks, explore new opportunities and push your boundaries – just like I did. All your experiences, even the challenging ones, contribute to your growth.
And finally, know your worth and don’t be afraid to ask for it. Whether it’s negotiating your salary, seeking career progression or requesting flexibility, advocating for yourself is essential. It might feel uncomfortable at times, but it’s vital for career advancement. Never, ever settle for less than you deserve.
Know your worth and never settle
The best leaders aren’t always confident from the start; sometimes, they build confidence along the way. We’re grateful to Binita for speaking with us and sharing such golden advice.
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