Executive Director Leila Turner on Embracing Female Strengths

Naturally ambitious Leila Turner entered the world of finance after university. Her inner strength and determination carried her through endless interviews and rejections. Despite those setbacks she was given a chance to prove herself and that she did by working long hours for little pay. Doors eventually opened for her through the skills and knowledge she obtained. The first opportunity arose in 2015 when she moved with the bank to work in Gibraltar for 6 months, which was extended to 4.5 years and then in 2010 the second opportunity came to move to Singapore which has now been home for the past 10 years. 

Leila Turner amassed 14 years of wealth management experience with two of the largest Swiss financial institutions. As a client advisor, Leila manages the wealth management needs of high net worth and ultra-high net worth individuals and family offices booking assets in London, Gibraltar and Singapore.

Leila shares with us the challenges she faces in a predominantly male industry, and how she found confidence and respect by embracing who she was and playing to her natural strengths rather than conforming to qualities commonly associated with male leadership.
 

SHOP LEILA'S LOOK

Being naturally more reserved in a predominantly male industry presented challenges and I struggled to find my place. Being too vulnerable and soft left me open to being walked over. I experienced this both professionally and personally and it was only through the harder times that I was able to turn inward, reflect and become the stronger person I am today with more awareness and self confidence. 

Through my journey I discovered that by being true to myself, being honest and always open to learn I became more competent and confident. Subsequently, I was able to earn the respect of others, male and female, and be treated as an equal. I frequently generate as much and even more revenue as the men around me.

I have learned to embrace who I am - a woman that is feminine, but strong and competent and stands up for what she believes. Women are great communicators, naturally empathetic and are very comfortable putting others' needs before their own. These are key qualities required for relationship building, in and out of the workplace. 

SHOP LEILA'S LOOK

Women are most impactful when supportive and kind to each other. To be loved we must first know and love ourselves. Confidence comes from mastering new skills and following your path (not the one that your parent or spouse recommends). Being financially and emotionally independent we can have more control over our lives, and then feel liberated and able to reach our full potential. 

SHOP LEILA'S LOOK

I have learnt a lot from the good and bad managers in my life, from my friends and my enemies. Life never goes to plan, so we should always have a plan B and not get too hung up on the negatives, put the challenges into perspective and focus on moving forward rationally not emotionally.  

Each experience is an opportunity to learn and grow, don’t be afraid to make mistakes and embrace life. 

SHOP LEILA'S LOOK

What I do for self-care: I swim every morning, I don’t take myself too seriously and spend time with people that make me feel loved and make me laugh.

I have just completed an online value investing course with Colombia Business School, but I hope the next book I open is a travel guide to somewhere remote and relaxing after the confinement of Covid.

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This series is part of our International Women's Day piece where we catch up with amazing GOYA women to share about their career stories, challenges and advice for anyone developing their careers. 

In the month of March, we have also joined hands with local NGO SEVA SEED that aims to empower young women from underprivileged countries. Checkout with code IWD21SEVASEED, and GOYA will donate 3 reusable sanitary pads to women in underprivileged countries. On top of the donation, you will also receive 10% off all GOYA apparel this month.