Sharon Maguire, COO at Cynergy Bank, has built a career that spans the full spectrum of financial services across Europe and the Middle East.
In this episode of the Action Impact Growth podcast, Sharon joins Luke Nihill to reflect on the forces that shaped her career, her years working in the Middle East, and the leadership lessons she's carried with her across continents and cultures.
Timestamps:
(01:18) Choosing the workplace over university
(07:24) Changing hiring policies around degree requirements
(09:41) Real life experience vs academics
(15:43) What gives her drive to succeed?
(18:05) Bringing out the best in your team
(20:25) Developing flexible leadership styles
(23:28) If you want to be a CEO one day
(24:12) Have you ever said no to something that you've regretted after?
(26:50) What inspired the move to Qatar?
(30:05) The impact of life in Qatar
(32:50) Building a career in the Middle East
(35:30) Influencing leadership from behind the scenes
(36:44) Business in the Middle East vs London
(38:51) What made her come back?
(39:26) Moving country without a role lined up
(40:36) The importance of maternity leave
(41:52) Great storytelling in a business context
(46:53) Aspirational planning and embracing failure
(48:51) What does it mean to be customer-centric?
(51:27) Demonstrating value in small businesses vs big businesses
(54:04) Predictions for the future of financial services
(56:22) How far would you take AI in the workplace?
Follow:
Sharon - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-maguire-9585885/
Luke – https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukenihill/
👉 Discover more leadership insights at: https://www.qurated.com/insights