From Ambition to Opportunity: Danielle's Career Journey

What first sparked your interest in this career?

I actually fell into Business Development and Marketing, but what really drew me in was the mix of creativity and variety. I enjoy working in a role where no two days are the same and where I can combine strategic thinking with creative ideas. Although I was initially hesitant about working in financial services, it has proven to be such a dynamic sector that has afforded me opportunities to work and connect globally. I can comfortably say without regrets that it has been fantastic for my career.

What was your first role and what did you learn from it?

My first role was at Elian (Intertrust, now CSC) as a Real Estate Administrator which gave me a strong foundation in the industry. However, the main thing I learned was that the role was not the right fit for me. I realised I needed more variety in my work. Looking back, I’m very glad I took that path because it helped me understand what I did and didn’t want from my career.

Which career move had the biggest impact on your development?

My move to JTC has had the biggest impact by far. Being able to develop with a company during a period of significant growth has created many opportunities. I have always been keen to put my hand up, take on new challenges and run with them. It has been amazing to learn and develop in areas I never thought I would get exposure to and also play a part in supporting the business through a transformative stage of its journey.

What challenges have you faced and how did you overcome them?

There have been a few challenges along the way, but the one that stands out has been around age. As a young professional, my age has, at times, influenced how I have been viewed by stakeholders, whether that was assumptions about my experience, the opportunities I was given or even my level of responsibility. Over time, I learned that the best way to overcome this is to let your work speak for itself. You build credibility through consistency, delivery and results. And that is the strongest way to challenge those assumptions.

What skills have been most valuable throughout your career?

Throughout my career, the skills that have been most valuable are being highly organised, having strong attention to detail and being adaptable. As I’ve taken on more senior roles, those skills have helped me excel when balancing day-to-day delivery while managing a wide range of projects and maintaining high standards, especially in my role where business needs can change quickly. I’ve also found that a willingness to learn is really important as there is always room for improvement.

What does a typical day look like in your current role?

There is no real ‘typical’ day in my role. I could be writing communications around an acquisition, working on an integration, reviewing and approving thought leadership articles and social media posts, or project managing the launch of a new service line. That variety is exactly why I love what I do: every day is different.

What advice would you give to someone starting out today?

Do something you enjoy. You spend a huge amount of time at work, so it is important to enjoy not only what you do, but also who you work with. Having both makes a real difference.