Gina Low's story might surprise you. Graduating with a degree in aerospace engineering, she dreamt of rockets and space exploration. Landing a coveted role in the Air Force seemed like the perfect first step. But after a few months, reality set in – it wasn't what she envisioned. So, she took a leap of faith and landed a contract job at Barclays Bank in the back office. Thankfully, that contract turned permanent, opening a new chapter in her career journey.
Finding My Niche: From Back Office to Client Service
The world of finance wasn't initially part of the plan, but she thrived in the structured environment. After three years, she craved a more client-facing role. The idea of building relationships and using her skills to directly help people appealed to her. Luckily, an internal transfer opportunity arose, and she found herself in the front office, managing client relationships. Despite the long hours, she discovered a passion for client service that surprised even herself.
Facing Challenges and Stepping Up
However, the path wasn't always smooth sailing. In 2016, her world turned upside down when a colleague and dear friend was diagnosed with cancer. While he focused on his health, the responsibility of managing his clients fell on her. The workload intensified, coinciding with a bank acquisition that brought new systems and procedures. It felt like a never-ending uphill battle, with late nights becoming the norm.
Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone: People Management and Client Relationships
As things stabilized, she found herself leading a team of associates. This, for an introvert like her, was a whole new challenge. People management pushed her outside her comfort zone. Difficult conversations, sometimes leading to confrontations, tested her communication skills. Similarly, managing client relationships initially felt draining, leaving her depleted after every meeting.
Growth and the Power of Preparation
But challenges have a way of forcing growth. The more she prepared for meetings and the deeper her connections became with clients and her team, the more comfortable she felt. She learned to leverage her strengths and navigate her introverted nature to become a successful people manager and client service professional.
From Client Service to &Leap: Empowering Others
Today, that journey has led her to a new and exciting venture – co-founding a mentorship platform called &Leap. Witnessing the challenges faced by both young professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs inspired her to create a space for meaningful connections. &Leap goes beyond traditional models, creating organic connections between people from all walks of life, from Gen Z influencers to C-suite leaders. Their focus is on giving back and enabling individuals to achieve their goals.
Her career path may not have been a straight line, but the unexpected turns led her to discover her passion for helping others. Now, with &Leap, she hopes to empower the next generation by providing a platform for mentorship and connection – a space where anyone can find the guidance and support they need to thrive.
