What three traits define you? If I had to limit myself to just three, my defining traits are:

• Hardworking - My dad taught me to "Always make sure you put in a good shift; your work ethic should never be called into question."
• Competitive - I believe healthy competition leads to improvements. Whether you win, lose or draw, you can only get better if you accept the challenge.
• Organised - "If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail". Having a plan gives you a logical and structured way to accomplish any goal.

How do you define success?

I have read several books around the topic of success in an effort to shape, mould and create my own meaning of the word. When I think about success, this quote comes to mind "Dare to live the life you have dreamed for yourself. Go forward and make your dreams come true." Put simply, for me, success is deciding what you want from life and actively using the resources available to you to pursue that.

Tell me about your career with Crowe to date…

I joined Crowe's Risk Consulting team in 2018. Over the last three years, I have predominately been responsible for the delivery of Risk Management Framework, Cybersecurity and Operational Resilience projects.

Over the last eight months, I have been fortunate enough to be involved in the incredible work the REACH (Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage) network has been doing. Having joined as a champion, I have been actively involved in delivering key initiatives.

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced over the past few months and how have you overcome this?

The fallout following England's loss at the Euro's was a sight that personally affected many minorities across the country. Just as we came together as a nation, the racism that ensued made me question if the candid conversations and awareness campaigns after George Floyd's death had any significant impact on the issue of racism in the UK.

As disturbing as this reality was, it just meant there was more work to be done. I increased my involvement within the REACH network. I found a meaningful way to engage with my colleagues in a capacity where people can feel free to ask questions on a sensitive topic generally and establish a level of understanding to form the basis of an inclusive work environment.

What is your personal philosophy?

Continuous growth and development are my core life values. "If you only do what you can do, you will never be more than you are now.", and I try to live by this. I do not purport to be a genius, but if I can work at it, I will always try to find a way because by shying away from a challenge, you rob yourself of the opportunity to see what you are capable of. The aim is to be better than you were yesterday.

What’s your favourite thing about working for Crowe?

I am sure it has been said a hundred times, but it is the people for me. The best part of my job is working with intelligent, like-minded and driven individuals who also know how to have fun along the way.

This month marks Black History month – what does it mean to you?

It's a month where we celebrate the successes of influential black individuals who have contributed to world history and created an opportunity for the younger generation to take up space in their chosen field. Representation is vital, and Black History Month is an inspiring reminder that our history goes beyond slavery. To me, Black History Month is a missing piece that I hope will eventually be woven into the UK school curriculum.