“Mentoring Is an Opportunity to Give Something Back”
Q: What part of the world do you live in and what is the thing that you love the most about it – and the thing that you would correct if you could?
A: I live in London. I love many things in London. Most of all, I love its ‘international’ appeal. There are so many nationalities who live in London. I enjoy interacting with people from around the world, learning about different cultures and respecting different perspectives.
Marina Antoniou
Banking Consultant
Marina Antoniou specializes in capital markets risks and controls with a focus on conduct risk and regulatory remediation projects. She is the Global Head of Global Markets Risk & Control assessment at a leading banking group. Previously, Marina acted as a senior consultant on Global Regulatory Remediation with Accenture. In the past, Marina acted as Head of Audit for Citigroup and received the Global recognition award for her performance in internal audit. Marina also served as the Chair of the London Citigroup 'Charity of The Year Fundraising' Committee. Previously, she worked on due diligence projects during M&A banking transactions.
Marina acted as a mentor for the University of Warwick as well as the Global Thinkers Forum. Marina is a qualified chartered accountant and member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. She completed a Technology Entrepreneurship course at Harvard. She also studied FinTech at the University of Oxford Said Business School, during which she developed a FinTech innovation idea aiming at fundraising for people impacted by natural disasters. Marina studied Investment Management at the London Business School and has an MSc in Economics & Finance from Warwick Business School. She is a Warwick University Ambassador and an Executive Member of the Warwick Finance Professional Network, organizing Finance related speaker series events at The Shard. In the past, Marina was a member of the University of Warwick 'Audit & Risk' Committee. She acted as a visiting presenter at Exec MBA courses covering conduct risk and innovation as well as a guest speaker specializing in subjects such as leadership and FinTechat conferences globally.
Marina is an Executive Board member of the London 'Hellenic Centre' focusing on arts and culture. She is a co-founder of the ‘Hellenic Tech Network’, a non-profit association which was created in 2021 to promote a closer cooperation among professionals in Tech globally. She is a 'Hellenic Bankers Association' ambassador and drove the 'HBA – UK Student Award', for students who wish to pursue a finance career in the UK. She is also the Operating Committee Deputy Chair of the ‘Olive Branch Aid’, a foodbank providing food and daily essentials across London communities and schools.
She is a multiple award-winning photographer and exhibited globally in London, New York, France, Holland and Spain. In 2018, her work was included in the Biennale of 'Fine Art & Photography' in Barcelona. Marina published five photography books and proceeds were donated to children hospices in London.
Marina is very interested in climate risk and currently studying a Wharton Business School course on ESG.She hold solo photo exhibitions on climate risk at the London Hellenic Centre and at the Cyprus High Commission in central London and collaborated with the 'Institute of Natural Resources in Greenland' to support their research through her photography work on whales.
If I could, I would get the road-works done as soon as possible. There are many road-works currently and as a consequence, lots of traffic!
Q: What industry are you in, and why did you pick to do what you do?
A: I work in Financial Services. When I was 21, I did my MSc in ‘Economics and Finance’ at the Warwick Business School. I really enjoyed learning about Finance and decided to work in Financial Services.
I am a photographer as well, published photography books, exhibited in a few countries and earned awards. Photography helps me relax, create. It’s also a good ‘excuse’ to travel to wonderful, culturally diverse destinations.
I am also a member of the ‘Hellenic Bankers Association’ committees; I am currently driving the 2020 ‘HBA Student Award’. This award aims at recognizing the outstanding work of Greek and Cypriot students.
Q: How did you learn to embrace risk-taking?
A: I am not afraid of taking risks. Since I was very young, if I was afraid to do something, if I was contemplating ‘taking the risk’, then I would put it high on my agenda to ensure I would get it done. I would go for it. I still have this approach.
I am not suggesting that we should take unreasonable, unnecessarily big risks in life in order to ‘prove’ ourselves. However, we need to push ourselves to meet our potential. By taking the risk, stretching ourselves, we evolve, we learn and we move forward.
"We need to push ourselves to meet our potential. By taking the risk, stretching ourselves, we evolve, we learn and we move forward"
Q: What’s the most important leadership lesson you’ve learned and how has it proven invaluable?
A: Leadership decisions need to be ethical and supersede any monetary business interest. As leaders, when we make decisions, we may well impact people’s lives. Therefore, integrity is paramount. I do believe that ethics and integrity in leadership will help leaders survive challenges and adversity.
Q: What have you gained from your mentoring journey?
A: Both my mentees work in different sectors and live in different countries than I. Therefore, I gained exposure to different cultures and sectors.
Mentoring is also an opportunity for me to ‘give something back’. I tried to be as supportive as I could and encouraged my mentees to reach for their dreams and fulfil their potential. Through the mentoring journey, I got to know two remarkable individuals with who I wish to remain in contact for years to come.
Q: What is the one thing that impressed you in your mentee?
A: I had two brilliant mentees, Carol and Waala. I was impressed by Waala’s hard work and determination. I am sure she will make an excellent manager. Carol is a high achiever who always strives for excellence.
Q: What is your motto in life?
A: ‘Never give up’.
Keep going despite the odds, don’t be shaken by adversity. Remain focused on your objectives, be flexible and always maintain your integrity.
Marina Antoniou
Head of Audit
Marina Antoniou is a banking consultant with experience in auditing financial institutions globally. Marina acted as the EMEA Head of Audit for Rates trading for Citigroup as well as the Head of Audit for Citigroup in France, Greece and Luxembourg.
She received the Global recognition award for her performance in internal audit. Marina also served as the Chair of the London Citigroup 'Charity of The Year Fundraising' Committee. Marina acts as a mentor for the University of Warwick as well as the Global Thinkers Forum. Marina is a qualified Chartered Accountant and member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. She studied FinTech at the University of Oxford Said Business School, during which she developed a FinTech innovation idea aiming at fundraising for people impacted by natural disasters. Marina studied Investment Management at the London Business School and has an MSc in Economics & Finance from Warwick Business School. She is a Warwick University Ambassador and an Executive Member of the Warwick Business School Finance Network, organizing Finance related speaker series events at The Shard. Marina also sits at the University of Warwick 'Audit' Committee. She has also been appointed as governor of the 'New City College' and participates in its 'Strategy' and 'Audit' Committees. Marina is an Executive Board member of the 'Hellenic Centre' in London. She also sits at the 'Hellenic Bankers Association' Committees and is driving the 'HBA Student Award', given to a Greek/ Cypriot student every year. She acts as a guest speaker to conferences globally specializing in subjects such as leadership and innovation.
Marina enjoys travelling and experiencing different cultures and customs. She is a multiple award-winning photographer and exhibited globally. Marina collaborated with the 'Institute of Natural Resources in Greenland' to support their research through her photography work on whales. In 2018, her work was included in the Biennale of 'Fine Art & Photography' in Barcelona. Marina published five photography books. Marina launched her own brand selling home décor, lifestyle and apparel which depict prints of her photos.
Published: 26/12/2019
