Advice: Kyle Williams, Legal Department, London

08 NOV 2018

Kyle Williams is head of the EMEA Treasury and Consumer Finance Legal Group within the Legal Department, with legal oversight for Marcus by Goldman Sachs in the UK. Kyle is also co-chair of the Firmwide Black employee affinity network in Europe.  Recently he was nominated by Power Media to its Power in the City list of 30 of the most influential people in London of African, African Caribbean or African American heritage in financial services, professional services and the legal profession.  

Here is the advice Kyle would give his younger self:

Don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know."   You can’t know everything – you’re going to be good at some things, not so good at others. Accept your limitations, and look to find opportunities to learn from those around you who have different skillsets and experience.

Be the person that encourages people to be entrepreneurial.  Foster an entrepreneurial team spirit and an environment where your team feels supported and are learning. You and your team are going to make mistakes – and that’s ok. 

Back yourself. There will be many critics along the way, people who doubt your ability and experience. Don’t let that stop you from trying!  Have faith in yourself, you’ll be surprised what you can do.

Be interested in that thing that makes the other person special. Learn to look beyond labels to identify what really makes a person tick. It may not be what you’d expect and your relationships will be so much richer for it.

 

 

.