Cara Savas, HSBC’s European Head of Sales for Global Payments Solutions, is a long-time champion of diversity.

“As a people business, reflecting our clients’ profiles in our own teams is a non-negotiable for me,” she tells Treasury Today. “To have diverse decision-making in our teams, we need diverse perspectives. Whether it’s people from different functions within the organisation or those with different lived experiences, it is important to appreciate and embrace different perspectives.”

Cara’s commitment to promoting inclusion within and outside her organisation earned her the accolade as Highly Commended Leading Light – EMEA. The newly-created “Leading Light” category celebrates those that have made a real difference in motivating and empowering others to have a voice and be heard.

Cara stresses the importance of supporting diversity at all career levels. She particularly reflects upon the careers of women, who often have to balance family duties, such as caring for children or elderly parents. “If we don’t support our team members during those life moments, it’s difficult to retain them and allow them to continue to advance their career. It’s about awareness and respecting what people bring to the workplace, which is different at different times,” she says.

She often provides mentorship and support to talented individuals among her corporate clients, as well as her team at HSBC. She advocates providing opportunities outside a person’s comfort zone to stretch them and allow them to bring unique insights, which can help drive better outcomes for the bank and its clients.