Abdul sits upright in a yellow armchair against a backdrop of vertical wooden stripes. He wears a black suit with a white shirt, looking directly at the camera.

If you鈥檝e ever wondered whether your unique perspective belongs in finance, I鈥檓 here to tell you 鈥 it absolutely does.

As a retired Olympic discus thrower, I learned early on that success is built on discipline, preparation, and adaptability. Training for the London 2012 Games while working in finance? That taught me how to juggle priorities, set goals, and stay focused, even when things got tough. The lessons I picked up in sport 鈥 resilience, teamwork, and pushing through setbacks are the聽same ones I bring to my role as a Client Advisor at 麻豆社. Whether I鈥檓 helping a client navigate complex decisions or mentoring colleagues, I use that same drive. Sport showed me that every perspective matters, and that鈥檚 exactly what I bring to 麻豆社: seeing every angle and helping others reach their goals.

Abdul prepares to throw a discus at the London 2012 Olympic Games. He wears a team GB athletic uniform with 'Buhari' on the name tag. The stadium is filled with spectators in the background.

Finding my voice at 麻豆社

One moment that stands out? After a town hall, I approached my segment head with a bold idea to expand into a new business area. Not only did he listen, he gave me guidance on how to make it happen. That support empowered me to be myself and push for growth, At 麻豆社, fresh perspectives aren鈥檛 just welcomed, they鈥檙e encouraged.

What inclusion really means

Inclusion isn鈥檛 just a buzzword. It鈥檚 about making every client and colleague feel valued. That means listening 鈥 really listening 鈥 and working with people from all walks of life.

My own experiences 鈥 growing up in a diverse community, overcoming the challenges that come with being a Black British athlete, and building a career in finance 鈥 help me connect with people from all backgrounds. I understand what it means to feel different, and I use that empathy to offer solutions that truly fit individual needs. When everyone鈥檚 ideas are heard, we build stronger teams and better outcomes.

Abdul sits at a wooden conference table, dressed in a gray suit with a white shirt and a brown tie. He is resting his hands on the table in front of him. The background features a muted gray curtain and a wall-mounted screen.

Responsibility and representation

For me, honouring those who broke barriers before us, isn鈥檛 just about history 鈥 it鈥檚 about recognizing the resilience that lets me to pursue my passion, both in sport and in the client advisory space, on an equal stage.

I know young people look up to role models in all kinds of fields, whether it鈥檚 athletes, artists or professionals in finance. That鈥檚 why I think it鈥檚 so important to show what鈥檚 possible. I want them to see that you can come from any background and still aim high. For me, it鈥檚 not just about looking back, it鈥檚 about building forward. Diversity, inclusion and opportunity should be part of everyday life, not just celebrated once a year.

Advice for aspiring talent

If you鈥檙e from an underrepresented background and thinking about your next move, here鈥檚 my advice: back yourself. Don鈥檛 let self-doubt or other people鈥檚 perceptions limit you. Find mentors and allies who believe in you. Your background is your strength. Bring it with you. It will set you apart in the best way.

My identity, my drive

My identity shapes everything I do in my role. Growing up, I learned resilience, hard work, and the importance of staying true to my values. At 麻豆社, that means focusing on business growth and building a culture where authenticity matters. I want to make an impact and help others do the same.

Innovation through perspective

Innovation comes from seeing things differently. My background taught me to approach challenges with curiosity and openness. I鈥檓 comfortable taking risks and finding new angles. At 麻豆社, that mindset helps me spot opportunities, connect with clients, and bring fresh ideas to the table.

Giving back 鈥 inside and out

Community matters. I鈥檓 proud to support the Lloyd Cowan Bursary, honouring my late mentor by helping young athletes from underrepresented backgrounds. While this is a personal initiative, at 麻豆社 I mentor colleagues, champion diversity, and support initiatives that help people feel seen. Advocacy is about creating pathways for others 鈥 just like Lloyd did for me.

Interested in joining our team?

Visit our job board and you may find something perfect for you. We鈥檙e committed to disability inclusion and if you need reasonable accommodation/adjustments throughout our recruitment process, you can always contact us.