These roles require me to be a problem-solver and facilitator. When I tell people that I am a Chartered Accountant, I can see them glazing over and thinking to themselves, “Boring!”. But rest assured, being an Assurance partner is anything but boring. I must say I’m not built for office life. I get extremely antsy when trying to sit still for eight hours a day, and that feeling of being trapped at a desk always make me less productive. At EY I don’t have to be too concerned as each day is different. One is constantly on the go, between client meetings, delivering on pitches and above all mentoring and coaching the next generation of young talent. In my role I have the ability to work with clients across the globe which is tremendously engergising.
One of the key highlights I have working at EY is devising the first Diversity and Inclusion survey for the National Code of Corporate Governance for the Top 100 companies in Mauritius
EY: What inspires you off the EY playing field and how does this better enable your professional work?
Anjaala: My weekend passion frees me to follow my wandering spirit and on weekends I’m an avid sun-seeker (of course inspired by island living!) when not being a taxi driver for my boys with their endless weekend activities. My alter ego will have to be the female version of Indiana Jones on a dig somewhere.
My personal and professional personas are as both wonderfully fulfilling and there is no distinction between my EY family and my own. At the risk of sounding clichéd our (EY) values are what guides me in my everyday life. My two boys have re-kindled in me the love for Lego and I use those problem-solving skills in my day to day while encouraging my teams to learn through play.
Dealing with diverse teams at work enables me to be more attentive and to focus on how best to ensure that everyone feels included. At home this helps me ensure that everyone’s needs and wants are catered for. In other words, my day job has helped me being more adaptable and patient.
Advice to my younger self: “Travel, travel, travel!”
Currently reading: ‘Ickabog’ by J.K. Rowling
Currently studying: Egyptology
Find me on: Recently participated in the ACCA D&I roundtable that has to this report : Leading Inclusion
