Samuel Ibini: Empowering career growth through mentorship at Macquarie

Why did you join Macquarie? 

Joining Macquarie felt like a homecoming, a pivotal moment where my professional aspirations and personal journey intersected. When I was at school, I signed up for a mentoring program where I was partnered with Macquarie. This experience wasn't merely about guidance; it was an eye-opener to a world where innovation and excellence were more than just buzzwords. My mentor, Rachel Engel, who is the Regional Head of the Macquarie Group Foundation (EMEA), didn't just share her knowledge; she instilled in me a vision of what it means to be part of a team that champions innovation and inclusivity.

In what way has the diversity of Macquarie’s operations, and global presence, helped you in your career? 

Reflecting on my journey at Macquarie, I've been fortunate to be involved in a variety of projects that span different facets of the company's operations.

During my first year, I had the opportunity to travel to our office in Dublin to provide support, gain exposure to other teams and see how they are set up. This experience sparked my interest in becoming more involved with our Commodities and Global Markets (CGM) business, which I pursued.

In 2023, I was promoted to Senior Associate and joined the CGM Tech Assist Team to specialise in supporting trading technology. The team has a variety of applications they rely on daily to execute trades, where even seconds matter -  so the technology has to be running as expected.

I've had the opportunity to contribute to our operations in meaningful ways, across a number of projects. One notable project was the onboarding of a new analytics platform for our trading team. This platform, designed for real-time data analysis, was crucial in enabling traders to make swift, informed decisions. Working on this project allowed me to gain insights into the essential role of data analytics in formulating effective trading strategies, marking a rewarding challenge that highlighted the importance of innovation and adaptability in our industry.

How do the useful range of benefits Macquarie provide help you to manage wellbeing, health and family? 

I encountered a personal health scare at the start of this year; the first of its kind for me. It was a challenging period, but what stood out was the incredible support I received from Macquarie, which played a crucial role in my recovery and return to work. I want to emphasise the exceptional support provided by our occupational health manager in EMEA, who would check in on me weekly, not just to discuss my health but also to share laughs and uplifting conversations that significantly boosted my mood and overall wellbeing during a difficult time.

Macquarie also facilitated access to private medical care, including therapy and consultations with a private doctor. This comprehensive support was invaluable during my time off work, aiding my recovery and ensuring a smooth transition back into my role. The company's approach, particularly the phased return to work, allowed me to reintegrate into my professional life without the added stress of feeling out of place or overwhelmed by inquiries regarding my absence.

This experience highlighted Macquarie's commitment to employee wellbeing, not just as a policy but in real, tangible actions. From personal gestures like sending cupcakes and chocolates to show they care, to the structured support for my health and phased return to work, Macquarie proved to be a pillar of support. It's this level of care and understanding from my team and manager that has been incredibly important to me, underscoring the value Macquarie places on its people, their health, and their wellbeing.

As a global organisation of over 20,000+ employees, how do you maintain relationships and build your network? What are the benefits to this? 

In a global organisation like Macquarie, building relationships and networks are essential. I've found my colleagues to be incredibly open and welcoming, which has been crucial for building my knowledge and confidence. This openness allows for effective support across the board. Personal connections matter. Being approachable and understanding different roles has shown me how we all contribute to the organisation's success. Regular discussions with colleagues have helped me grasp the infrastructure of CGM and the interconnectedness of different departments, enabling me to be a more reliable support resource. Ultimately, strengthening my network has been key to understanding the broader picture, facilitating problem-solving, and driving the business forward.

I’ve also joined Macquarie’s BEAM (Black Employees at Macquarie) Forum and that’s helped me connect with colleagues outside of my department, offering another opportunity to learn how things operate outside of my day-to-day.

There are so many opportunities for me to engage with people across the company. I feel this is a place where I can learn, develop, and progress in my career. Macquarie helps make my aspirations achievable.