Her Story
About Muniba
Muniba Shams is a senior financial services professional with over 15 years of experience in internal audit and related areas. She currently serves as Director of Internal Audit and audit quality lead. Her experience includes a leadership role at Barclays focused on D&I initiatives and events, following training with EY and time at Siemens as an internal auditor. She holds FCCA, CPA and CIA qualifications along with a bachelor's in commerce and a master's in economics. Muniba attributes her success to her mother's belief in her abilities and her faith, and she values honesty, integrity, and leaving things better than she found them. She balances her professional responsibilities with family life as parent to an 8-year-old son while pursuing personal interests in art, history and travel.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Muniba
01What do you attribute your success to?
My mother has always believed in me since I was a kid. She always said to me I can do everything so I believe I could do everything. I never think about the negatives. And also my faith in God. If nobody's watching, He's watching. That has kept me to be a positive person, being honest to myself, to others.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Be honest to people who are honest to you. Don't use people. Be genuine. Believe in yourself. Stop taking a lot of advice from a lot of people. Do your homework. Set realistic goals and go for it. Give it your best. And then leave everything in the hands of God. Find a mentor in your organization.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Believe in yourself and learn from your mistakes, don't feel shy in asking questions and don't let people determine your ability to choose your path.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
It's not easy being a woman. We have to prove we are better than men while handling all responsibilities at home and work. Opportunities are with AI - if you are not leveraging yourself with AI, you're gonna be left behind. Constantly keep yourself relevant and motivated.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty. Do the right things, because everything comes back. Be a positive person. Leave things better than you found. Be a better person. Pick your battles. Not all battles are to be picked up.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.