Icons of Trust:- Sarah Abernethy

???This week, to celebrate International Women's Day, we'll be spotlighting some of our amazing female icons at Trust Payments and asking them to share their struggles, achievements, and career advice ????

We're proud to introduce our first Icon, Sarah Abernethy, Business Development Director - Hospitality.

Can you give an overview of yourself, your career, and your role at Trust?

Hi, I’m Sarah; I am a Business Development Director- Hospitality and have recently celebrated my 10th anniversary at Trust Payments. During my time at Trust, I have had a number of roles across the commercial team. After I initially joined Trust Payments as an Account Manager, I was promoted to telesales within three weeks! I have since worked in Sales, Partner, and Account Management roles before focusing on the Hospitality Industry.

Alongside my role at Trust Payments, I also own a CrossFit Gym that I purchased in 2022. After training in CrossFit for eight years, an opportunity came for me to buy the business, and I jumped at it.

Outside of working at Trust and running the gym, I like to keep fit; I train in CrossFit, run, walk in the mountains, and pole dance. I am super family-orientated and love spending time with my six nieces and nephews (Who think I’m the coolest Aunt!) or holidaying with my friends or sister.

What is one key piece of career advice you’d give to a 20-year-old you?

20-year-old me had all of the drive and zero confidence. I would tell her that it'll all works out in the end. It won’t be easy, but she will get there. But to also believe in herself a little more.

What have you found most challenging in your career, and how have you dealt with it?

?I really suffer from imposter syndrome; I’ve had so many little hang-ups. I started in payments when I was 21 years old. I left school at 16 as I wasn’t academic and went straight to work. I was always the youngest person in the room by 10 years minimum and often the only female. I never knew quite who to be or how to be, and It took me a while to understand that just actually being me got me to where I needed to be. As silly as it may sound and as cliché, as long as I have my nails done, my hair done and I’m dressed, I feel confident in myself, and I find that this really helps me. (I am known for my shoe collection – I’ve lost count, but it is circa about 500 ?? )

What has been the proudest moment of your career?

Definitely closing on one of the biggest deals that Trust has in its history closed on. That was pretty cool. I was really proud of this. I put so much into that, but I also never doubted myself that I wouldn’t get it.

But also purchasing my own business was a proud personal career moment.

What three tips would you give another female looking to pursue a career in your field?

1.??Fix whatever is within your power and what you don’t know – Find out!

2.??Be authentic. People will like you for you – The good, the bad, and the ugly – That is your secret sauce.

3.?Be resilient in what you want and have confidence in yourself and your own abilities -?No-one is going to do it for you.??

A quote you live by…