Looking Back, Charging Forward: Two Months of Excitement and Promise at EY

After making the decision to embark on a new chapter in my career journey, I joined EY with a sense of excitement and purpose. Driven by the desire to contribute to building a better working world, I reflect on the exciting moments of my journey so far and anticipate the bright opportunities that lie ahead.

“Time flies when you’re happy”, they say, and indeed, it feels like just yesterday that I embarked on this exhilarating journey at EY.

I've had the privilege of immersing myself in EY’s dynamic atmosphere and collaborative spirit. From collaborating with brilliant minds to develop innovative strategies and design the way forward of Technology Risk in MENA, each day has been an adventure filled with learning and growth.

What stands out the most is the exceptional people. Every interaction is fueled with creativity, collaboration, and shared success. Very quickly, I could sense the high value of team-working and support across borders and with colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Whether you're embarking on a new career path or navigating changes in your current role, here are some guiding principles that have been instrumental in my journey:

1. Embrace Change with Enthusiasm and a BIG smile :-)

After spending a decade at IBM, making the decision to change organizations was a deep thought process, but it’s a decision I’m glad I made. Change is inevitable, but it also presents opportunities for growth. I’ve learned to approach new experiences with an open mind and a willingness to learn, knowing that each challenge I overcome brings me closer to my goals. And through it all, maintaining a positive mindset, keep pushing forward with a big smile has been my secret weapon and my motive! Reflecting back, if given the chance, I wouldn’t hesitate to make the same decision again.

2. Trust your Gut instincts.

Our intuition often provides valuable insights that can enhance our decision-making process, yet we often overlook its guidance. The simplest principle is to trust your gut. If you feel like it's the right time for a change, chances are, it is. Reflecting on my own experience, when I engaged in initial conversations with EY back in August 2023, I felt a surge of energy, excitement, and optimism. I found myself deeply aligned with EY's values, vision, and culture, and I had a strong intuition that EY could be the perfect fit for me. And as fate would have it, here I am today!

3. Embrace a Growth Mindset.

Choosing to adopt a growth mindset has been a deliberate decision I made years ago, and it has transformed my work and career into a more enjoyable journey! What matters most to me is dedicating the time and effort to continually challenge myself and push beyond conventional boundaries in all aspects of my work. By embracing a growth mindset, I approach each day with a sense of curiosity and determination, eager to explore new horizons and unlock my full potential. This mindset has not only fueled my personal and professional growth but has also enriched my experiences at EY, where innovation and continuous improvement are celebrated.

4. Discuss with the ones you care and love.

When navigating a career change, your family and friends can offer invaluable advice and encouragement. I am deeply appreciative of the unwavering love and support I receive from my family, particularly my two boys. Reflecting on last summer, when I was first approached by EY, I recall a candid and lighthearted conversation with my youngest son. Among his reasons for favoring EY were its simplicity of being just two letters and its association with his favorite color, yellow. While humorous, this exchange underscored the importance of involving loved ones in the decision-making process with care and respect. By engaging in open dialogue and valuing their perspectives, we strengthen our connections and enrich our decision-making journey.

As I look ahead to the future at EY, I'm filled with anticipation for the exciting opportunities and challenges that await. With each passing day, I'm inspired by the passion, talent, and dedication of my team and colleagues. Here's to many more months of adventure, discovery, and success at 安永 .

The best is yet to come!

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Written by Kawther Haciane

MENA Partner – Technology Risk Consulting Lead