Businesses and boardroom leadership are constantly changing, making transformation essential. Leaders who can lead their firms through change are in demand as organizations face unprecedented difficulties in the global business environment. Many leaders exhibit their forte in change management and business transitions through their expertise in multiple disciplines. As a transformational leader, international speaker, and business strategist, Amna Zaidi is a prominent force with over two decades of banking and financial services expertise. In 2023, she transitioned from a banking career to establishing a consultancy and speaking business driven by her aim to leverage her extensive experience to help organizations manage complex business transformations. Her consultancy is designed to support senior leaders and organizations navigating significant changes.
Amna Zaidi’s career inspires and motivates many aspiring to become leaders in their fields. For over twenty years, Zaidi has worked at some of the world’s prominent financial organizations. Her journey began with a notable milestone. At 24, she reported to a company board, marking a significant step as a female, Asian, and Muslim in a traditionally male-dominated sector. This achievement reflects her perseverance and dedication in navigating a challenging industry.
Zaidi’s initial role as the sole woman and person of color in boardroom settings sparked her commitment to leadership and business transformation. These early experiences shaped her approach to creating environments where diverse perspectives are acknowledged and actively valued.
Zaidi’s vision is clear: She wants to support executives and senior leaders by educating others on what she has learned over decades, not so that they can be like her but so that they can be better than her.
Amna Zaidi was born and raised in London, and her broad cultural upbringing shaped her professional attitude. Her family stressed education in her early years, and her career was built on academic excellence in the competitive world of finance and business. Zaidi received a Bachelor of Science in Business and Accounting. She graduated with honors in 2001 and showed an early understanding of business complexities. She went on to become a certified Chartered Accountant from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales in 2003.
Zaidi worked with Deloitte & Touche and BDO Stoy Hayward, where she gained valuable audit experience. Her work involved assessing firms’ health and adherence to regulatory standards. In these early roles, she gained technical knowledge and a broad financial perspective, preparing her for leadership responsibilities later. Her subsequent role at Allied Irish Bank, where she managed regulatory compliance, further developed her skills in financial management and corporate responsibility.
Zaidi made her most prominent contributions at NatWest, Deutsche Bank, and Lloyds Banking Group. She oversaw financial transformation efforts at NatWest from 2012 to 2020, including operational model and core system redesigns. The bank needed these initiatives to modernize and stay competitive in a digital environment and comply with its mandatory regulatory obligations imposed by the Independent Commission of Banking. Zaidi experienced several challenges during her career because she was typically considered the ‘unfamiliar’ leader in the room. Despite these challenges, she managed over £80 million in budgets and led large teams of up to 300 people. She succeeded in these jobs due to her resilience, strategic thinking, and commitment to excellence.
Amna Zaidi’s core values include resilience, authenticity, transformation, and empowerment. She emphasizes the power of resilience—the ability to face challenges and turn them into opportunities for growth. This is encapsulated by her belief that “for transformation to succeed, people must succeed. Therefore, preparing your leaders to think differently is crucial so they can lead differently. Change is inevitable in both life and business, but transformation is a deliberate and significant shift. It doesn’t happen by itself.”
Her career portrays that perseverance in adversity can lead to lasting success. Authenticity or staying true to her values and principles is at the heart of her leadership. She leads with integrity, ensuring that every decision and action is grounded in honesty and transparency, which helps build trust and loyalty with the people she works with. Transformation is another of Zaidi’s core values as she focuses on driving meaningful change in business and personal development. Her ability to simplify complex concepts and make them actionable enables her to guide others through transitions, helping them embrace change and achieve remarkable outcomes. Amna Zaidi also focuses on empowerment in all of her work and is committed to uplifting others by giving them the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to succeed. Whether through mentorship, guidance, or strategic advice, she empowers people and businesses to realize their full potential.
After leaving corporate leadership for consultancy, Amna Zaidi became a prominent global speaker while utilizing her experiences in the industry. Zaidi has spoken globally at prominent conferences and events on leadership, corporate change, and diversity. Her speaking engagements and subjects include leadership in a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environment, the evolving role of a CFO, and the necessity of diversity at the top table. Zaidi presented her ideas alongside prime ministers and other dignitaries at the Oxford Leadership Conference in Dubai. Her keynote lecture addressed leadership in a fast-changing world and provided practical advice for overcoming uncertainty and promoting creativity. Her ability to engage with the C-Suite and rising leaders has made her a thought leader who can inspire and drive change.
In addition to advising and speaking, Amna Zaidi contributes actively to the profession. As a prominent industry figure, she was named to the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW) Audit Registration Committee in 2022. As part of this role, Zaidi monitors audit companies and promotes and upholds accounting standards. She works with the ICAEW to maintain the audit profession’s integrity and reputation and safeguard the public interest. Zaidi was also included as a Freeman of the City of London in the Chartered Accountants Livery in 2024. This tradition-rich award honors excellent professional accomplishments, and for Zaidi, it honors her professional achievements and symbolizes her dedication to quality and service.
Beyond making money, Amna Zaidi’s business is beneficial because it enables leaders and organizations to realize their potential, generating positive change in the world. The goal is to facilitate excellence in leadership, overcome barriers, and generate substantial transformation across various sectors. The change Zaidi aspires to bring to the world is a landscape in which empowered leaders shape the future, creating environments that promote innovation, equity, and sustainable success. Her impactful work—whether as a consultant, speaker, or board member continues to leave a lasting mark on the industry.
Her contributions extend beyond her professional roles. Zaidi actively volunteers, including supporting the Samaritans, and advocates for lifelong learning and mentorship. These activities reflect her commitment to personal development and community support.
Amna Zaidi is undeniably a recognized leader in her field. Her insights into the most pressing challenges facing today’s organizations are invaluable. Her talks cover everything from the intricacies of leadership versus management to empowering new leaders and mastering the art of negotiation.
By embracing a philosophy of resilience and strategic foresight, Zaidi continues to shape the discourse on effective leadership and transformation. Her career guides those seeking to navigate complex changes and achieve sustainable success, making her a noteworthy figure for collaboration and consultation in the evolving business landscape.
Published By: Aize Perez
