Fatima Rhazouani wins ‘Mentor of the Year’ award

In September 2022, Fatima Rhazouani, Client Service Director for Marston Holdings was announced ‘Mentor of the Year – Non-creditor’ at the Women in Credit Awards. Fatima who has been with Marston for almost 20 years is highly regarded amongst her colleagues and clients and is a well-known and respected figure in the credit industry. We put her on the spot to find out more about her work and views on the industry.

What does your daily job role entail?

I have lots of Teams meetings!

Providing guidance to team members, responding to escalations from colleagues across the business, speaking and meeting with strategic clients to discuss performance/KPIs, providing intelligence for tenders, reviewing bids, new business sales and extension proposals.

What are the highs in your career?

Retaining large complex contracts like TfL in 2020, becoming Client Director on the Operations Board in 2014, successfully implementing the training and company operational changes required for the changes in enforcement legislation in 2013 and 2014, watching one of my team, Stevie Steel,  win ‘Young Parking Professional of the Year’ in 2018!

Talk to us about your team?

My team are a pleasure to work with, all really kind people who are great at looking after their clients and not scared of hard work, hence why they have progressed so far.  

What makes a good mentor/team leader?

Someone who is passionate about what they do, wants to help others to be the best that they can be and someone who has the confidence to believe in themselves, using their own experience of being resilient and overcoming their own battles.

What would be your top tip for women starting out in the credit industry

You have just as much right to be in the room and the table as every man in that room!

Your voice is always important, and the more you speak kindly to yourself and mentally believe in what you have to offer as a person and a colleague, the more others will believe in you.

How do you manage the juggling act of being a mum, a manager, and keeping up good relationships with colleagues as well as clients?

I try my best to maintain a work/life balance. I pushed for a four-day week to give myself quality downtime to rest and process.

Most importantly do a job you enjoy doing! I love my clients and I love my team, and my little diva daughter… It’s tough to find the energy to do it all, but getting good sleep from Sunday night to Thursday night and lots of vitamins also helps!

What are your thoughts on the industry now? How has it changed? What are the challenges?

The industry has changed so much since I joined in 2003, there are so many more women succeeding and bringing results now than ever before. I have been supported by many good women like Anjna Patel MBE who invited me to my first ‘Women in Parking’ meeting in 2005 and I’m so proud to see a young female, Jade Neville take up BPA Presidency.

The business has become more professional and ethical and it’s an industry that is constantly evolving.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

I enjoy where I am in the company as I have reached a good level of seniority that gives me the challenges I need whilst still maintaining a balanced family life. I would love to spend more time helping others progress in their career and using my experience and advice to elevate them further and give them the confidence to be ambitious and aim high. 

Why is it so important to celebrate women in credit?

I think it’s very important to celebrate women in credit to remind everyone how many admirable women are contributing to the industry’s achievements and to recognise what they bring to the table in a previously male dominated area.

I believe that women need as much encouragement as possible to get themselves out there and be confident in themselves. I did not expect to win the award as I was up against some very good people, but it has really made me think about how much I enjoy helping others rise up in the organisation and how important it is for all women to have an example in their company which gives them hope and inspiration to succeed and aim high.

Comments from the Women in Credit Judging Panel:

Fatima is a wonderful role model within her company and beyond; her approach to mentoring has seen fantastic results. Her advocacy for returning parents and balancing work with being a mother is truly inspiring, and she’s made great positive changes within Marston.

To find out more about Fatima Rhazouani or any of our services at Marston Holdings please email marketing@marstonholdings.co.uk