HerStory
Turning History into HerStory, because every milestone matters. We feature and celebrate our woman brigade who have been an integral part of the RBL Bank story.
Irene Sequeira has been with RBL Bank for over 12 years. Let’s know more about her journey.
Q: Which aspects of the Bank’s culture have been most empowering in your professional journey?
A: Emphasis on continuous learning. This culture has pushed me to take ownership of my growth, switching roles after years in a different profile and constantly seeking new challenges.
Additionally, the strong focus on collaboration and mentorship has played a key role in my development. The opportunity to work alongside and learn from experienced colleagues has accelerated my learning curve and given me the confidence to step into more complex roles.
Q: From the first day to today what is the one value at RBL Bank that has remained constant and continues to inspire you?
A: I have had the opportunity to witness the RBS migration, initial IPO and trade finance system migration. The two values that have remained constant and continue to inspire me every day are integrity and innovation. The culture here is deeply rooted in doing what’s right – for our customers, our colleagues and our stakeholders. That sense of responsibility and ethical grounding gives real meaning to the work we do. At the same time, there’s a strong spirit of innovation that pushes us to keep evolving, to think differently, and to find better solutions. It’s this rare balance- staying true to our values while constantly moving forward- that makes working at RBL Bank both purposeful and exciting.
Q: What’s your proudest achievement at the Bank and how did the organization enable it?
A: One of my proudest achievements was leading a small team for the first time, wherein I learned to delegate and gain trust in the team. Organized team events that brought the people together. There were instances where a couple of team members went on leave due to personal engagements. I reorganized the tasks, and asked for help from another team, and held daily check-ins to support morale. We finished on time, and I realized how important it is to communicate transparently and ask for support.
What made it truly special was how the organization empowered me throughout the journey. I had the trust of my leadership, access to cross functional collaboration, and the freedom to innovate within a clear framework of accountability. RBL Bank’s culture of openness and support allowed me to take the initiative, learn quickly and deliver meaningful results.
Q: How has the Bank supported your growth both as a professional and as an individual?
A: RBL Bank has played a pivotal role in shaping my growth both professionally and personally. As a professional, I have had the opportunity to work in the Digital Banking Unit, take on responsibilities that pushed me out of my comfort zone and continuously upskill through structured learning programs where the Bank nominated me for two leadership online programs, (LEAP & WLDP) for a period of 6-8 months. The leadership here doesn’t just delegate-they empower, challenge, guide, and above all promote gender equality.
RBL Bank has always encouraged a sense of belonging has made a lasting difference in how I show up every day.
Q: Looking back at your journey, what would you tell other women about building a career at RBL Bank?
A: I would like to tell other women that building a career at RBL Bank is about being bold, visible, and authentic. This is an organization that values initiative, resilience and fresh thinking – qualities that women bring in abundance. My advice would be to not shy away from challenging roles or difficult conversations. Seek out mentors, advocate for your growth, and most importantly, trust your capabilities. At RBL Bank, there’s space to lead, to learn and to leave a mark. The road won’t always be easy, but it’s certainly worth it! And remember the words of Eleanor Roosevelt: “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.
