Kamel is widely recognised as an inspirational strategist, advisor and trailblazer, credited with reshaping the UK banking sector across a 40-year career. From building Lloyds Banking Group’s Asian strategy, to co-founding ethnic minority and women’s networks in financial services, to advising FTSE 100 boards and government, her influence has been profound..
She was awarded an OBE for services to diversity and inclusion, and today she continues to coach senior leaders, champion Alzheimer’s awareness, and speak globally on purpose, resilience, and leadership.
Key takeaways from this ImpactExpert QT:
- Identity is power: embracing her full self – migrant, woman of colour, mother – became her greatest strength and leadership armour..
- Inclusion drives growth: opening doors for colleagues and communities unlocked talent and prosperity.
- Leadership starts with courage and purpose: don’t wait for permission – empathy, listening and authenticity are the real markers of leadership.
- Scale requires humility: listening deeply and adapting solutions ensures impact lands where it matters.
- Work joy is human: giving even one person courage to find their voice is the true measure of success.
Kamel embodies the values we champion at ImpactMatch: purpose-led, outcome-obsessed, and legacy-focused.
What was one of the best roles you’ve ever had and why?
One of the best roles I’ve had was developing the Asian strategy for Lloyds Banking Group. It wasn’t just a commercial initiative, it required a huge cultural shift. I saw both the barriers my community faced in accessing finance, and the lack of inclusion within the bank itself. By bringing that diverse thinking to the board, we unlocked talent internally and created a more prosperous environment externally. For me, it was about opening doors for “my people,” colleagues and customers, and proving that inclusion drives growth.
What’s one decision that helped align your work with your values?
The decision to stop leaving my identity at the door. For decades I mimicked others in male-dominated industries, trying to fit in. But once I embraced my full self – a migrant, a woman of colour, a mother, a daughter-in-law – it became my greatest armour. Identity and values go hand-in-hand, and they give you the courage to speak up, to lead authentically, and to know why you’re doing what you’re doing. That alignment is what has carried me through.
What’s the biggest thing you’ve done to improve social impact?
I’m proud to have co-founded the ethnic minority and women’s networks in banking, and later the School for Social Entrepreneurs. That programme gave people from difficult backgrounds, including ex-offenders, the chance to turn an idea into a business, creating 4,000 jobs. We also launched the Business Connector programme with His Majesty the King (then Prince of Wales), enabling colleagues to mentor in their local communities. At one point, 70,000 employees put their hands up to volunteer. For me, that was the spark: shifting a whole culture to realise the impact they could have beyond the day job.
What milestones or proudest moments stand out in your career?
Receiving my OBE in 2017 for services to diversity and inclusion was a huge honour. I’m proud too of being an Ambassador for Alzheimer’s Society for over 15 years, making sure diverse communities understand and access support. Joining Lloyd’s of London’s Sustainability Committee has also been significant, helping shift culture across the insurance sector to unlock hidden talent. And since retiring from banking, the proudest part has been sharing my story globally: speaking about purpose, courage, and resilience. To know those words have touched people in boardrooms and auditoriums around the world is deeply humbling.
What’s one project that taught you a big lesson about impact?
When I first set up the ethnic minority network, I gave a keynote where, for the first time, I spoke openly about my personal life, not just my career. It was raw, and the audience wasn’t expecting it. But the ripple effect was extraordinary. It taught me that when you stop hiding your identity – your culture, your background, your scars – it becomes your greatest strength. That moment changed the trajectory of my career and my life. My lesson? Be proud of your identity. Don’t leave it at the door. That’s where courage and purpose are found.
What’s a piece of strategic advice you find yourself giving often?
Don’t wait for permission to lead. Whether leading yourself, a team, or an organisation, leadership starts with courage and purpose. When you have purpose, you unlock courage – and with courage, you create space for others. Leadership today is about empathy and listening, not command and control. So, take ownership, step forward, and be the leader others need, even if nobody asks you to.
What’s one learning from delivering work at scale?
Understand the people you’re serving, and never assume one solution fits all. Scaling impact requires agility, adaptability, and humility. Listen deeply to the voices of those you’re trying to reach, and be prepared to shift your approach. Sometimes the smallest insight from a beneficiary can change everything. Stay curious, stay empathetic, and remember: scale isn’t about rolling out a one-size-fits-all model, it’s about meeting people where they are.
Who or what inspires your approach to impact?
My parents. We arrived in Britain in the 1960s as refugees with nothing. My father was a civil engineer, but instead of building Britain we faced racism and hostility. His resilience and my mother’s compassion shaped me. She would always say, “You take my honour with you. Make me proud.” Those words still drive me. Their strength, their service to community, and their ability to carry on in the toughest circumstances inspire me every day to be braver than I was yesterday.
What brings you the most work joy?
When I hear from someone, often on LinkedIn, that a keynote or workshop gave them courage. Sometimes it’s just one person saying, “You made me realise I’m not alone.” That is the moment I feel I’ve done my job. I’m not always good at receiving compliments, but I’ve learned that if even one person finds their voice because of something I’ve shared, then that is joy, and it fuels me to carry on.
Finally, what’s your favourite quote?
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Gandhi. I couldn’t always control the environments I was in, but I could control how I chose to show up. This quote anchors me in my values and reminds me to live them, even when it’s hard. Real change starts within, and when you show up differently, the world around you shifts too.
We’re thrilled to have Kamel bring her wisdom, resilience, and global perspective to the ImpactMatch Advisory Board.
