Ama Ocansey is a multi-award-winning ESG executive, She is a qualified Solicitor and has over 20 years’ experience advising clients in the debt and equity markets across EMEA
Ama has held senior legal roles at Linklaters and BNP Paribas. Ama has extensive experience as a Chartered Director and is currently the Chair of a financial subsidiary. What does leadership mean to you, and how has your approach or style changed over time?
For me, leadership is about influence, responsibility, and service—not titles. It starts with having a clear vision and strategy and leading by example. I try to model my values, work ethic, and professionalism so that it’s clear what I expect from others. Listening, building trust, and helping people grow and achieve their potential are just as important.
My leadership style has evolved over time. I have learnt that you don’t have to have all the answers and learnt to ask the right questions instead. I believe in surrounding myself with great talent, achievements are usually a team effort.
What have been the biggest challenges and the biggest successes in your life, and what have you learned from them?
As my career has progressed, I’ve experienced what, at the time, felt like my biggest challenges and greatest successes. What I’ve learned along the way is that life keeps happening, and with it, the stakes often increase. As a woman of colour in the finance industry, I’ve faced more than my fair share of challenges.
Becoming a Chair of a financial subsidiary is something I rank as hugely significant. I began my non-executive director (NED) journey around ten years ago and, initially, I didn’t really see myself represented in board roles. I had been a NED for a charity and felt confident I could succeed as a corporate NED too. However, I was told by several people that I “wasn’t ready.” I didn’t accept that advice. I believed my legal background and executive experience were valid, and I refused to let someone else define my readiness.
Instead, I sought out people who would support me—what I now recognise as sponsors. I worked hard to articulate my story: why I wanted the role, how I would add value, and how it aligned with my career journey. At the same time. I was diagnosed with breast cancer and was studying for my IOD Chartered Director exams on the top of the day job. There was a lot happening, it was a difficult period both personally and professionally, some days getting out of bed seemed like an achievement.
That challenge taught me that mindset shapes outcomes. You get to define your own narrative. And you shouldn’t accept a “no” until you’ve exhausted every option. Also prioritise good mental and physical well-being, if you don’t have good health, you don’t have anything.
One of my proudest successes has been winning several awards in my role as Head of Diversity & Inclusion. I am a finance lawyer by profession, and stepping into this role meant expanding my skill set and approaching my work differently. At times, I questioned whether I was an outlier and overthought my decisions. But the move made sense to me—it was logical and aligned with my values. Winning those awards has been deeply affirming and has strengthened my confidence.
I am also incredibly proud that I’ve been able to achieve my career ambitions while raising and supporting my family, even while dealing with periods of serious illness. It’s shown me that while you can’t have everything you can succeed at what you commit to - on your terms.
What advice do you have for younger women aspiring to leadership roles?
Firstly, take risks and say yes to opportunities; even before you feel fully ready, there will be time to figure things out later. It’s the only way to grow and broaden your experience
Secondly reframe doubts into “I cannot do this yet”.
Lastly, remain curious - it’s not about having all the answers.
“You get to define your own narrative. And you shouldn’t accept a “no” until you’ve exhausted every option.”
Ama Ocansey
