The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is Accelerating Action. Focusing on the need to Accelerate Action, it emphasises the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality. It calls for increased momentum and urgency in addressing the systemic barriers and biases that women face, both in personal and professional spheres.

Through our Employee Resource Group BALANCE, we thrive to be the catalyst for change in achieving gender balance within PTSB.

The BALANCE Mentorship Programme was developed to support female colleagues across the Bank in their personal and professional development. Since its launch in 2022, we have seen almost five hundred female colleagues take part as mentees across all levels. 

The Mentor program creates opportunities to equip female colleagues with the skills and confidence required to progress in their careers, whilst simultaneously building their network within the Bank.

Today, we wish to spotlight both male and female colleagues who have been integral to the programme through participation as either a mentor or mentee, with the Accelerating Acton theme in mind we asked them how they stay motivated and focused?

‘In work, I stay motivated by visualising the end product and more importantly how we are delivering value for our customers. It is really satisfying reading customer feedback on a new service we have implemented which helps solve a pain point for them and improving on their experience with the Bank.

Anna Masterson, Digital Channels Specialist

‘I must enjoy what I do to stay motivated and focused. I like challenges that stretch me, and I like learning new skills. Over my career, I have held numerous management positions in different areas of banking. I have also launched new businesses in the USA and Ireland. My key internal driver is that I embrace, and welcome change and I like to challenge myself’.

Paul Bonvicsini Bennett, Private Banking Manager

‘I’ve found what works for me when I’m especially busy is writing things down (OneNote is especially helpful for me) and keeping track of everything I need to do, breaking larger tasks to small manageable ones, day by day ensuring at the end of the day I know exactly what I’m doing the next day. Having clarity on tasks keeps me motivated, and by asking questions and making sure I’m on the right track gives me an extra boost, knowing the work I’m doing is making a positive impact’

Chloe Mazhandu, Senior Analyst Change PMO

‘At work I am results driven so when I see results or get positive feedback that keeps me motivated to do more. For me that can look like a marketing campaign increasing sales, being presented with an opportunity to progress or just a well done. In terms of focus, this can be a challenge and I personally find the only thing that truly keeps me focused is a deadline. Luckily for me, there’s always a deadline’

Eimear Grehan, Marketing Communications Manager

‘My work environment is key to my motivation.  My previous roles have been mostly commercial in nature, involving some heavy travel with significant pressure.  This was fine at the time, but now my priority is to work somewhere where I feel that I add value, with a supportive team, with excellent people and that I have fun in doing what I do.  We talk a lot about culture in PTSB.  Take it from one who has worked in many companies all over the world, this is quite a unique place to work.  The fact that we don’t just talk about things like workplace balance, we do something about it, says a lot’

Charlie Sherlock, BSIM Technical Delivery Manager

‘I look at the screen saver on my phone -  my wife & two kids, it’s all for them!’

Mark Harris, Senior Manager Business Banking Transformation

‘With a mix of strategy, self-awareness, and, let’s be honest, the occasional caffeine boost. I’ve found that tying my daily work to a bigger purpose—whether it’s driving a successful partnership, supporting the team’s growth, or just making sure things don’t descend into chaos—helps keep me engaged. The most important factor though is the people I surround myself with. Energy is contagious, and working with smart, driven, and positive people makes an enormous difference. I actively seek out colleagues and mentors who push me to think bigger, challenge my assumptions, and help me grow.

When motivation dips, the right conversation can completely shift my perspective—whether it’s brainstorming with a team that makes me excited about a project again, getting a fresh take from someone who sees things differently, or simply being reminded that I’m not the only one figuring things out. At the same time, I make sure I’m creating that same kind of environment for others—because motivation isn’t just about what you get, but also what you contribute. I keep moving forward, knowing that motivation comes and goes, but consistency is what really gets results’.

Marilena Pavlou, Senior Strategic Partner Manager

Read more about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at PTSB.