Sanaa Khan

Discovering purpose and growth


 

Outside of work, Sanaa leads female-only boxing classes and wellness retreats across the globe. And she's found a way to align this purpose with her professional journey in the Group.

At the tender age of 16, fresh out of high school, I embarked on my professional journey as an IT apprentice at Lloyds Banking Group. Driven by a desire to learn and progress, I swiftly transitioned from the colleague IT service desk to project management roles. But it was during my tenure as a Project Manager that I had an epiphany: the people focus was waning, and my true passion lay elsewhere.

A purpose unveiled

My purpose has always been to help others. Beyond the office walls, I lead female-only boxing classes and wellness retreats across the globe – creating safe spaces where women prioritise their health and wellbeing. But what about my work life? Could I align my purpose with my professional journey?

Enter the People & Places Team. With unwavering support from my line manager, I made the leap. My mission: to empower colleagues, foster growth, and make a positive impact. Even if just one colleague gains a valuable insight from a course, it ripples through their interactions with customers, amplifying the Group’s overarching purpose – to Help Britain Prosper. 

“My purpose has always been to help others. But what about my work life? Could I align my purpose with my professional journey?“

Learning, transforming and creating impact

Since joining the People & Places Team, my learning curve has skyrocketed. I’ve earned qualifications in neurolinguistic programming, executive coaching, and Mind Gym accreditation. But it doesn’t stop there. I share my insights with external learning professionals, shedding light on the innovative learning technology employed at Lloyds Banking Group.

The Group’s commitment to growth and transformation fuels my excitement. Catalyst Camps, workshops designed to challenge the status quo, are shaping 10% of the workforce into change agents. Leadership development, guided by the 4Cs – challenge, care, clarity, and coaching – fuels purpose-driven growth.

“As the Group embraces empathy and inclusivity, conversations about culture and religion flourish. I, once reticent, now openly share my experiences.”

Curiosity ignites inclusion

Reflecting on my journey, I emphasise the power of curiosity. As the Group embraces empathy and inclusivity, conversations about culture and religion flourish. I, once reticent, now openly share my experiences. Last year, during Ramadan, I took to social media, revealing how I balance work, boxing, and fasting. The response? Genuine interest and deeper connections.

In this evolving environment, curiosity sparks understanding. My story reminds us that an inclusive workplace fosters growth, not only professionally but also personally. As I continue to learn, empower, and share, I embody the spirit of purpose-driven transformation.

My journey is a testament to the magic that happens when purpose meets growth. At Lloyds Banking Group, it’s not just about numbers; it’s about people – the beating heart of progress. 

Related content

Health and wellbeing

We encourage a culture of wellbeing and inclusivity, and provide a range of health and wellbeing services to meet the diverse needs of our colleagues.

Health and wellbeing

Learning and development

We prioritise personal development, whether that's through professional qualifications, leadership courses or everyday learning. 

Our learning opportunities

Colleague stories

Hear first-hand from our colleagues across the business about their diverse experiences and why they love working at the Group.

Colleague stories