Terry Mellish just recently retired from a head of international public policy diversity and inclusion role at Natixis Investment Managers, capping a career in the city that spanned over 50 years. He is continuing in an active role in the industry as an ambassador of The Diversity Project where he heads up the ability work stream, and is a frequent participant in industry networking events and diversity and inclusion themed initiatives.

Our conversation, and this podcast’s title, references an article recently published featuring Terry in which he describes being born “on the wrong side of the tracks” but nonetheless entering the city at a very young age and working his way up. Terry spent much of his life working with institutional clients and he describes his extraordinary work ethic in which he learned to express his opinion only after finding how much it was valued. There were many changes in the City over the course of his career and we discuss whether the City has come far enough in encouraging socio-economic diversity and mobility and how it needs to improve.

One of the most affirming aspects of my conversation with Terry is our discussion of the energizing effect that his taking on a diversity and inclusion role had towards the end of his career. This unexpected turn, facilitated by a supportive sponsor, provided a new beginning at a time when careers typically wind down, and acted as launch pad for the next active chapter of his life – post retirement.

There is more information on the Diversity Project at: https://diversityproject.com/

This podcast was made possible by the kind support of Alvine Capital, a London based specialist investment advisor and placement boutique.