Rekha Nair, Managing Director and Head FX & EM US FI Americas for Societe Generale, won Excellence in FX Trading at Markets Media Group’s 2024 Women in Finance Awards. 

What’s one lesson you’ve learned from working in your industry that you’d like to share?

One lesson I’ve learned is that nothing is too hard. Over the past 18 years, there have been moments when I felt certain I wouldn’t be able to grasp something. Yet, with time and effort, I not only understood it but mastered it. This has taught me the importance of persistence and confidence in my ability to grow.

How do you approach identifying and addressing client needs?
I don’t try to be an expert in everything; instead, I focus on being resourceful and finding the right answers to meet my client’s needs. I prioritize understanding their pain points and work hard to address them effectively. My goal is to make every client feel like they are my top priority and a key focus of my efforts.

What are your future goals?
In the future, I want to continue challenging myself professionally while also striving to be the best mom, wife, friend, and daughter I can be. It is important to me to embrace my individuality and grow in ways that extend beyond my career. As I get older, staying relevant in this space becomes more challenging but I hope to remain up-to-date, energetic, and open to new opportunities. I also want to think creatively about what my future roles might look like, even if they don’t align with traditional paths or what others have done in the past. Embracing this mind set will help me grow both personally and professionally.

What qualities or habits have helped you succeed?
For me, resilience and adaptability have been key qualities in my success. The landscape is constantly evolving, and I’ve worked hard to be a chameleon – adapting to change rather than resisting it. By embracing the ebb and flow of the industry and remaining open to new opportunities, I’ve been able to navigate challenges and differentiate myself. Sticking through the ups and downs with a forward-looking mindset has been invaluable in helping me grow and succeed.

What is a passion of yours outside of work?
Outside of work, I am deeply passionate about my philanthropic efforts, particularly my involvement with EMpower, where I serve on the Board of Directors. It is a cause close to my heart as the organization supports initiatives in emerging market countries focused on empowering women and youth. Contributing to such meaningful work bring me immense fulfillment.