Margaret Belluche, Vice President, Human Resources at Mizuho Americas, won Excellence in Human Resources at Markets Media Group’s 2023 Women in Finance (U.S.) Awards.

What was your reaction to winning the award?

It’s always an honor to be nominated for any award, but to win is a completely different feeling. It was a wonderful surprise, and it’s so rewarding to be recognized alongside leading women in the financial services industry.

Please tell us about your current role and daily responsibilities.

My role has continuously evolved ever since I joined Mizuho 24 years ago. Today, as an Executive Director in Human Resources, I oversee the daily operations, project management teams, governance function, risk and control processes, and policies and procedures for all of HR. This includes leading HR platform rollouts across our regional offices, introducing new systems for tracking and monitoring HR-related matters, and implementing projects to enhance HR-related functions such as learning & development.

What have been the main drivers of your success?

It’s hard to pinpoint one key driver, but I’ve found that having a great support system is integral for long-term success. I’ve had great mentors throughout my career, and I benefit from a work environment that encourages me to learn and grow. On top of that, being adaptable and staying current with industry trends have been key to my continued professional growth, and I always work to find new ways to become a stronger, more effective communicator and leader.

How has the HR industry changed over time?

The role of HR has changed significantly since I began my career. It used to be a predominantly personnel and administrative function, and has evolved to become a very strategic partner to the business. HR departments are now vital resources that support a range of business objectives, such as strategic integration and expansion, supporting major acquisitions and deals, and implementing policies and practices that are critical to the wellbeing of staff.

How do you find balance at work?

Just like many of my colleagues, I attribute my work balance to having a supportive team. At a growing firm like Mizuho, no day is like the other, and having a team that can pivot in any direction and on short notice is important. With the collaboration of my colleagues and support from senior leaders, I’m able to set ambitious goals and meet them, generating meaningful impact for the firm.