Tazeen Syeda, Director – Fidelity Brokerage Technology, Fidelity Investments India, muses about her journey that led her to Fidelity, and how the firm’s thriving and inclusive culture has empowered her to sharpen her technology acumen and leadership influence.

Describe your journey so far.

I graduated from Vijaya College, Bangalore, where I specialized in mathematics, economics, and statistics. My journey as a professional began at a young age, initially in the field of direct selling from which I transitioned to the corporate sector, working primarily in contact centers, where I managed customer service and technical support operations.

For a considerable portion of my career, I worked at Hewlett Packard, India, where I gained valuable experience in the corporate space and honed my skills as a professional. My role involved addressing customer inquiries and providing technical assistance to them. This experience equipped me with a solid foundation in customer relationship management and technical problem-solving.

Subsequently, I embarked on a new chapter in my career by joining Microsoft in India. During my tenure there, I supported customer relationship management for the US and EMEA regions. My role enabled me to interact with diverse teams and customers across different regions, helping to further enhance my global perspectives, cross-cultural communication, and technical skills.

My educational background in mathematics, economics, and statistics, together with my extensive professional experience, has provided me with a unique skill set – I am adept at analyzing data, solving complex problems, and delivering exceptional customer service. These skills have been instrumental in my career growth and success both in the technology industry and broader corporate world.

What made you choose Fidelity as a preferred employer?

When I was first approached for the role at Fidelity, I had limited knowledge about the expansive world of services and opportunities that Fidelity offers. I soon enough learnt that Fidelity was a significant player in the financial services industry.

As I contemplated the prospect of joining Fidelity, the advice and opinions of friends and family weighed heavily on my decision-making process. They consistently emphasized Fidelity’s reputation as one of the most stable and ethically driven organizations to be associated with. This was a pivotal motivator for me in considering a career with Fidelity.

The reassurance of stability and ethical practices resonated strongly with my personal values and career aspirations. I recognized that aligning myself with such an esteemed institution would not only provide a secure foundation for my professional journey but also offer the opportunity to contribute to a company that upholds high standards of integrity and accountability.

The trust and respect that Fidelity commands within the industry and among those I respect and trust in my personal circle played a pivotal role in my decision to join the organization. It was clear that Fidelity’s commitment to excellence, ethics, and stability was in perfect harmony with my own values and career ambitions.

Today, as a proud member of the Fidelity team, I am excited to contribute my skills and dedication to an organization that not only meets but exceeds the expectations set by my friends and family. I look forward to being a part of Fidelity’s continued success and its unwavering commitment to ethical and responsible financial services.

How would you describe your journey with Fidelity so far?

I find immense satisfaction in my role at Fidelity primarily because of the incredible team I have the privilege of working with. Joining Fidelity as a people manager was a natural choice for me, given my two decades of experience in such a role. However, in the last seven years at Fidelity, I have taken a different path and transitioned into an individual contributor role. This shift has allowed me to lend my expertise to various teams and roles, providing me with invaluable insights into various aspects of the company.

One of the most remarkable aspects of working at Fidelity is our collaborative approach. We view all our colleagues as partners, not only within our local teams but also globally. This unified approach results in our ultimate focus being the end customer, in whatever we do. Our customer-centric ethos binds us together as a one unified global team.

Fidelity Investments India, and indeed the whole global organization, is a diverse firm that caters to individuals at every stage of their career journey, whether they are interns, new hires, or seasoned professionals. Our Learning and Development (L&D) programs reflect this diversity, offering a wide range of options tailored to individual needs. At Fidelity, learning is not one-size-fits-all; it is about what you want to learn, how you want to learn it, and when you want to learn it. The resources available to us are exceptional, with both online and offline training modes at our disposal.

What truly sets Fidelity apart is its commitment to inclusivity and support. I have found no other workplace that embraces diversity as sincerely as Fidelity does.

In addition to our regular roles, I am a part of several affinity groups that I deeply resonate with. These groups provide opportunities for likeminded individuals to connect and contribute to initiatives and programs that resonate with them.

The organization is also committed to benefiting and impacting the communities where we live and work through our corporate social responsibility (CSR) program, Fidelity Cares. This program is always on the lookout for ways to give back to society and benefit the environment. It reflects Fidelity’s commitment not only to its employees but also the broader community.

Overall, my journey at Fidelity has been enriching and fulfilling.

Our collaborative spirit, inclusivity, and commitment to personal and professional development make Fidelity an exceptional workplace. I look forward to continuing to grow and contribute both to the success of our organization and the betterment of the communities where we live and work, through Fidelity’s initiatives.

In your view, what are the attributes that are required to be a successful leader at Fidelity?

At Fidelity, the attributes and aspects that define me as a successful leader are rooted in our organizational culture that promotes leadership at all levels. This culture encourages continuous awareness of customer needs, and a spirit of continuous learning and adaptability, to deliver the best end-to-end experience through our solutions.

One of the key leadership principles that strongly resonates with me at Fidelity is the commitment to thinking and working across the firm. This principle reflects the importance of breaking down silos, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that our actions align with the broader goals of the organization. By embracing this principle, I have been able to bridge gaps, connect disparate teams, and create synergies that drive value for both Fidelity and our customers.

Another crucial principle I embrace is the willingness to take calculated risks and prioritize pace over perfection. In today’s dynamic business environment, the ability to make informed decisions swiftly is essential. I have learned that it’s often more valuable to act and iterate based on real-time feedback rather than wait for a perfect solution. This mindset has allowed me to drive innovation and adapt to changing circumstances effectively.

My nine-year tenure at Fidelity has been marked by significant growth and adaptability as I have moved across four different business units. Each of these experiences has played a vital role in shaping me into the leader I am today. I have consistently focused on delivering value, whether it’s in the form of innovative solutions, improved processes, or exceptional customer experiences.

Additionally, I believe in “telling it like it is”. Honest and transparent communication is the foundation of trust. This principle has helped create an environment of open dialogue and problem-solving, allowing us to address challenges head-on and make data-driven decisions.

Lastly, I take considerable pride in owning the outcomes of my actions and decisions. Accountability is a cornerstone of effective leadership, and I believe that taking ownership of results, whether they are successes or setbacks, is essential for personal and professional growth.

In summary, my journey as a successful leader at Fidelity has been defined by a commitment to collaboration, a willingness to take calculated risks, adaptability across diverse business units, a culture of honest communication, and unwavering accountability. These attributes enable me to contribute meaningfully to Fidelity’s mission of delivering exceptional value to our customers while continuously evolving as a leader in this dynamic industry.

Can you share your most cherished moment at Fidelity so far?

My journey at Fidelity has been rich with proud and memorable moments that have truly defined the fulfilment I find in my role. Among these standout moments, a few hold a special place in my heart.

First and foremost, I take immense pride in the achievements of the team I used to lead at Fidelity as a people manager. Witnessing their growth and seeing them transition into distinct roles within the organization, where they have not only excelled but also established themselves as valuable contributors, is a source of immense satisfaction. It underscores the significance of mentorship, teamwork, and the positive impact we can have on one another’s careers a