Emerging Executives in Financial Services

Creating pathways for you

Roots Inspire’s mission is to increase ethnocultural diversity in corporate leadership. This programme is designed to identify, develop and support ethnoculturally diverse candidates who will become the next leaders in the financial services industry.

Your Move to Leadership

Leadership is more than a title - it’s an opportunity to create impact

At Roots Inspire, we empower ethnoculturally diverse professionals like you to break barriers, navigate unwritten corporate rules, and take charge of their leadership path with confidence and authenticity.

The Experience

During a six-month programme, you will receive mentorship from ethnic corporate leaders, gain tailored career guidance from experts and obtain access to a powerful network.

93%

of Roots Inspire alumni now feel more confident to bring their full self to work

92%

of Roots Inspire alumni now have a better understanding of corporate dynamics

91%

of Roots Inspire alumni are now clear on how to achieve the next step in their careers

“I spent 18 years in Banking, often being the only person of colour in the room. It’s time to change that!”

SERGIO PANDAY

Co-founder & CEO, roots inspire

Key Benefits

Senior Mentorship

Receive 1-on-1 career coaching from ethnocultural corporate leaders that have been in your shoes.

Leadership Training

Get equipped with the skills and training you need to lead in corporate.

Professional Network

Connect and get support from like-minded professionals as part of our community.

Tailored Career Advisory

Tailored career advice from senior experts at our partner firms.

Possible scholarship

Benefit from the possibility to receive a partial programme scholarship.

Events & Workshops

Attend expert-led workshops on sponsor relationships, corporate politics and more.

Eligibility & Criteria

This programme is designed for professionals who:

Self-identify as ethnic or from an underrepresented ethnocultural group;
Have a minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience;
Have the ambition to pursue a leadership career within financial services;
Currently living in The Netherlands (we will be expanding across Europe for future cohorts).

Your Next Steps

Our programme will start in May 2025 with a cohort of top-selected talent in the financial.

Programme starts

May 23rd

Deadline of how to apply

May 2, 2025

Professional Reference (Optional)

Strengthen your application by
including a brief recommendation from a colleague, mentor, or manager who can attest to your leadership potential.

To receive a notification when applications open, register your interest here below.

A Look at our Inspiring Mentors

Ference Lamp

MERRILL LYNCH, MANAGING DIRECTOR

“From my mentees, I expect commitment, curiosity and eagerness. You can expect me to show you, success is possible.”
Gitanjali Ponnappa

NEGOTIATEHER, STRATEGIST

“Careers often hinges on skillful negotiation and navigating relationships. We can together explore this dynamic to achieve your goals.”
Niraan De Silva

VNLIFE, EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER

“Gaining a deeper understanding of the person across the table is an essential soft skill for leadership."
Robert Wong

HONEYWELL, DIRECTOR OF SALES

“I hope to provide my mentees with the confidence and inspiration to chart their own successful course.”
Sue Stephens

FACEBOOK, COUNTER LEAD

“I fundamentally believe talent is distributed equally, opportunity is not.”
Sumitra Moeller

ABN AMRO, MANAGING DIRECTOR

“One of the key tools of career advancement is cultivating the courage to be genuine.."

Register Your Interest

Are you ready to accelerate your leadership journey?

Express your interest in our next cohort, and be among the first to receive updates when applications open. Let us help you take the next step toward advancing your career.

Ready to Make Your Case?

Learn how to advocate for your growth and secure your place in the programme.