BNY Mellon: Jamie talks about Neurodiversity and the role ERGs in supporting an inclusive work culture

 

Jamie Pratt, Lead Analyst, Global Asset Safety - Data Services, Global Operations

 

Meet Jamie

 I was born in Auckland, New Zealand in 1981. I grew up on the North Shore with two younger brothers. My mother was a nurse and my father managed and eventually owned a business servicing and repairing supermarket trolleys.

I graduated from the University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Management and Employment Relations.

I spent some time working at my local supermarket, with the intention to progress through an Owner/Operator development program. However, I never really settled on it and decided at the age of 23 to travel to the UK.

I wanted to explore and experience the world for a couple of years before going back home. Not even three weeks after I landed in Manchester, I met the love of my life and haven’t looked back!

This wasn’t without its challenges, of course. I had to find gainful employment and remain eligible to live and work in the UK. I had a variety of office-based sales/customer service jobs before becoming a Recruitment Consultant. 

When that fell through, I struggled to find a company willing to take a chance on me.  I was so excited and grateful that BNY Mellon took a leap of faith with me at the start of 2009. I finally felt like I had a secure place in my adopted country and could build a life here.

In May 2011, my wife and I were married. One of the parts I remember most clearly was how pleased we both were to bring family and friends together from both sides of the world.  Fast forward to my involvement and leadership within IMPACT, I think that coming together really made a strong impression on me.

Currently at BNY Mellon, I am a Lead Analyst in the Global Asset Safety Data Services team in Manchester.  We deal with a myriad of regulatory issues that impact our internal and external footprint with solutions as varied as the people in our group.  I think that is why fostering diversity and inclusion is so important; given the ever-changing landscape, we need to remain as engaged and as flexible as possible.

I have written and spoken about my own journey living with Asperger’s Syndrome, not because I particularly felt that I needed specific support, but because I firmly believe that sharing our stories and our struggles with each other enriches the culture of our company. 

I am really proud of the work we do in our DEI space and my goal working with IMPACT is to build on that and leave a robust succession plan for our future leaders. 

I am also involved with HEART, which I have an affinity for, given my background. I was proud to collaborate with two other colleagues to deliver a HEARTFelt Conversation in support of Autism Awareness Month in the UK. 

Lately, I have been heartened to hear from people wanting to be more involved in E/BRGs. It gives me such confidence that these groups will continue to play a pivotal role at BNY Mellon for years to come.

My interests include sports, particularly rugby and cricket, which I developed a love for at a young age. Golf remains a passion of mine as well after getting into the sport during my teenage years.

 

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