Nana Agyemang's Inspirational Journey: From Ghana to Barclays Eagle Labs

Hi, my name is Nana Agyemang (he/him) and I am a Ghanaian national, originally born in Accra and I migrated with my mother to England at the age of 12. I currently work in the Barclays Eagle Labs as a Proposition Delivery Manager. However, my journey to get here has certainly been a fascinating one!

I grew up under my grandparents, my mum and my uncles' tutelage. When I was born, my grandfather was the first person other than my mother to cradle me, and from there, we were inseparable. He was my main inspiration and a lifelong role model – setting up a family pharmacy, that kept the roof over all our heads. Since his passing, I’ve vowed to always live my life through him and hopefully reach similar heights – leaving a legacy behind. My grandmother had the purest love and time for any and everyone, which taught me patience and the importance of always maintaining pure intentions.

My family had always intended for me to attend a British University and so I had travelled back and forth previously, but I permanently moved to the UK, in early August ‘03. I was briefly based in Haringey, then my family relocated to Hackney – it was a tough place to grow up at the time. Coupled with my cultural differences, I always stood out. But I was encouraged to embrace my differences. This is when I learnt the importance of developing my self-confidence.

I started at Barclays because my mother worked as an Operational Manager and recommended it as a great place to work. I started in the then flagship, Piccadilly Circus Branch – 9 and a half years later, I haven’t looked back. Upon joining the bank, however, I suffered from imposter syndrome. I’d often talk myself down and thought that I wouldn’t be able to achieve much, due to my socio-economic status. Being my mother’s only son I was initially quite introverted, afraid to make a mistake or to appear outspoken.

However, in 2021, I joined the Black Professionals Resource Group (BPRG), one of the 12 Employee Resource Groups at Barclays. The BPRG is formed of colleagues who volunteer their time, to put on brilliant initiatives for colleagues and communities – driving diversity of thought. By joining this team I was helped towards finding solace and have developed meaningful connections with various great colleagues, whom I now deem as extended family.

From the time spent in school with my favourite teachers, to graduating with a uni degree in English Lit and Creative writing, playing basketball semi-pro and dabbling in music – I’ve learnt that I embody the essence of all the great people I’ve met.

I am Nana. This is me.

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