Bank of America: Introducing Natasha Wallis, London LGBTQ+ Pride Steering Committee member

Natasha Wallis, London LGBTQ+ Pride Steering Committee member

 

What is your day job?

I joined Bank of America in the middle of the pandemic in August 2020, initially in Markets, covering UK based clients with a heavy electronic skew across FX, Rates and Credit. That team has now evolved and we service UK clients across all FICC asset classes, providing ideas, pricing and execution.

 

Why did you decide to be out at work (OAW)?

I initially came out to my friends and family whilst I was at University, after I first fell in love with a woman, having previously only had boyfriends during my teenage years. Being “out” was so freeing and liberating, allowing me to connect and be my true authentic self, that I have never really considered going back ‘in the closet’ when I started work. I would say that I’m a relatively private person but also very open, and whilst I have never actively publicised my sexuality, when I started working in 2006, I made a pact with myself: I will not hide or shy away from a conversation disclosing my sexuality, and will always use the correct pronouns when referring to my partner in conversation. Now that I have two young daughters, it’s even more important to me that I do my part to be proud and visible, and help further the inclusion agenda as best I can.

 

How does that affect your day-to-day work?

The hardest part in my mind about actually “coming out” and being out, it that it is NOT just a one-time declaration. Whilst your family, friends and colleagues may all know; every day you meet and encounter new people and acquaintances where you may enter into conversations that present the opportunity for you to choose whether or not you “come out” in conversation AGAIN. It takes energy to decide if you wish to disclose this part of yourself to someone new, and every time, even for me after nearly 15 years, there is a slight apprehension about how this information may be received. Thankfully, and luckily for me during my time at Bank of America, I have always been pleasantly surprised with either the positive reaction, or the indifference (as in it doesn’t matter at all!) and this makes me feel able to bring my true authentic self to work each day, so I can focus all my attention and energies on my day job, rather than hiding such an integral part of myself.

 

Why do you think being an Ally is important?

For all the reasons I have stated above! If Allies can help empower people to feel they can be their true selves at work in any situation, then this allows individuals to dedicate 100% of their energies and focus on their day job, feeling free to bring their whole selves to work, with full acceptance of who they are – a happier and healthier work environment for all! 

 

Who is your LGBTQ+ role model?

I’ve always loved both Sir Ian McKellen and Ellen for the positive spotlight they have brought to the LGBTQ+ community, but I also very much admire Tom Daley for the way he has owned his story and become an out and proud father.

 

Read more about the LGBTQ+ Pride Program at Bank of America

Find out more about current opportunities at Bank of America