2024
Vice President of Asset and Liability Management and Corporate Treasurer
ASIAN
Education (degrees & institutions): MBA, Virginia Tech University’s Pamplin School of Business; BS, Engineering, University of Mumbai Company Name: Freddie Mac Industry: Financial Services Company CEO: Mike Hutchins, President and Interim CEO Company Headquarters Location: McLean, VA Number of Employees: 7,939 Words you live by: “A mind is like a parachute. It doesn’t work if it’s not open” and “Learning is a journey. We need to listen to one another and learn from each other.” Who is your personal hero? My brother: At the age of 18, he was forced to take on the responsibility of providing for our family (I was 10). I owe everything to him. What book are you reading? Grit by Angela Duckworth. It talks about the power of passion and perseverance to achieve success. What was your first job? Operations engineer at a manufacturing facility Favorite charity: Autism speaks Interests/Hobbies: Volleyball, music, podcasts and more podcasts Family: Mom, Dad, two siblings, two nephews, one niece, wife and the best son ever
Kindness, empathy, a generous spirit: Yes, those skills are part of being a great leader In a leadership role, having high emotional intelligence (EQ) is a critical skill. For some people, empathy comes naturally while others need to practice relating to others, like training a muscle. At the core of my leadership philosophy lies empathy and adaptability. As the Vice President of Asset and Liability Management and Corporate Treasurer for Freddie Mac, I endeavor to view everyone for their inherent worth beyond their professional roles. Central to my approach is advocating for the needs of all employees, especially those needs that may be less visible. By prioritizing inclusivity and accommodating diverse needs, I aim to foster a workplace culture that supports the well-being and productivity of every individual. At Freddie Mac, we are fortunate to operate in a diverse landscape, where the varying dimensions of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) contribute to a corporate culture where everyone is encouraged to bring their authentic selves to work. Over the past 19 years at the company, I have learned that building a team
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2024 Second Quarter
with diverse perspectives leads to stronger decision making and better business outcomes. Our differences, both seen and unseen, help us to fulfill our mission of making home possible for millions of Americans. I am steadfastly dedicated to DEI, and as the executive sponsor of the Abilities Business Resource Group at Freddie Mac, I get to contribute to a culture where every voice is heard and valued. I believe that diverse talents and perspectives of each individual enrich our collective tapestry, and through championing inclusivity, I strive to create an environment where everyone can flourish, regardless of their background or abilities. I see every mistake or failure as an opportunity to grow and expand my thinking. The pandemic, for example, taught us a great deal about work, productivity and the need for flexibility. Pivoting quickly to remote work shed light on different needs for some members of my team. Recognizing the humanity of one another, that EQ, is what
separates man from machine. It’s important that we, as leaders, have a good pulse on what the team needs, and what an individual needs to chart their own path to success. That EQ will serve leaders well. While some employees may ask for what they need, others may not want to share their situation. Leaders must develop enough EQ to understand what’s going on, ask the right questions and then strive to provide tools to help them be the best version of themselves. I live by the motto: You are never as good as your best day; you are never as bad as your worst day. That compassion should extend to your team, your colleagues and back to yourself, as well. Yes, we all have expectations to meet and goals to achieve, but we are so much more than what we produce. Ultimately, our assessment of others should extend beyond mere output. Recognizing our shared humanity, with its inherent fluctuations, underscores the importance of kindness and empathy in our judgments of others. www.diversityjournal.com
AWARD
Ameez Nanjee