The Chief Executive of Standard Chartered Bank, Jersey, Henry Baye, has been awarded the International Banking Leader of the year 2022 by the CEO Today United Kingdom Awards 2022.

Mr. Baye was rewarded for his exemplary leadership style, his flexible ways of working during the COVID-19 pandemic and more importantly inspiring his team to achieve results.

Speaking in an interview with CEO Today Magazine, Mr. Baye said one of his greatest achievements was leading employees through unusual period of COVID-19 couple with introducing flexible ways of working to enable the employees choose a working rhythm that fuses their family and working life.

“We successfully led our employees through another unusual period of COVID-19. We refurbished our office in St Helier to an ultra-modern, sustainable environment that is designed to support the team’s wellbeing and collaborative working. It was important to my leadership team and I that this was what employees came back to after working at home during lockdown. This was coupled with introducing flexible ways of working to enable our people to choose a working rhythm that fuses their family and working life”.

When asked about the meaning of the award to him, Mr. Baye said “this award means a lot. When one’s leadership style is built on authenticity, respect and humility and not on self-interest, it registers differently, and one would hope the impact shines bright”.

Find below the interview Henry Baye had with CEO Today Magazine

What has been Standard Chartered Jersey’s greatest achievements over the past 12 months? Which are you most proud of?

There are many achievements, but if I were to pick a few of them, they would be the below.

We successfully led our employees through another unusual period of COVID-19. We refurbished our office in St Helier to an ultra-modern, sustainable environment that is designed to support the team’s wellbeing and collaborative working. It was important to my leadership team and I that this was what employees came back to after working at home during lockdown. This was coupled with introducing flexible ways of working to enable our people to choose a working rhythm that fuses their family and working life.

We also launched a Standard Chartered Art Competition for high school students on the Island and proudly hung the winning paintings on the walls in our office. We have released a fresh user-friendly digital mobile app for our clients that puts more control in their hands. Finally, employees from Jersey won our Group Chairman’s special award for Community Impact, the first of its kind. As you can see, it has been a busy, productive year.

What do you think makes a strong CEO or senior leader? How would you describe your leadership style?

You must be HIPI:

• Heart – Be true to yourself, authentic, humble and have a heart full of love for your people, seeking their growth with passion.

• Inspire – Be visible and inspirational in guiding the teams towards success. Learn to tell the stories that have an impact and celebrate great work unashamedly.

• Paint – You must be a good painter. Paint a compelling picture of what you all can aspire to together and do not be afraid to aspire to it. Nobody gets arrested for aspiring. It is when you do nothing that there is a problem.

• Invisible – Give back all the credit to your teams when you achieve success. You actually become more visible that way.

If you were able to go back in time 10 years, what would you tell yourself about leadership that you did not know then?

I think finding true purpose in your work is the most satisfying way to work and achieve. You must not be afraid to be authentic. Humility and respect are actually very powerful in leadership and playing “office politics” is not the most important tool to take you up the ladder.

I also believe hard work is not an old-fashioned concept; it is the foundation for climbing the ladder. Additionally, I would tell myself to value every relationship along the journey and build it deeply and positively, not only as a network but as a valued possession. And never stop learning! Every new challenge carries with it an opportunity to learn.

What would you consider to be your biggest achievement as a corporate leader?

By far it is the many people, the many talents, who I have invested in over the years and opened doors for, and who have become amazing corporate leaders. It is the relationships that I have built over the years and how those relationships have also fed into my journey. I am also proud that every business I have run did well under my leadership – that is an uncommon blessing.

What steps did you take to develop yourself as a CEO?

• Always being willing to learn new things by taking on new challenges.

• Understanding the strategic trends that must drive leadership action.

• Building a strong track record of delivery and performance.

• Learning from mentors and peers, and all colleagues.

What does this award mean to you?

This award means a lot. When one’s leadership style is built on authenticity, respect and humility and not on self-interest, it registers differently, and one would hope the impact shines bright. What makes this award special is that I was not invited to submit an entry, I was nominated by the readers. I am truly grateful and hope it inspires other leaders to offer authentic, inspirational leadership that seeks the best interest of employees, clients and an organisation. I dedicate this award to my wife and family, and to my colleagues who are at the centre of the story.