Leadership
Gef’s 30 Under 30 2024 Winners: Q&A with India Dick
Ten categories. Thirty young visionaries making their mark on the Isle of Man. Introducing the 2024 #Gef30Under30 winners: the next generation of our island’s leaders.
Whether it’s managing a young team in business or leading one to victory out on the court, the Comis Hotel & Golf Resort Leadership category winners all know how to command a room.
What is your name and age?
India Dick, age 27.
Job title or role in the community?
Formerly a Senior Business Development Manager at Capital International Bank.
How did you start your career or role in the community?
I began my career in banking at the age of 17, and it’s now been over 10 years since I first entered the industry. Initially, I spent several years in a compliance role, but I soon realised that my strengths lie in working with people, rather than in a back-office position. That realisation marked the true beginning of my career.
In one sentence, summarise your journey so far as a young and successful person under 30.
Intense, rewarding, and challenging with constantly pushing myself out of my comfort zone.
Tell us about your business/industry, is there something interesting about it that most people wouldn’t expect?
I work in Business Development, a high-pressure role that involves driving growth by bringing new business to the company. This role requires meeting and presenting to hundreds of new people throughout my career, turning conversations into deals through strong negotiation skills. It also involves traveling to attend conferences, where I showcase our offerings and position our business as the best in the room.
Have you experienced any hurdles in your career or community efforts and if so, how did you overcome them?
Challenges are a part of life, and for me, it’s all about how you overcome them. I believe in learning from mistakes and transforming setbacks into positive learning experiences. It’s important to ask for help when needed and to approach situations with honesty. Being honest often makes it easier to resolve issues and move forward.
Tell us about why you think you won in the Leadership category?
I believe I may have received this award because I advocate for young women striving to become Senior Managers in fields traditionally dominated by men, such as Business Development. Despite the stigma, I firmly believe that age should not define your potential; with dedication and hard work, anyone can become the best candidate for any role they pursue. Having a child at 17 didn’t mean the end of my career—I’ve shown that with determination and effort, your life and career can continue to thrive. Opportunities will come if you push yourself and remain committed and age will just become a number.
Who are your role models, either on-island or off, in your sector or outside of it?
I consider Steven Bartlett, from Dragon’s Den, to be a role model. I’ve listened to many of his podcasts, and he has a unique way of inspiring people he has never met through his positive outlook on life and his honest, direct criticism. He started with nothing and has become a highly successful entrepreneur, but his journey wasn’t easy. That perseverance and determination are qualities I admire and strive to emulate in my own life. He’s someone I look up to.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
The loudest person in the room isn’t necessarily the best; stay true to your authentic self, and you will outshine the rest.
What do you wish you knew when you were getting started in your career?
Honestly, sometimes I find that knowing less can actually be beneficial. I didn’t fully grasp how challenging this career would be or how many hours it would take to see results, but I’m glad I didn’t. Not knowing kept me from being discouraged and allowed me to dive in without hesitation. I often go by the idea that “the less you know, the better,” letting myself learn and adapt naturally rather than being swayed by others’ perceptions. It’s important to form your own judgments and opinions about what’s right for you.
What are your plans for the future?
I’ve recently accepted a new role on the Island as Business Development Director, marking another significant step in my career, and I’m genuinely excited about it. While I’ll continue working in the banking industry, this role will also allow me to explore new areas, including Blockchain and Crypto. I’m eager to embrace this next chapter and the challenges it will bring.
What changes do you hope to see in your sector or community in the coming years?
I hope to see more young women rising through the ranks, and for businesses to actively support this progress, moving away from the excuse of ‘they are too young.’
What, for you, are the benefits of staying on or moving back to the island for young people under 30?
I am a strong advocate for the Isle of Man and the incredible opportunities it offers, and I wish more young people would recognise that. The job diversity on the island is remarkable, and frankly, you have a much better chance of securing a job here, where you might be competing against 30 or 40 people, rather than 2,000 in the UK. The availability of courses on the Island, along with the willingness of employers to invest in additional qualifications for their employees, is outstanding compared to what you might find elsewhere.
What does being a Gef’s 30 Under 30 winner mean to you?
It’s incredibly rewarding to know that my hard work and dedication throughout my career have been recognised. I can hold my head up high, despite the challenges life has thrown my way, and serve as a role model to my 10-year-old daughter, Aria.
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