Leonie’s Story | From Sports Science to Risk & Compliance
· Posted on: March 6th 2026 · read
Hi, I’m Leonie and I work in the Risk and Compliance team at MHA. I would say I fell into the career I have today, but in the best possible way. Each step, each opportunity and each person who supported me helped guide me towards work that I genuinely enjoy.
Where It All Began
"I studied Sports Science at university, then spent a few months living and working in France before returning to the UK. At that point, I had no long-term plan. I took a hospitality job to tide me over, but I progressed quickly at Walkabout (a pub chain) and eventually became assistant manager."
"After having my daughter, I realised that long and unsociable hours were no longer sustainable. I needed something more stable that worked for my family. A friend who worked at MHA suggested I apply for an admin role in the Birmingham office, so I went for it. One coffee chat and an interview later, I landed the role."
Discovering a New Direction
My manager at the time, Debbie Hinks, introduced me to Client Take On work. I quickly realised how much I enjoyed the investigative aspect of it. I liked figuring things out, solving problems and understanding how everything connected.
I later became an office Anti Money Laundering (AML) Representative, which exposed me to even more of the compliance world. Thanks to a recommendation from one of our partners, Martin Ramsey, I had the chance to support other offices too, which broadened my experience and confidence.
As the firm grew through acquisitions and mergers, the AML Rep role became centralised, and my admin role evolved again. That shift opened the door to something new.
Stepping Into Risk and Compliance
I spotted a job advertisement on our internal intranet for the Risk and Compliance team and immediately felt drawn to it. Debbie told me she knew before I even said anything that I would want to apply. I had her full support, along with backing from the partners.
Since joining Risk and Compliance, I have genuinely enjoyed the role. I am always learning and often find myself involved in new areas of compliance such as conflicts. No two days are the same. I like communicating with colleagues across MHA and BTI offices and knowing that the work we do helps people across the firm.
The colleagues I work closely with in Central AML, Technical, Conflicts, PM Support and Ethics are a hardworking, supportive and fun team. I am proud to be part of it.
What My Journey Has Taught Me
Before applying, I spoke with Earlene and Pauline from Central AML to gain insight into the team and the role. Their support and encouragement gave me the confidence to go for it. I applied, and I am so glad I did.
One of the biggest lessons I have learned is that it is completely okay not to have everything figured out. You might not know what you want your career to look like at the start. You might take a few unexpected turns or hit bumps along the way. That does not mean you are off course.
If you stay open to opportunities and believe in your ability to learn and adapt, you might discover a role you never expected to enjoy.
Confidence, curiosity and saying yes to the right opportunities can take you further than you realise.
Ready to take the next step?
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