16 June

Change Starts Together: Storytelling with Mariam Bibi

‘Change Starts Together’ is our storytelling campaign which forms part of The Lord Mayor's Appeal Power of Inclusion programme.

These stories help us to raise awareness of the importance of social mobility within the City of London and across the UK, as well as inspiring businesses to create inclusive cultures by hearing from those with diverse socio-economic backgrounds.

In our latest blog post, we asked Marian Bibi, Inclusion and Diversity Executive at Grant Thornton to share her 'Change Starts Together' story... 

Please tell us about your early life, background and aspirations?

I come from a working-class family, and my upbringing played a significant role in shaping who I am today.

My father was a bus driver who worked incredibly long hours — often sacrificing his own time and energy to pay off the house and give us the best life he could.

My mum has a full-time job of being Mum and was the foundation of our family. She was always present, ensuring we were cared for in every way. She dropped us off and picked us up from school every day and never let us go hungry.

My parents did everything they could to ensure we had what we needed, even if it meant sacrificing their own wants. These early experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for their efforts.

Growing up, I didn’t have exposure to various career pathways or professional role models. We didn’t have people around us who could advise on different routes or options, which led me to figuring it out on my own.

I like to believe that this lack of exposure didn’t hold me back. I’ve always believed that if I set my mind to something, I could achieve it.

I didn’t have a fixed dream or a clear path when I was younger. My aspirations changed frequently, I considered becoming a dietician, a social worker, a teacher, an accountant. 

The turning point in my journey came during sixth form, when I had the chance to do some work experience at Grant Thornton, an accounting and financial services firm.

It was an eye-opening experience for me. I loved the environment and the people which led me to apply for their school leaver programme as a Tax Advisor. 

I loved meeting and connecting with new people, listening to their stories, offering advice and support, and helping them overcome challenges.

That passion for people led me to my current role in the Inclusion and Diversity team, a role that aligns with my values.

Tell us about your experience of working in the City?

As I develop into my career, I realise there is more and more I don’t know and I understand the way the industry works better - which would have been helpful to know earlier on!

Walking into the office was a defining moment for me. Coming from a working-class background, I didn’t have any prior exposure to corporate environments or the financial services sector. It was so exciting.

As I’ve progressed in my career, I’ve come to realise just how much there is to learn. The further I’ve developed, the more I’ve understood not only the technical aspects of my work but also the nuances of how the industry operates.

Looking back, I can see how valuable it would have been to have guidance earlier in my career. My parents, while endlessly supportive and proud, didn’t have a background in financial services or the experience to point me in the right direction.

I’ve had to navigate much of it on my own, which has made me appreciate the power of resilience and self-motivation.

I couldn’t emphasis the importance of networking enough. Building relationships, connecting with others, having people drop gems of wisdom and tips have been invaluable to my growth.

I'd particularly like to thank Mo Merali, a partner at Grant Thornton who has always been there for me on my career journey and genuinely cared about me as a person.

His guidance, encouragement, and care have had a profound impact on me—not just professionally, but personally as well. Having someone who believes in you and supports you can make all the difference.

I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to grow and develop within the City. 

What does social mobility mean to you?  

To me, social mobility means spreading awareness and access. 

It’s important for me to help those who come from lower socioeconomic backgrounds to understand the variety of opportunities available. To know they have options and there isn’t just one set path to success.

Growing up, I didn’t fully realise the variety of careers available. Social mobility, for me, is about breaking down both the visible and invisible barriers that can make people feel stuck or excluded.

This means actively working to raise awareness, share knowledge, and provide support. Whether it’s through mentorship, sharing my own journey, or creating programmes that provide guidance and opportunities, I feel a personal responsibility to help level the playing field.

I want to empower people to believe in themselves and their potential, just as I’ve learned to do throughout my own journey.

Ultimately, social mobility is about creating a more inclusive and equitable society, where everyone has the chance to thrive—regardless of their background.

It’s about showing people that their starting point doesn’t have to dictate their destination and, with the right awareness, access, and support, they can achieve their dreams.

Join the Power of Inclusion movement here