In this episode of Beyond Barriers, Hanan Dakhil, Director of DEI at Canyon Partners, reflects on her non-linear career journey. With over 20 years at the firm, Hanan shares how determination, mentorship, and self-advocacy helped her pivot from a research assistant to a leadership role that was not initially part of the firm's structure when she began.
Along the way, she overcame self-doubt, navigated work-life integration as a mother, and embraced just-in-time learning to develop new skills. Hanan also reveals how her background in political science and international relations sparked her passion for philanthropy, mentorship, and community empowerment, leading her to champion initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion at Canyon Partners.
Hanan’s journey is a powerful reminder that embracing uncertainty and leaning into your strengths can create impact not only for yourself but for others. If you're ready to reinvent your career or make a difference, Hanan’s insights will inspire you to stay committed and forge your own path.
Key Takeaways:
- Self-Advocacy: Discover how Hanan took charge of her career by advocating for more opportunities and leveraging her unique strengths.
- The Power of Mentorship: Learn how Hanan’s relationship with a senior leader became the springboard to her current role.
- Navigating Career Transitions: Hear how Hanan overcomes feelings of stagnation and uncertainty to find a renewed sense of purpose in her career.
- Creating Cultural Impact: Understand how Hanan fosters inclusion, diversity, and community engagement both within her firm and in the finance industry.
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Highlights
The key moments in this episode are:
[00:00] Introduction to Beyond Barriers Podcast
[00:30] The Source of True Confidence
[01:13] Meet Hanan Dakhil: A Journey of Determination
[02:56] Hanan's Professional Growth at Canyon Partners
[03:54] Navigating Career Challenges and Parenthood
[06:10] Finding Passion and Purpose Outside Canyon
[08:22] The Power of Mentorship and Sponsorship
[13:39] Overcoming Self-Doubt and Building Confidence
[18:30] Continuous Learning and Staying Ahead
[20:52] Strategic Approach to Workplace Enhancement
[21:26] Balancing High-Stress Work and Family Life
[24:03] Daily Habits for Success
[26:38] Building and Leveraging Community
[29:14] Lightning Round: Personal Insights -
Lightning Round
Q: What book has greatly influenced you?
A: Joined Up Thinking by Dr. Hannah CritchlowQ: What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying?
A: It's not that I'm so smart. I just stay with the problems longer - Albert Einstein and If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with others - African ProverbQ: What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself?
A: DeterminedQ: What is one change you've implemented that made your life better?
A: The ability to advocate for myselfQ: What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage?
A: Six Inch Heels by Beyoncé -
Quotes
I don't subscribe to the concept of work-life balance. I prefer work-life rhythm—doing what I need to when I need to.
Hanan Dakhil
I'm not going to be a perfect 10 in every aspect of my life at all times. I just do what I need to do, when I need to do it. And I'm able to shift my focus accordingly.
Hanan Dakhil
If you can be a problem solver, if you can take something off of somebody else's plate, your value goes up, and this is how you get people to want to invest in your growth.
Hanan Dakhil
The biggest leverage point in the work that I do is my own story. And one of the things I told myself when I took on this role is that I wanted to make sure that no one ever spent 10 plus years trying to figure out where they belong in an organization. So I try to be very authentic and humble and open and I will share my story very openly with anyone, with anyone who asks.
Hanan Dakhil
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About
Hanan Dakhil is a Director of DEI at Canyon Partners, LLC, a global alternative asset management firm. She has been with the company for 20 years and heads Culture and Corporate Citizenship. Through this role, she Hanan leads the firm’s efforts around organizational culture, employee engagement, professional development, education, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. She is a passionate advocate for the expansion and development of the talent pipeline in the finance industry to include more women and underrepresented groups. Hanan also oversees the firm’s Corporate Social Responsibility efforts and has done tremendous work over her tenure to increase Canyon’s connectivity and impact within the broader community through strategic philanthropic endeavors. Hanan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from UCLA with a focus on international relations. She resides in Los Angeles with her husband and has two college age daughters, whom she credits with raising her as much as she has raised them!