089: What could you achieve if you stopped downplaying your ambition with Allia Khan

In this episode, Sandra speaks with Allia Khan about what happens when you decide to treat your ideas as choices you are allowed to make, rather than chances that happen to you. Allia shares how she moved from a legal role in logistics into the Lloyd’s market, why she trusted her gut when everything felt unfamiliar and how insurance became a space for growth. She also talks about launching Mansion 28, the luxury fashion brand inspired by her travels to the Middle East, and why she sees it as a second career rather than a “side hustle”. Sandra and Allia explore what it means to walk into rooms where you are the only woman or the only person from an ethnic minority background, and how visible difference can become a source of strength. Allia also reflects on the impact of LinkedIn, building an employee resource group with purpose, and the mindset that stops her from reaching old age thinking, “I wish I had tried”. Key Takeaways Your choices shape how you tell your story. Gut feel is data, and paying attention to how people, culture and opportunity make you feel can be a useful guide when you change sectors or roles. Your job is not your life, and allowing yourself more than one professional identity can protect your sense of purpose and keep your spark alive. How you label your business matters, and moving from “side hustle” to “my business” can shift both your confidence and how others take it seriously. Difference can be a value proposition, especially when you choose to stand out in a room rather than shrinking yourself to fit an unspoken norm. Authenticity has levels, and you can be true to yourself at work without sharing every part of your life with every person. Inclusive cultures need visible action, through ERGs that invite people in, open conversations on topics like menopause, and genuine allyship from across the organisation. About the Guest Connect with Allia Khan on LinkedIn. Mansion 28 fashion. About the host Connect with Sandra Lewin on LinkedIn Sign up to ‘Coffee with Sandra’ newsletter to stay up to date on all 100 Women In Insurance and more.