inside thames life

From East London to Freelancing: My Journey of Growth, Learning, and Communication

Hello! My name is Narash, and I’m thrilled to share a little bit about myself, my passions, and the values that shape who I am today. Curiosity has always been at the heart of who I am, fuelling my passion for learning and discovery. Born and raised in East London, I have cherished my roots, embracing a rich tapestry of culture, diversity, and vibrant life experiences. As a family-oriented person, I find immense joy in nurturing meaningful connections that transcend boundaries.

A Career Built on Communication and Coordination

My professional journey has been diverse, starting with a career in banking, where I learned the importance of structure and precision. But my true passion lies in bringing people together and facilitating communication. I currently freelance as an Administration & Coordination Project Manager at Thames Life, where I help streamline processes, manage projects, and ensure that things run smoothly.

What I love most about my work is the power of communication. It’s amazing how investing time and effort into effective communication can help break down barriers—especially for those whose first language isn’t English. I’m passionate about helping people connect, whether in the workplace, within a community, or through collaborative efforts. Being part of a community is something I truly value. I understand the importance of belonging and the positive impact it can have on individuals and society as a whole.

A Family-Oriented Foundation

Family has always been at the heart of everything I do. Growing up, my family played a pivotal role in shaping who I am today. It’s this foundation that inspired me to help set up our family business, and it continues to motivate me in everything I do, especially in my career. I’m married with three children, and I’m blessed to have them in my life, keeping me grounded and motivated to give my very best every day. Becoming a mum was the most rewarding and defining moment of my life, and I strive to be a positive role model for my children—showing them the importance of hard work, integrity, and following their dreams. When I’m not working, you’ll likely find me enjoying long walks or heading out to try a new restaurant with my family.

A Love for Eastern and Western Cultures

One of the things that excites me most is the fusion of Eastern and Western cultures. From the music I listen to, which blends both worlds, to the food I enjoy, I’m fascinated by how the best of both sides come together to create something unique. I also love exploring how fashion, food, and traditions from both sides of the world can mix to form something exciting and new.

Goals and Aspirations

Looking ahead, my goals are simple yet meaningful: to continue growing, both personally and professionally, and to build a brand for myself that reflects my values of honesty, communication, and community. Every step I take is towards creating something that I can be proud of and that will benefit both myself and those around me.

Thank you for taking the time to read a little about my journey. I hope you find something here that resonates with you, and I look forward to sharing more as I continue to grow, learn, and bring people together.

Narash

Administration & Coordination Project Manager

Mondays at Thames Life tend to be about the big introspective questions. Of course, we do the usual “how was the weekend” conversation but we often create the space for reflecting on our place in the community. I’ll blame it on our CEO, Matt.

Recently, Matt asked me how I feel as a local resident about the development happening around me. I paused for a few moments and just bluntly stated that I didn’t feel like it really mattered. Housing units being doubled felt like a definitive plan that I wouldn’t be able to influence. Sure, I could dance around polite conversations at consultations but the truth is that I feel like my voice doesn’t really matter. Profits speak louder and the interests of investors would most certainly take priority over my desire for a medium to low-density town.

I have lived in Barking Riverside for 5 years now, having now had two young children. As a family we’re deciding on the long-term. So, what would it take for us to want to stay here? To celebrate a recent milestone birthday, I headed to Kenya and came across a number of British expats and a few wants kept coming up: affordability, and an abundance of space. I want to feel inspired by where I live. For it to be a reflection of my values and be a positive thread in the upbringing of my children. For it to be financially attainable, allowing me the flexibility to afford more time for the things that really matter. I want a feeling of community without my space feeling overcrowded. To be able to go for walks and get lost in nature but have the familiar face at the local for a quick chat. A slower more thoughtful pace of life. Everyone wants the ability to enjoy life uninterrupted.

In my present context, if my voice did matter, I would say those things. I would humanise the masterplan and ask those who live elsewhere, but work in Barking, why they live in other parts of London, and what keeps them there? Is it the Victorian style housing, or the trendy bakeries. Is it the parks or nature reserves in walking distance. That ‘village green’ suburban feel. During the pandemic, Zoom offered us a window into each other’s homes and some of us transported ourselves to virtual beaches, but I always remembered those who were proud of the background they called home.

It’s not rocket science. Residents don’t want to live in boxes all their lives, well at least I don’t. I want a home.

Zainab Jalloh

Communications Officer

Tag: inside thames life

Inside Thames Life: Meet Narash, our newest team member!

Inside Thames Life: What would it take to stay here?

Want a cookie?