What did you enjoy most about teaching?
What I valued most about teaching was witnessing those “light bulb” moments – when a child began to grasp a concept, they once found challenging – and seeing their confidence grow as a result.
Education has always been a significant part of my career for several reasons. Growing up in a predominantly white area, I never had a teacher of colour throughout my primary or secondary education. In fact, in my entire year group at high school, there were only two students of colour, including myself, out of 250.
As a second-generation British Indian and the first generation in my family to attend university, this lack of representation had a lasting impact – I didn’t see teaching as a path for me simply because I never saw anyone who looked like me in that role.
When I was younger, my parents worked long hours, seven days a week, running a family-owned convenience store. Their dedication and resilience deeply shaped my own values and work ethic.
I believe strongly in the importance of representation; all children and young people should see themselves reflected in the people around them. It shapes what they believe is possible for their own futures.
What made you want to work with Money Ready?
When Money Ready delivered sessions to my classes, I was struck by how engaged the pupils were. I found myself equally engaged. The content covered important topics that I had never been taught during my own time at school, which highlighted the value and relevance of their work.
When I moved back to Scotland, I reflected on organisations that truly make a difference to children and young people. Having seen the impact of Money Ready first-hand, it stood out as an organisation I knew I would be proud to work for.
What do you think your most valuable personal quality has been in your career?
Adaptability has been the most valuable personal quality in my career. As a teacher, I constantly adjusted to different classroom needs, learning styles, and unexpected challenges. This flexibility allowed me to support students effectively and respond quickly to change.
In my current role as Scotland Manager, adaptability helps me work with diverse partners and tailor our approach to meet regional needs. It allows me to navigate a new sector confidently, respond to feedback, and ensure our financial education remains relevant and impactful.
What is your proudest moment so far as Scotland Manager at Money Ready?
One of my proudest moments was receiving the job offer. When the role was first advertised, I was eager to apply but, like many people, experienced a moment of self-doubt. With encouragement from my sister, I went for it – and I’m so glad I did. I often remind myself of the quote, “You once dreamt of being where you are today,” which keeps me grounded and motivated in my work.
What are you excited about regarding the future of Money Ready?
I’ve joined the organisation at a particularly exciting time – something many of my colleagues highlighted when I met them at our annual conference in London. Following 20 years as MyBnk, the organisation has recently rebranded to Money Ready, marking a new chapter in its journey.
Across our various teams and regional hubs, there is a wealth of expertise, and the collaborative sharing of knowledge is both inspiring and energising. I’m genuinely excited to be part of an organisation so committed to innovation and impact, and I look forward to contributing to its continued efforts in empowering children and young people through financial education.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to trust in your abilities and not let self-doubt hold you back. You don’t need to have everything figured out right away – growth often comes from the most unexpected experiences. Don’t be afraid to take up space, ask questions, and embrace opportunities, even if they feel out of reach. You are more capable than you think, and your voice matters.
What’s the best bit of career or personal advice you have been given?
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve been given is: “If it scares you, it’s probably worth doing.” That really stuck with me when I was deciding whether to volunteer abroad in rural Bangladesh for three months. It was a big step into the unknown, and I wasn’t sure if I was ready. But that advice pushed me to lean into the discomfort and say yes. The experience turned out to be incredibly rewarding and taught me so much about resilience, adaptability, and personal growth.
What do you wish people knew or understood about financial education?
I wish more people understood that financial education goes far beyond numbers and mathematics. It’s about equipping individuals with essential life skills and practical knowledge that are relevant and valuable at every age and across all backgrounds.
Finally, what might people be surprised to learn about you?
Something people are often surprised to learn about me is the variety of roles I had before starting my teaching career and then moving into my current management role. While I was still in school, I did some extra work for a BBC TV programme. After leaving high school, I worked in a call centre, and whilst I completed my BSc Psychology degree at university, I worked in retail at the shop New Look. I also spent time working in the ground operations team for the airline Jet2.
Thank you Kavneet for your passion, dedication and energy you bring to Money Ready!
Financial education goes far beyond numbers and mathematics. It’s about equipping individuals with essential life skills and practical knowledge that are relevant and valuable at every age and across all backgrounds.Kavneet, Scotland Manager