OPERATIONAL RESILIENCE ANALYST
SABRINA MARTIN
Sabrina joined Legal & General in August 2022, bringing with her a wealth of expertise in operational resilience, business continuity management and risk management. Known for her expertise in the field, dynamic leadership and tireless dedication, Sabrina embodies the adage ”if you want something done, give it to a busy person.” Her multi-dimensional skillset, coupled with her unwavering commitment to service, makes her an inspiring leader and a formidable presence in her field.
In her role at Legal & General, Sabrina is responsible for embedding the operational resilience framework in alignment with Regulatory requirements. Regulators expect firms to be operationally resilient as such have plans in place to adapt, respond and recover from and learn from operational disruptions. She is currently refreshing the Firms Important Business Service within L&G Retail to identify vulnerabilities which need to be addressed, if disrupted could cause intolerable levels of harm. Sabrina is also responsible for ensuring that critical business operations can withstand and recover swiftly from disruptions, for different scenarios. Despite the often abstract and complex nature of her work, Sabrina has developed a customer-centric methodology that underscores her belief in service over mere duty. She isn’t just fulfilling a role; she’s on a mission to serve and protect, a theme that runs deeply through her professional and personal life.
Sabrina’s story is grounded in her Jamaican heritage. Her grandparents were part of the Windrush Generation, migrating to the UK in the 1950s to settle in Nottingham, a manufacturing hub at the time. In the wake of post-war labour shortages, they found meaningful work, built a home, and contributed to their community—a community that Sabrina remains connected to today. The values of service and community were instilled in her from a young age. The principle that “no man is an island” became a family mantra, and Sabrina witnessed the many ways generations before her gave back. As a Foundation Governor of a school, Sabrina continues this legacy, working to ensure that children from disadvantaged backgrounds receive equal access to quality education.
Her dedication to her work and community extends beyond her immediate role. Sabrina actively contributes to external groups that develop resources and host webinars on operational resilience. However, her journey to leadership has not been without its challenges. Like many Black women, Sabrina has faced systemic barriers, often having to work twice as hard to gain half the recognition. Passed over for opportunities in favour of those with less experience or qualifications, she has felt firsthand the sting of “not looking the part.” Yet, her determination to succeed and her refusal to be defined by these limitations have led her to Legal & General, an environment that is committed to changing this narrative. Reflecting on her career, she emphasises the importance of community in the workplace—recognising that while hard work and qualifications are vital, true progress comes when diversity and inclusion are more than buzzwords, but deeply integrated practices. She is passionate about ensuring that others are brought along the journey with her, breaking through glass ceilings together.
As Sabrina carves out her legacy, she is especially mindful of the world her daughter is about to enter. She hopes that her daughter will be judged by her merits, not her appearance, but she also stresses the importance of balance. The COVID-19 pandemic was a pivotal moment for Sabrina, both professionally and personally. Professionally, she dealt with the immense challenges of keeping businesses operational during a global crisis. At the same time, the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement served as a stark reminder of the enduring inequalities in society. These events reaffirmed for Sabrina the importance of her family’s values—giving back and focusing on what truly matters. This refocus continues to influence her work and leadership style today.
For Sabrina, Black History Month is not a mere box to check—it’s deeply personal. She believes that projects like these are crucial because they remind us that people are not defined solely by their jobs; everyone has a story, everyone has something to give. Her journey across different companies, roles, and industries has allowed her to grow and develop in unique ways, and she now brings that wealth of experience to Legal & General. From building an entire business continuity framework for Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service to teaching and serving as a school governor, Sabrina’s career has been marked by a drive to create opportunities for others. Success, in her eyes, is not measured solely by personal accolades but by what she can accomplish for those who come after her. Having had the benefits of a mentor through the Business Continuity Institute, Sabrina now offers mentorship to newcomers in the industry as a way giving back. As she often says, “To move forward, you have to give back.”
Sabrina’s narrative is ongoing, as is her mission to create a better, more inclusive world and community. Her advice to others is to invest in community, both inside and outside of work, and to make space for joy and self-care. An avid runner and member of an athletic club, Sabrina believes in maintaining balance—reminding us that “you can’t pour from an empty cup.”
Passionate about her work, Sabrina sees it as more than just a job—it’s her way of giving back. She encourages others to embrace a similar mindset, quoting Picasso: "The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away."