In recognition of Women's Month, I've been asked to share insights for women in leadership. My journey has been both unique and enlightening.
Stepping into a leadership role in the finance world was never going to be easy. It's an industry known for precision, performance, and pressure, and one that is still largely male-dominated. I've sat at boardroom tables where I was the only woman, navigated conversations where my voice had to work twice as hard to be heard, and faced moments when I questioned whether I needed to change who I was to succeed.
But over time, I've learned something powerful. I've learned that the very traits I was once tempted to suppress — my intuition, empathy, and kindness — are the ones that have made me a stronger, more effective leader.
I want to encourage women to trust their instincts and embrace their unique qualities. There's a common myth that women need to adopt masculine traits in the workplace and downplay their natural attributes. But the nurturing and compassionate qualities we bring to the table can make us incredible leaders. These traits are not weaknesses. They are powerful strengths.
In my early years, I was fortunate to have a great mentor. He listened, challenged me, and gave me space to grow. His belief in me gave me the confidence to take risks, speak up, and trust my instincts. That experience shaped how I lead today.
There was a point in my career when I chose to pause climbing the proverbial corporate ladder to be present for my two boys. In a fast-moving industry, stepping back can feel like falling behind. But I knew that being there to watch them grow and to show up for the little moments was something I'd never regret.
That pause didn't diminish my ambition. It deepened it. It gave me perspective, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose. I've found that the best leaders aren't just driven. They're also grounded.
Women often feel torn between career and family, ambition and nurturing. But we don't have to choose one over the other. We can lead fiercely and love deeply. We can be present at home and powerful at work. The key is to define what success means for you.
One of the most important lessons I've learned, and one I share often with younger women, is the power of speaking up. Too many brilliant ideas go unheard because women second-guess themselves, wait for the "right moment," or fear being dismissed.
I've been there. I've held back in meetings, convinced someone else would say it better. But I've also seen what happens when we find our voice. We shift conversations, spark innovation, and earn respect.
If you're in the room, you belong in the conversation. Your perspective matters. Your ideas matter. Don't wait for permission. Take the space you've earned.
Finance may be about numbers, but leadership is about people. And people respond to authenticity. I've seen how my intuition has helped me read a room when data alone fell short. I've watched kindness shift team dynamics, open doors to collaboration, and build trust in ways brute force never could. These are not soft skills. They are strategic assets.
Early in my career, I thought I had to toughen up to be taken seriously. I tried to match the tone of the room, to speak louder, sharper, more detached. But I quickly realized that leadership isn't about mimicking what's already there. It's about bringing something new. When I leaned into my natural instincts, I found my voice. And when I led with empathy, I found my influence.
To the women rising through the ranks in finance, or in any male-dominated field, don't lose what makes you powerful. Your intuition is a compass. Your kindness is a connector. Your empathy is a catalyst. These are not traits to hide. They are tools to use wisely.
I believe the industry is changing, slowly but surely. And it needs leaders who bring both strength and softness, logic and heart.
