At IFA Magazine we refuse to overlook the importance of International Women’s Day as we celebrate the great work being done to achieve equality in the financial sector.
However, to achieve equality in the future, women currently working in the industry have had to overcome numerous hurdles to carve out a career in finance.
Amongst these women are Steph McMahon and Carla Brown both of which have managed highly successful careers in the industry whilst overcoming any obstacles that may have come their way.
As part of IFA Magazine’s International Women’s Day campaign, these inspiring women have shared their stories of success and offered some advice for anyone looking to break into the sector in the future.
Steph McMahon, Financial Adviser at Future Perfect Financial Solutions said:“I think a major challenge many women face in a heavily male dominated industry is holding your own and valuing what you bring to the table. I have experienced certain clients push back because they didn’t think my gender or age would help that “calibre of client” or they have made inappropriate comments around my appearance.
“I’ve also experienced others in the profession assuming I’m not a financial adviser and waiting for the male adviser to arrive. Initially that was very difficult to ignore or just laugh about because you do enter a realm of questioning your ability based on your gender. But then you start to think, what do I bring to the table? It’s something that comes over time and sometimes it’s hard to reflect that if you don’t have the right support system in place.
“Advisers I work with, all of whom are male, have coaxed and reminded me of my value and skill that I bring my clients who in turn see the value I offer. If women in finance do not have that then I can completely imagine the loneliness they must feel. Once you remember your value, the negative comments flow off your back and you end up pouring more of your heart into the clients that do see your worth.”
Carla Brown, Managing Director and Financial Planner at Oakmere Wealth Management said: “As a female financial adviser and business owner in a male-dominated profession, I know first-hand the challenges that women face. However, I also know that it is possible to overcome these obstacles and achieve success in this field.
“Building a strong network of professional contacts is essential for success in finance. Networking provides opportunities to build relationships, gain visibility, and access new opportunities. Seeking out mentors and sponsors who can provide guidance and support is also crucial for advancement.
“For many years I was often the only woman in the room at conferences and meetings so I felt that by investing time and money in education and professional development this gave me the confidence to show what I could bring to the table and helped me stay ahead of the curve and demonstrate my value to peers, employers and clients. We should never shy away from advocating for ourselves and negotiating for fair compensation or opportunities for advancement. Self-confidence and assertiveness are critical to achieving success in finance.
“Supporting other women in the finance profession is also important. By working together and lifting each other up, we can create a more inclusive and supportive profession for all. It is essential to break down the barriers that prevent women from entering and advancing in finance and to build a more equitable and diverse profession for the future.
“Women can thrive in the finance profession with determination, hard work, and strategic planning. Building a strong network, investing in education and professional development, advocating for oneself, and supporting other women are all key steps towards achieving success in this field.”
