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This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the incredible women we work with—their passion, determination, and the incredible things they have achieved.
In this Q&A, hear from some of Ulton’s female leaders as they reflect on the challenges, learnings, and joys of building successful careers in the finance sector.
Featuring insights from:
Q: What do you think are the biggest challenges for women working in the finance sector?
A: I think that the challenges are not specific to one particular sector but in my experience, I see a lot of females who started their career when there were some outdated norms in relation to women in the workplace. I’m really excited that we are now seeing an agenda for equality and more awareness by all genders about what ‘the best person for the job’ looks like.
For women of my generation, I think there is a straddling of rhetoric of ‘I can be anything, hear me roar’ followed quickly by those earlier impressions that ‘only men are worthy of doing what it takes to get the top job’.
Because of straddling these eras over our early to mid career, the challenge as we move forward as I see it, is our own self doubt, the imposter syndrome, our personal limiting beliefs— all things that are in our own control to move beyond with the right mentors, insights and cheerleaders to guide us when challenges arise or if (when) we lose our nerve.
Q:How can companies create more inclusive environments for women in finance?
A: It’s important that companies build an authentic culture that is inclusive for everyone. Leaders with positive energy and high EQ who understand the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the workplace are a magnet for attracting passionate and talented professionals. So, not only is it the right thing to do, there is also an economic payoff of ensuring this is a behavioural norm from the get-go.
Q: As a senior female leader, what advice would you give young aspiring women in the finance sector?
A: Just because we’ve always done things a certain way in the past, doesn’t mean that is the only way of achieving things in the future. There is no ‘one right way’ to success.
Your career can be whatever you make it—if you want to shoot the lights out, then dream big and back yourself. If you find that the door shuts in your face, don’t give up, just find a window to climb through.
The other piece of advice I would add, is to not underestimate the power of building diverse, supportive networks throughout your career. It’s the richness of experiences and relationships that help keep us accountable to our personal growth and professional acumen.
I have met so many inspiring, intelligent and life-loving women who just generally raise my vibe. I never regret consciously setting aside time to meet up with any one of them on a regular basis and just seeing where our conversation takes us.
Q: What is the most impactful career advice you’ve encountered?
A:The most impactful career advice I've received revolves around seeking guidance and overcoming fear. This means reaching out for help when needed, because the people around us do genuinely want to see us succeed and are ready and willing to offer us support.
Secondly, a quote I recently encountered during a Dale Carnegie course has stuck with me: "Fear doesn't exist anywhere except in the mind”. Fear is often a product of our own perceptions and thoughts rather than an inherent reality. By recognising that fear is a mental construct, we can take steps to overcome it.
Q: What’s a piece of advice you’d give your younger self?
A: Embrace opportunities and don’t be afraid to take risks. Recognise that setbacks are a natural part of the learning process and it's okay to stumble along the way. Instead of viewing failure as a roadblock, see it as an opportunity to grow and improve. Remember, it's not the end of the world; it's a chance to learn, adapt, and try again.
Q: What do you think are the best ways to encourage women to become leaders?
A: I think we just need to encourage young women to think that they can be leaders now and into the future. We need to provide continued training for our young women—every time we do, they step up and become excellent leaders.
As a wider society I think the only way we will get many more women as leaders at younger ages is to encourage shared parenting between both members of a couple.
Q: What’s a piece of advice you’d give your younger self?
A: Don't stress about the outcome. Work hard, become invaluable to your employer, take every opportunity for advancement and for study. Do that, and life will work out well.
Q:Have you ever experienced self-doubt?
A: Of course. Particularly being a woman in an industry that, at the time I entered, was very much male-dominated at every level.
Women were very much employed at a processing administrative level and the “they will want to have children at some stage” stereotype was very much alive. This was actually raised as a question at an interview in the early years of my career!
I realised that my career would unlikely develop if I waited for promotion while management held the expectation that I would leave eventually.
At the time, my husband and I moved every few years for his career, so I decided that with every move, I would apply for roles that were next level up from the role I held at the time.
I had self-doubt, but I succeeded every time. It made me realise that while the early years of my career had knocked my confidence, I really did have the ability in me all along.
Q: What are the most important traits for progressing into a leadership role?
A: Your mindset. If you don't believe in yourself, how can you convince and lead others? Own it. Be humble and take responsibility for mistakes. Allow your people a chance to develop and make their own mistakes. Know your purpose, understand your vision and have a sense of direction. Make it collaborative. Be a good listener. One of the most important things is to have at least one great mentor and surround yourself with people who believe in you.
Q: What role do you think men can play in supporting gender diversity and inclusion in the finance sector?
A: Men can support gender diversity and inclusion by breaking biases and role modelling to normalise men using these benefits and sharing parenting and household responsibilities. Equality at home is a driver of equality at work.
Q: Do you think female-focused industry events are beneficial, or do they contribute to greater segregation?
A: Female-focused industry events are beneficial in a balanced way. Hearing from strong, independent, accomplished, and resilient women is inspirational. However powerful stories can also come from men. IWD is also an opportunity for men in leadership positions to stand up and be accountable for communicating why change is necessary. Gender equality requires a united front to drive positive change.
Q: What’s a piece of advice you’d give your younger self?
A: Be a “yes” person more often. Don’t let insecurities hold you back from new experiences. Professional and personal learning and growth happens when you push yourself outside of your comfort zone. Yes it’s daunting, but it’s essential and you’ll be so proud of yourself for doing so.
Q: Is there a particular female leader that you look up to? Why?
A: Jacinda Ardern: Serving as the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern has gained international acclaim for her compassionate leadership, particularly during crises such as the Christchurch Mosque shootings and the COVID-19 pandemic. She's known for her empathetic approach and commitment to social justice.
Q: What’s a piece of advice you’d give your younger self?
A: If I were to give a piece of advice to my younger self, it would be to embrace failure and uncertainty as opportunities for growth rather than sources of fear or discouragement. Failure is a natural part of the learning process and doesn't define your worth or potential. Instead of fearing failure, see it as an opportunity to learn, adapt, and grow stronger.
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