“My journey into Equipment Leasing was a natural evolution from my career in Investment Research. The early part of my career was spent in Investment Research, but after several years, I was ready for a change that would allow me to grow both personally and professionally. Company culture was incredibly important to me in this transition. My sister, who previously worked for DLL, spoke so highly of the culture and the people at DLL, that I had to check it out for myself. The rest, as they say, is history. I joined DLL and the Equipment Leasing Industry in January 2020 and am so grateful I did! Working in male-dominated industries has always been part of my career. While it can be challenging to be one of the few women in the room, I’ve been fortunate to work with amazing team members who treat me as an equal. This supportive environment has been a breath of fresh air, especially considering that this wasn’t always the case in the previous companies I worked for. In those environments, I often felt the weight of being one of the few women, which made it all the more important for me to find and participate in women’s groups within the industry. At DLL, I’ve had the chance to participate in Women’s Councils, both within DLL and the ELFA, where we work towards creating solutions for greater gender-balanced leadership within the equipment leasing industry. These councils have provided a platform for me to contribute to meaningful change and support other women in the field. Joining the equipment leasing industry can be a rewarding journey. Here are some pieces of advice for women looking to enter this field:
- Believe in Yourself: Confidence is key. Trust your instincts and believe in your abilities. Don’t be afraid to push yourself out of your comfort zone!
- Relationships Matter: Building authentic relationships is crucial. Get involved through professional organizations, industry events, and work projects. Find your tribe and stay in touch with them as they move throughout the industry.
- Seek Mentorship: Find mentors who can provide guidance and support. Learning from those who have walked in similar shoes can be invaluable. The ELFA has an amazing Mentorship Program—definitely check it out!
- Stay Curious and Keep Learning: The equipment leasing industry offers endless opportunities for those eager to learn. Whether you’re acquiring new skills or getting your CLFP designation, keep pushing yourself to learn more every day.
- Advocate for Yourself and Others: Be your own advocate and support other women in the industry.”