“Like many great adventures, my journey into equipment finance was entirely unplanned. I was comfortably settled in my previous role, completely unaware of the world equipment finance. Then, a persistent friend, working as a credit analyst at a broker, saw an opportunity for me. Their operations department was experiencing high turnover, and she believed my work ethic would be a perfect fit. Honestly, I was resistant. I had no knowledge of equipment finance, and I certainly wasn't looking for a career change. But my friend was relentless. She assured me industry knowledge wasn't a prerequisite, just a willingness to learn. Eventually, to appease her, I agreed to an interview. To my surprise, after just 30 minutes, I was offered the job. I even threw out some, what I thought were outrageous requirements for hire, and they agreed! That's how I unexpectedly found myself immersed in the world of equipment finance.
Being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry has been a mix of rewarding experiences and challenges. There was definitely a period early in my career where I struggled to find my voice. I felt hesitant to speak up, because I felt that my ideas and suggestions wouldn't be taken seriously. This was particularly true in meetings where I was often the only woman present plus being an operation teammate in a high sales driven organization. Overcoming this required a conscious effort to build my confidence and learn more about the industry. It was a learning curve, but ultimately, it was incredibly empowering. Learning to assert myself and ensure my contributions were heard was a significant win. It's a journey that's shaped me both professionally and personally.
My biggest piece of advice to all young leaders is your voice matters. Don't be afraid to speak up, regardless of who's in the room. Ideas flourish when they come from diverse perspectives, especially from those directly involved in the work. Also, don't hesitate to lean on your team for advice and feedback. Collaboration is key in this industry. Find mentors and allies who can support you. And most importantly, have the confidence, courage, and bravery to make your voice heard, even when it feels challenging. Looking back, I wish I had known earlier that my contributions were valuable from day one. I spent too much time second-guessing myself. So, to any woman entering this field trust your instincts, believe in your abilities, and never underestimate the power of your voice.”