Women have always made an impact in finance and banking and are found at all levels of leadership. For example, women have been actively engaged in leadership at the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, Federal Reserve, FDIC, and the U.S. Treasury.
It’s an exciting time to be a woman in finance as barriers that once inhibited women’s path to leadership roles fall by the wayside. In addition, it is nice to see during the process that women actively support each other and gain traction in achieving greater equality.
Women have always been equally capable of earning and excelling in leadership roles, and now women are as well or more educated than men in the workforce. This change has facilitated women’s rise to leadership positions and eroded gender leadership imbalance.
Banks are now aggressively adding women to their boards and are actively looking for women to provide valuable leadership qualities, including communication, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, a positive work ethic, and strength in working with others.
As our societal perception of leaders migrates toward women, we look for more women to fill leadership roles.
I am a five-time bank CEO, an advisor to startups, and an advocate of innovation in financial services.
STEVE ANDREWS
I am an ardent advocate for banks of all sizes’ positive role in supporting and building local communities, funding businesses, and supporting local economies. Currently, I am the President and CEO of Beacon Business Bank.
As an advocate for the financial industry, I am pleased to witness the increased traction of female leaders in financial services. Women leaders are making their mark and leading the charge to address critical issues such as diversity, equity, inclusion efforts, and overall employee well-being.
Banking is actively innovating and experiencing social change. It is an exciting time to participate in the process and root for the increased representation of women at all workplace levels.
As the financial landscape changes, I look forward to experiencing the innovation created by banks and new FinTech entrants pushing economic evolution. I plan to participate in the exciting global economy and the next ride of change. I also look forward to more women leading the charge by breaking down barriers of underrepresentation.