This International Women’s Day we sat down with the incredible women making a difference across Time Finance, who share their experience of working in an industry perceived to be male dominated, and how they have inspired inclusion throughout their careers.
Kate Manning, Operations Manager in Asset Finance
“Working in finance as a woman has been a fulfilling journey filled with opportunities. I've found immense support and encouragement from colleagues and mentors. These experiences have strengthened my resilience and determination. By fostering an environment of support, respect, and collaboration, we can continue to drive progress and create even more opportunities for women to thrive in finance.
“When it comes to inclusivity, the best piece of advice I’ve received is to nurture an environment of empathy and understanding. It reminds me to always consider the perspectives and experiences of others. By actively listening and understanding different viewpoints, we create a more inclusive work environment.
“To younger women aspiring to thrive in the finance industry, I would emphasise the importance of confidence, continuous learning, and resilience. It’s essential to believe in your abilities and not be deterred by challenges or setbacks. Seek out mentors, including line managers, who can provide valuable insights and support your professional growth.”
Joanne Barratt, Head of Sales Support and Payouts
“I’ve worked in the finance industry for over 20 years, covering every aspect of the operational side of an asset finance business, and I’ve led teams that cover the full cycle of a deal. In the early days, Asset Finance was a male dominated industry but this is continuing to change and it's fantastic to see more women in leadership positions.
“Throughout my career, I’ve always had the opportunity for my voice to be heard and I have always been supported and encouraged to progress, from the very beginning of my asset finance journey to now. I’ve always been reviewed based on my ability and performance, not my gender. I’ve worked with some amazing people who have shared their knowledge and mentored me, influencing who I am today.
“The best piece of advice I’ve been given was not to wait for things to come to you; create and seize your own opportunities. If you want to get noticed, you need to work hard, have confidence in your abilities, be resilient and step outside of your comfort zone. Share your knowledge and empower others; it’s a great feeling!”
Charlotte Wall, Head of Relationship Management
“Throughout the majority of the last decade, I’ve worked with a number of great women in senior leadership positions. As Head of Relationship Management at Time Finance, I now look after a team of six Managers, covering South England and Wales. While the industry has historically been male dominated, women’s representation has changed a lot over the years, and the challenges I’ve seen women face over the last 25 years have definitely improved. “The best piece of advice I was ever given was not to be intimated, keep striving for success, be determined, believe in yourself and never give up. My advice for any young women looking to get into the industry would be to make sure you have the relevant qualifications or skill set for the role. Keep a positive attitude but be realistic about the challenges you may face - your talent will always succeed!”