Women in Finance: Q&A with the Marketing Team

Tracey, Amina and Sabrine (along with their manager Joe) make up the Marketing Team of Bluestone Mortgages. Having worked together for just under 2 years, they share their experience on working in the Financial Sector and what it takes to #embraceequity.

We asked the Marketing Team…

Women make up to 75% of the professional marketing population in the UK, however men are twice more likely to be CMO’s. What do you think can be done to change this?

Amina’s answer…

I’m honoured to be part of a company that recognises women in our industry as well as women across the board. However, gender equality in the workplace still has a long way to go across the world. To address these imbalances, we as a community can:

1. Address the unconscious bias: Many individuals may have unconscious biases that cause them to overlook or undervalue women in the workplace. Regular training programs and workshops can raise awareness of these biases and encourage more objective decision-making in hiring and promotion for more senior roles.
2. Spotlight female achievements: Getting recognition as a woman is slowly improving, especially with the introduction of awards evenings like the ‘Women’s recognitions award’. Event’s like these inspire more dialogue and catalyse action and we need to see more of them! 
3. Uplift and support women in the workplace: We should be advocating for women in the workplace who are constantly succeeding to pitch for higher salaries and apply for senior positions wherever possible. Doing so fosters a work culture that is inclusive and allows for progression. 

What are the most effective ways to counteract the negative stereotypes of feminism, especially in the Financial Industry?

Amina’s answer…

Education and dialogue is key! For those who are unsure about the historical significance of feminism and the ongoing challenges that women and marginalised groups face, we need to create spaces where we can educate and discuss the topic. International Women’s Day is great because it highlights and celebrates the achievements of women in Finance who may have not had the same recognition in the past. However, dialogues like this should be ongoing and something that is discussed regularly. Doing so will be key in dispelling the negative stereotypes associated with feminism.  

What is the most important piece of advice you have been given?

Tracey’s answer…

I have been really fortunate that over the years I have had great female and male mentors and received valuable career advice along the way. A piece of advice that really stands out for me is that the only way you will grow professionally is by getting out of your comfort zone and getting used to the feeling of being “uncomfortable”. That means learning new skills and doing new and different things, and building the confidence to ask the difficult questions, particularly around salary and growth. 

Working in an all female team, what kind of influence do you strive to have on your female colleagues, and the wider financial services industry?

Tracey’s answer…

I want to aspire to be a strong female figure in the office environment. I really believe that women supporting other women is a beautiful thing. As mentioned in my previous answer, I have had such amazing female mentors throughout the course of my career so far. I would love to be a mentor for female marketers trying to gain experience in the industry and supporting other women within my workspace wherever possible.

Who is an inspiration to you?

Sabrine’s answer…

The women in my team and in the office inspire me as they are a testament to the progress that has been made in achieving gender equality in the workplace and I truly think they serve as powerful role models. It’s inspiring to see women who are successful in their careers and are also committed to supporting and uplifting other women in the workplace. I’m quite fortunate to have amazing support and mentorship provided by both the men and women here at Bluestone. I think it’s so important to have colleagues who inspire you as they can be instrumental in helping you to achieve your goals and advance in your career.

This year’s IWD theme is #EmbraceEquity. What do you think can be done to embrace equity for women in the Financial Industry? 

Sabrine’s answer…

I personally believe that organisations should embrace equity by providing mentorship and sponsorship opportunities and offering flexible work arrangements for women at all levels. I also think it’s really important to provide the opportunity to engage in discussions about sensitive topics. This can be both challenging and rewarding as it allows us to learn more about different perspectives and experiences, which can ultimately broaden our understanding and educate us about issues that may have been previously overlooked or ignored. By addressing these topics, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and understanding society. Of course, it’s important to approach these conversations with sensitivity and respect for others’ perspectives and experiences. Overall, I do think sparking difficult conversations can be a powerful tool for personal growth, learning, and social change!

Support us

This year, in honour of IWD, we’re supporting Smart Works. A charity that provides both interview training and clothing to help low-income women in the U.K get jobs and gain financial independence. By harnessing the power of clothes and coaching, the charity aims to build confidence for job success. You can help us reach our target by donating here.