Inspiring Futures: JoAnne Discusses Women’s Leadership in Finance
As the world celebrates the achievements of women this International Women's Month, we take a moment to highlight the experiences of women leaders in finance. Join us as we delve into the realities of leadership and the ongoing pursuit of inclusivity and empowerment in the finance industry with JoAnne.
What is your job description/ what do you do for Accord?
With my position it’s difficult to summarize what I do in a simplified job description. My day-to-day tasks are constantly changing. I do a little bit of everything within the organization, I’m involved in all aspects across Accord’s operations except for Accounting.
When did you enter the finance industry?
I joined the industry 28 years ago, developing nearly three decades of experience throughout the years.
How has it changed since you first joined?
A major aspect that has changed tremendously throughout the entire industry that comes to mind is technology. When I first started, organizations didn’t have internet and the majority of the day-to-day operations were completed manually. Whereas today, everything is done virtually.
What’s the hardest challenge of being a woman in a male-dominated field?
There are a few major challenges when it comes to working in a male-dominated field. One being the pay inequality women face in the work field by being paid less than men for doing the same job. Another being limited access to managerial roles for women in Finance. However, in my opinion, this obstacle has improved significantly from when I first started out.
What do you think organizations can do to enhance their efforts in attracting women to these fields and help them thrive and succeed?
There will be obstacles at every job; however, Accord goes above and beyond to take care of their employees. Ranging from our corporate team to each business unit, women are prominent in leadership roles here at Accord. The organization sets up the women in all business units for success. When thinking of the advantages to working here, a few things immediately come to mind which includes flexible work environments, steady self-development, and unrestricted access to career development.
What advice would you give your younger self just starting out in this industry?
Having a mentor to guide you throughout the ins and outs of the industry is such a valuable experience, especially when first entering the workforce. I was fortunate enough to have two remarkable women mentors guide me throughout my factoring career, which is what eventually led me to my career at Accord. I believe it is essential to be curious, build your skills and expertise, and to develop relationships within your organization and the industry.
What advice would you give to young women trying to break into Finance/Lending industry, especially in a male-dominated field?
A major piece of advice I can offer is to do your research when applying for positions. This allows you to easily identify companies where you will be offered an opportunity to succeed and be yourself.
With gratitude to JoAnne for her invaluable contributions to this interview, we conclude our exploration of the triumphs and challenges faced by women leaders in finance. May her story ignite a fire of empowerment and drive positive change in our industry and society.