I was overwhelmed by the number of young female brokers who attended the “Women in Finsure” business networking launch in early March. The event helped to commemorate International Women’s Day, and I joined with other guest speakers including NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian MP and leading aggregator, Finsure’s Managing Director, John Kolenda to launch “Women in Finsure”.

It was such a great honour to speak to such a fantastic audience of brokers about two subjects I am so passionate about – women in the finance industry and becoming a successful small business owner. Better still, I have also been blown away by the number of young women who have contacted me since the event, to ask more about what it takes to make it as a broker.

While women represent 55% of the financial services industry workforce, only 29% of Finance Brokers Association of Australia (FBAA) members are female. I believe more positive messaging, information and communication is needed to inform more women of the fantastic career opportunities that are open to them. It is also crucial for employers and senior management to ensure the right culture, policies and procedures are in place to best promote this messaging throughout the industry.

A woman’s natural ability to build rapport is second to none. We are also empathetic and very productive with our time. I happen to know women working part-time in my industry who are billing more than full-time males. Those attributes and the fact females increasingly make the final decision on the family mortgage, represents a tremendous opportunity for motivated women to forge a highly successful career as a broker.

While more female brokers are desperately needed, it is important to note the significant progress made concerning gender diversity in recent years and the positive impact women have already had on the finance sector. The arrival of more women in this once male-dominated industry has led to more flexible working hours, and therefore a better work-life balance for both genders. Striking the right balance between your professional life and commitments outside of the office is vital when it comes to achieving a successful and fulfilling career.

So are you the next great female broker or financial guru? As the Principal at Astute Ability Finance Group, I am passionate about gender diversity and encouraging the next generation of women to take the finance industry by storm. If you work hard, believe in your abilities, engage in networking and mentoring and are willing to listen, a successful and fulfilling career can be yours.