The power of women in finance: Lessons from Time Finance's female leaders

To mark International Women's Day this year, we sat down with a number of remarkable women across the Time Finance business to hear their journey into the finance industry, how they embrace equity in their day-to-day work and use their positions for positive change.

Helen Wheeler, Head of Operations in Invoice Finance

"In my early career, going back 30 years now, the finance industry was a very different place - and very much male dominated. There were very few female role models that I could look up to. There was however, one Director in my first job who was very ahead of her time and would always encourage me to step outside my comfort zone. The more I did this, the more confident I became and I've worked very hard to climb the ladder using the values she instilled in me - putting in the hours to get where I need to be.

"Women like her, in a boardroom full of men, have paved the way for young women getting into finance today. For anybody coming into our industry: no matter their gender, there is always a place for you at Time Finance and the wider industry, as long as you're willing to put the work in!"

Tanya Raynes, Non-Executive Chair

"Over the years I've worked in a number of different roles, all leading up to CEO level in my previous work. Now I sit as a member of the board at Time Finance. What I've learnt over my varied career is there is no value in trying to be something that you're not, don't show up to the boardroom and act like a man, be a woman and use what that brings to the table.

"In my previous career path working in aviation - a heavily male dominated industry - I just had to get stuck into the difficult jobs and earn my stripes. I've had to work hard to gain respect but importantly I brought something different to the table. Generally speaking, women find it harder to promote themselves and often don't think they're doing such a great job. The key to success is seizing the opportunities, don't look back and surround yourself with positive people who you can thrive amongst."

Sharon Bryden, Director of Commercial Loans and ABL

"At Time Finance there are lots of women in senior leadership positions and it's so encouraging to see, it really makes such a huge difference to the industry. It's so important to have that diversity; women can offer just as much as men can. The key thing is that we put the perfect person forward for the job, it doesn't matter who that is.

"Juggling a career with young children isn't easy, but you can do it with the right support and keeping focused on what you want to achieve. Women have proven time and time again that they can excel when dealing with a lot of spinning plates.

"My best piece of advice for any young women looking to start out in their career is to never be afraid to push yourself out of the comfort zone, it's all about believing in yourself and in your ability. Keep focused on that goal and nurture your relationships with other women in business, they'll be a great help."

Laura Mollett, Head of Broker Sales

"I always say that nobody works harder than a working mother! Juggling your career and your homelife is never an easy task, and one that us mums do with our eyes closed. Without that flexibility and understanding from employers, it can be quite tricky for mums to return to their careers after maternity leave.

"At Time Finance, we have a hybrid working model which allows me to put in the hours leading my small team of five, while also making sure I show up for my son. For anybody looking to get into the finance industry, I would always say be true to your authentic self. Always be yourself at work and let that shine through."

Louise Ikonomides, Head of Business Improvements

"For the majority of my career I've run businesses, working in senior leadership and at CEO level, specifically in the financial services and technology sectors. These industries have been, and continue to be dominated by men. In my experience, women are working extremely hard to get where they want to be in their careers and gain respect.

"Visibility and representation is so important and the industry has to lead by example. If we want young women to spark an interest in finance they need to see that there's a place for them here. I've had to be the master of my own destiny, I'm self taught and I've only ever relied on myself. Young women need to recognise where their drive and resilience comes from and use that for good. Always trust the process and find the strength to keep pushing forward. I hope the next generation of women can make strides greater than the last."

Lorraine Neyland, Director of Risk

"As we celebrate another International Women's Day, I want to take a moment to celebrate how much our industry has transformed over the years. Having started my career in Risk over 35 years ago, in what was very much a man's world, I've witnessed a lot of changes over the course of that time. Most notably, how rewarding it has been for women such as myself to go against the grain, climb up the ranks and have a voice at the table where important decisions are made. In 2023, there are more and more women entering and thriving in this field than ever before, and it's a pleasure to see."

Kate Brown, Head of Marketing

"The financial services sector continues to make some really positive strides when it comes to female representation. In the short time I've worked in the industry, I've seen more and more women progressing into leadership roles and having a key voice at the table. It's really encouraging and inspiring to see.

"I truly believe that having somebody notice something in you and believe in you can make all the difference. I owe many of my achievements to the support network I have around me, whether that's through family, friends, peers or mentors. We need to instil confidence and provide the necessary tools for young women to embrace a career in finance. That's why I'm so passionate about using my own experiences to elevate other women around me; I recognise how inspiring and encouraging it can be to have somebody in your corner cheering you on."

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