A few years ago, my boss asked if I was interested in going down the path of becoming an Advisor, with the possibility of maybe even becoming a partner one day. I’ll never forget my response: ‘That sounds interesting, but I’m surprised you’d consider a woman.’ His reply? He said he recognized my potential – and welcomed a woman’s insight on the team.

 

I’m embarrassed to admit that my immediate response was self-doubt. Why me? Aren't there many well-established male advisors better suited (literally) for this industry?

 

Looking back, I really wish my first thought had been why not me? I’m educated, I’ve worked in finance for a decade, I’m progressing towards further designations, I’m personable and truly care about our clients. But maybe my initial feelings were valid. After all, the financial industry has always been male dominated, especially in leadership roles. In fact, currently only seventeen per cent of full-service brokerage advisors are women. I hadn't seen many examples of female advisors around me, so my initial doubts regrettably seemed to make sense.

 

Fortunately, the landscape is changing. Financial firms are building more diverse teams and supporting gender equality. Richardson Wealth has set a target for half of its advisors to be female within five years, and currently nine of the fourteen members of the executive leadership team are women. I am proud to work for a company that strives to make sure all voices are heard.

 

The fact that women’s wealth in Canada is growing cannot be ignored. It is estimated that over the next few years women will represent half of all privately held wealth in this country. Studies have shown that women think about money differently than men when it comes to their investments. As a woman, I am poised to help women meet their goals while investing according to their values.

 

I’m grateful to work for a team and firm that believe in promoting women and supporting women-led companies while recognizing and encouraging women’s different wealth management goals. But most importantly, I’m looking forward to witnessing how diversity in perspective and leadership will change the mold for women in finance.

 

- Monica Mazun

 Associate Investment Advisor