As we step into 2025, it’s time to reflect on the valuable lessons we’ve learned over the past year—and more importantly, how we can use them to create meaningful change. WomenShare has grown into a vibrant platform where women in financial services share their stories, struggles, and successes. This year’s conversations have been nothing short of transformative, featuring so many remarkable guests. Here are some highlights we shared on our New Year episode, from our conversations in 2024 with Julie Ragatz, Shannon Schlotter, Atricia Roberts, and Terri Kallsen.
These insights aren’t just for inspiration—they’re a call to action. Here’s how you can apply what we’ve learned to drive progress in your career, organization, and the industry.
1. Champion Diversity to Expand Client Choice
Terri Kallsen reminded us that diversity in financial services isn’t just about representation—it’s about giving clients the power to choose an advisor who understands their unique needs. She also shared encouraging stats from the Certified Financial Planner Board: a growing percentage of new CFP certifications are being earned by people with diverse backgrounds. While they're still not the majority, the numbers are growing.
Action Steps:
- For leaders: Highlight diverse voices in your marketing and client-facing roles. Representation in your team can resonate deeply with potential clients.
- For peers: If you’re already a Certified Financial Planner Professional, consider mentoring diverse candidates studying for their CFP exams. Your guidance could make a significant impact.
- For aspiring professionals: Take the leap. If becoming a CFP has been on your mind, know that the industry is growing more inclusive, and there’s a growing network ready to support you.
2. Build and Lean Into Mentorship Relationships
Atricia Roberts shared how her career was reignited through mentorship with Bernie Wolfe, who helped her rebuild confidence by seeing her authenticity as an asset.
Action Steps:
- As a mentor: Commit to mentoring one person this year, especially someone from an underrepresented background. Be intentional about empowering them to succeed on their terms.
- As a mentee: Reach out to someone whose career path inspires you. Be clear about your goals, and don’t hesitate to ask for their support.
- For organizations: Create structured mentorship programs that match experienced professionals with up-and-coming talent, especially women and diverse candidates.
3. Create Inclusive Corporate Cultures
Julie Ragatz spoke about the concept of "forced entrepreneurship," where women start their own businesses due to dissatisfaction with traditional corporate environments.
Action Steps:
- For leaders: Conduct a workplace culture audit. How are you supporting work-life balance, career progression, and inclusivity? Consider implementing flexible work policies and transparent promotion criteria.
- For peers: Advocate for the changes you’d like to see. Share your experiences and ideas with leadership to build a case for more inclusive practices.
- For entrepreneurs: If you’ve started your own business, offer mentorship or partnership opportunities to others who may not have the resources to take the leap.
4. Embrace Experimentation and Self-Care During Transitions
Shannon Schottler highlighted the importance of self-care and experimentation during life changes. Her anecdote about her daughter learning to bake perfectly captured the beauty of learning through trial and error.
Action Steps:
- For yourself: Approach transitions as experiments. Test new skills, roles, or routines, and view setbacks as learning opportunities.
- For teams: Foster a culture where innovation and “failure” are seen as steps toward growth. Celebrate effort and encourage curiosity.
- For the industry: Share your own transitional stories with your network. By normalizing imperfection, we encourage others to embrace their own growth journeys.
5. Grow the Community and Broaden the Impact
Insight: WomenShare’s incredible 284% growth in listenership and 413% rise in streams in 2024 proves that there’s power in community.
Action Steps:
- Join us: Engage with WomenShare by attending events, joining discussions, or even sharing your story.
- Build connections: Start or participate in a local networking group for women in financial services. These spaces can spark collaboration and innovation.
- Support the mission: If you’ve found value in WomenShare, consider becoming a sponsor or introducing the podcast to someone who could benefit from it. Together, we can amplify these vital conversations.
Thank you for being part of this community here at WomenShare. Together, we're making a brighter future for our industry.
