As a young woman of colour living in South Africa, my journey in the investment industry has been a blend of resilience, perseverance, and, most importantly, mentorship. Over the past 12 years, I've navigated numerous challenges, from feeling overlooked and needing to exert more effort than my male peers, to often being the only female around the table. However, the past few years have been transformative, thanks to the support of solid and diverse mentors.
Pictured: Michelle Green - Credit Analyst at Prescient Investment Management
The Power of Mentorship
Mentorship has been a cornerstone of my career and personal growth. I've been fortunate to have mentors of diverse backgrounds—both male and female, and from different races. They have not only guided me professionally but have also helped me grow and challenge me personally. It has helped me develop soft skills i.e., resilience, and adaptability, which are essential for long-term success. Having access to mentors’ wealth of experience and knowledge- offering practical advice, insights, and strategies that help navigate challenges and assist in making informed decisions. Importantly, this has pushed me to take risks I would have otherwise been hesitant to.
Overcoming Barriers
In an industry where confidence often seems to trump competence, in my experience, women, particularly those of colour, face unique challenges. One such example is having witnessed my male peers advance with apparent ease. Yet, mentorship has been a game-changer for me. My mentors have opened my mind to new possibilities, encouraging me to believe in myself and my capabilities – allowing me to be in control of my narrative. This support has been crucial, especially as women often feel the need to prove their worth, while some men may readily seize opportunities, figuring things out along the way.
A Milestone Achievement
One of my proudest achievements, made possible through the unwavering support of my mentors, is the completion of an international MBA. While this alone, brought with it its own challenges, and juggling work-life balance, the confidence instilled in me by my mentors played a pivotal role in making this journey worthwhile. This reinforces the belief that with the right support, and diligence, anything is possible.
Recommendations for Young Females in the Industry
For young women in the investment industry, particularly those facing similar challenges, here are a few recommendations:
- Seek Out Mentors: Find mentors who will be able to guide you both professionally and personally. Look for diversity in your mentors – in experience, culturally, profession etc, to gain different perspectives and insights. “A good mentor offers directions and driving tips from the back seat. You still have to drive the car”. – Michael Johnson
- Believe in Yourself: Self-belief is fundamental. Trust in your abilities and know that you are capable of achieving great things. “Believe you can and you’re already halfway there”. – Theodore Roosevelt
- Take Chances: Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Opportunities often come disguised as challenges. Embrace them and persevere. “Winners are losers who got up and gave it one more try”. – Dennis Deyoung
- Network Actively: Build a strong network within your industry. Networking can open doors to opportunities and provide support when needed. “Networking is not about just connecting people. Its about connecting people with people. People with ideas, and people with opportunities”. – Michele Jennae
- Celebrate Your Achievements: Recognize and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small. Each step forward is progress. “Every great accomplishment rests on the foundation of what came before it; when you trace it back, you’ll see one small step that started it all”. – Stephen Guise
A Message of Hope
To all the young females who may not yet realize their worth and what is possible, know and believe that: you can have it all. Challenges are inevitable, however overcoming them is what makes life meaningful – an opportunity to rise to the next level. Being smart and hardworking is essential to the process, however, having the right support, attitude and self-belief can make the journey all that more fulfilling.
“You can’t go back and change the beginning but you can start where you are and change the ending”. – CS Lewis
Disclaimer:
- Prescient Investment Management (Pty) Ltd is an authorised Financial Services Provider (FSP 612).
- This document is for information purposes only and does not constitute or form part of any offer to issue or sell or any solicitation of any offer to subscribe for or purchase any particular investment. Opinions expressed in this document may be changed without notice at any time after publication. We therefore disclaim any liability for any loss, liability, damage (whether direct or consequential) or expense of any nature whatsoever that may be suffered as a result of or which may be attributable directly or indirectly to the use of or reliance upon the information. For more information, visit www.prescient.co.za
