While I've had to overcome various obstacles along the way, I'm grateful for the opportunity to contribute my ideas and perspectives, which are valued and respected at TAB.

Seeing other talented women represented on our board and executive committee is truly encouraging, as it demonstrates TAB's commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated.

One of the challenges women often face in the finance industry is the perception surrounding emotions.

From a young age, girls are sometimes conditioned to express their emotions more openly, which can be misconstrued as weakness in a high-pressure professional setting.

I've personally experienced in my career, before TAB situations where my emotional intelligence was unfairly criticised, rather than recognised as a valuable asset.

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Another issue is the pervasive casual sexism that still exists, even subconsciously — the automatic use of masculine pronouns when referring to professionals in the industry is just one example of how ingrained gender biases can be.

My advice for women starting or just started in the industry would be to dive in fearlessly and embrace your authentic self, don't be afraid to express your emotions – they are a strength, not a weakness.

If you're performing at your best, your emotional intelligence should be celebrated — seek out mentors who can guide you through challenging moments and help you channelise your emotions productively.

Additionally, be proactive in defining your objectives, communicating areas where you need support, and asking questions.

Remember that even your male peers who may appear confident are likely facing their own struggles and uncertainties.

Cultivate a growth mindset, remain open to learning, and don't hesitate to ask for help when needed.