Despite decades of diversity initiatives, women represent only 20-25% of financial professionals. In this forum by A Woman’s Clarity®, host Kirsten joins industry trailblazers, Lindsay Lewis, MBA, CHFC®, CFP®, Managing Director & Chair for Center for Women at The American College of Financial Services, and Alanah Phillips, founder of Advisor Launch Lab and Break Up With Your Broker Dealer, to explore strategies to help women thrive in this industry. Collectively they share personal insights on building professional networks, leveraging education for career advancement, and creating a supportive community of like-minded professionals. Learn how successful female advisors have navigated industry challenges, the importance of developing a personal brand, and why authenticity is crucial for connecting with clients and colleagues. Whether you're established in your financial services career or considering entering the field, this episode delivers practical guidance on building confidence, advocating for yourself, and developing meaningful professional relationships that can transform your career trajectory.

Resources:

• Women's professional development: American College's Center for Women
• Continuing education platform: Knowledge Hub Plus
• Mentorship program: FinServe Foundation
• Industry networking organizations: Financial Planning Association (FPA,) National Association for Fixed Annuities (NAFA), Women & Finance (WIFS), National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA)
• Educational content: Reshma Saujani's commencement speech on imposter syndrome

Statistics:

• Women represent only 20-25% of financial professionals, a number that hasn't significantly changed in two decades
• Professionals with one designation experience 13% higher growth in earnings and 35% higher client retention
• Adding a second designation increases these numbers to 19% higher earnings growth and 45% higher client retention
• 16% of female professionals with designations receive client referrals
• 76% of individuals believe mentorship would help them professionally, but only 37% have mentors
• One-third of financial advisors (approximately 100,000) plan to retire in the next decade