Diversity: Not of gender, but personality

Not just a gender question

clock • 3 min read

As a female portfolio manager in the financial industry, I am frequently questioned how I survive as a woman in a typically male-dominated industry and if I feel disadvantaged.

It is a valid question. Gender is obviously a distinguishing factor between people and there are far fewer female portfolio managers than there are males. If I join an investors' conference, I am often the reason the speaker needs to address us with "dear lady and gentlemen", which is likely followed by a comment about the only woman sitting in the audience - me. Parker Review sets ethnic diversity targets for FTSE 350 boards However, in my opinion, this is an opportunity to stand out. It is then up to me how to use this attention and make sure I am remembered for the right reasons...

To continue reading this article...

Join Investment Week for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, analysis and opinion from the investment industry, including the Sustainable Hub covering fund news from the ESG space
  • Get ahead of regulatory and technological changes affecting fund management
  • Important and breaking news stories selected by the editors delivered straight to your inbox each day
  • Weekly members-only newsletter with exclusive opinion pieces from leading industry experts
  • Be the first to hear about our extensive events schedule and awards programmes

Join now

 

Already an Investment Week
member?

Login

More on Diversity

Karis Stander (pictured), director of the culture, talent and inclusion team at the Investment Association.

IA's Karis Stander: Industry has to 'drive forward' on diversity in wake of Crispin Odey scandal

Data headwinds

Eve Maddock-Jones
clock 21 December 2023 • 4 min read
Helena Morrissey (pictured), chair of the Diversity Project speaking at the Pathway Programme's graduation ceremony.

Six 2023 Pathway Programme members promoted to portfolio manager

Graduation for first year of the scheme

Eve Maddock-Jones
clock 08 December 2023 • 4 min read
(L-R) Noreen Biddle Shah, founder of Reboot and head of corporate communications at Numis,and Justin Onuekwusi, chief investment officer at St. James’s Place

Reboot's Justin Onuekwusi and Noreen Biddle Shah: Closing the ethnicity pay gap

£3.2bn pay gap

Noreen Biddle Shah and Justin Onuekwusi
clock 08 December 2023 • 4 min read
Trustpilot