More women representing + disrupting the investment industry? Yes please.
To the very, very few women who have courageously stepped into the male-dominated world of investing, thank you.
Your presence is groundbreaking.
Your leadership is inspiring.
And your courage lights the way for future generations.
You navigate a world that is still deeply rooted in outdated power dynamics, and yet you rise, showing what is possible for women in the investment space.
I cheer you on, and I know that one day, I too will step into this arena, and have my own investment fund, and play a key role in acquisitions.
But I intend to do so in a very different way.
The landscape today: a glamorous facade in a masculine world
The women currently making waves in the investment world are remarkable. Many of them exude a glamour and grace that belies the immense pressure they face daily.
They represent the feminine amidst an alpha-male-dominated world.
Yet, beneath the surface, the investment industry remains, at its core, a “boys’ club.”
This reality isn’t just anecdotal; it’s systemic.
Women are often underrepresented in top leadership roles, excluded from key networks, and subjected to outdated perceptions of their capabilities.
The power struggles that take place in the investment world are archaic in nature, rooted in a history of male dominance that feels completely out of sync with the modern world.
A firsthand look at the problem
A close friend of mine, who is currently brokering high-stakes deals in the Middle East, has given me a glimpse into this dynamic.
She tells stories of male brokers exerting power and dominance over female negotiators in ways that feel unsettlingly familiar.
There’s a subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) exertion of control, interruptions in meetings, dismissive attitudes, or thinly veiled condescension. It’s a constant tug-of-war for credibility, authority, and respect.
This isn’t just a professional challenge; it’s an emotional burden.
For women in these roles, every negotiation, every deal, and every interaction can feel like a fight to simply be seen and heard.
Are we still here?
It feels absurd to ask this question in 2025: Are we still here?
Are we still stuck in these outdated power struggles? Are we still fighting to prove that women belong in spaces that should have opened up to us long ago?
The answer, unfortunately, is often yes.
Despite incredible strides in gender equality, there are certain industries - investment being one of them, where progress feels painstakingly slow.
These spaces cling to outdated hierarchies, where dominance and control are prioritised over collaboration and inclusion.
A new vision for women in investing
This isn’t the future I envision for women in investing. I see a new paradigm emerging, one where women lead, advise, and invest in ways that honour their innate strengths.
Imagine a world where:
Women negotiate with confidence and are met with respect, not resistance.
Collaboration replaces competition, and deals are brokered through relationships, not power plays.
Female investors support and mentor the next generation, creating an ecosystem of opportunity and empowerment.
The investment world doesn’t just need more women, it needs a shift in how business is done.
It’s not about “fitting in” to the boys’ club; it’s about redefining the rules of the game entirely.
What needs to change
Shifting power dynamics
Celebrating feminine leadership
Women bring unique strengths to the table, intuition, empathy, and holistic thinking. These qualities aren’t just “nice to have”; they’re essential for creating a balanced and innovative investment ecosystem.
Are we ready to break free?
For the women already paving the way, your work is invaluable. You’re not simply brokers or negotiators; you’re trailblazers!
And for those of us who will step into this world in the future, let’s vow to do so differently.
Let’s make the investment industry a place where power isn’t about control, it’s about collaboration, co-partnering and co-creation.
Where success isn’t defined by the dominance but by mutual honour and respect.
Where women build the table, set the rules, and invite others to join us.
I’m IN - who’s with me?