Celebrating International Women's Day
A perspective from the team
It’s International Women’s Day!
On behalf of the entire Celent team, I’d like to recognize and celebrate the two dozen amazing female leaders and deep experts who have decided to make Celent their home, helping our clients make smarter technology choices. In a small team of just under 60 people, everyone counts and I’m proud of the progress we’ve made in moving toward gender parity; we’re certainly better off than we were when I joined 12 years ago!
Each one is a true trailblazer, navigating the historically male-dominated world of Financial Services technology into positions of influence.
For IWD, I asked the team if they’d be willing to offer a few quotes of inspiration to future women leaders in our industry – and here’s just a few (in no particular order other than how they were received) that I think sum up well their journeys and outlook for the future.
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“Being able to navigate this world that has been predominately male-dominated had me feeling the need to show my worth when I first started 13 years ago, but in time as more women are in IT and product roles, the need has lessened. Now during our projects women make up a large percentage of the client teams. Not at the highest level and not in all vendors or insurers, but it's better. It also doesn't stop some mansplaining that still happens, but that's better too.” – Karen Monks, Principal Analyst, Insurance |
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“As a woman in fintech, I have learned to navigate a predominantly male-dominated industry, breaking down barriers and shattering glass ceilings along the way. It's not always been easy, but it has been incredibly rewarding.” – Karlyn Carnahan, Head of Insurance, North America |
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“After all these years I still find working in fintech exciting - the fields of technology and finance are always evolving and have the potential to really make a positive difference to people's lives. That's incredibly motivating. Being a woman in fintech has its challenging and frankly laughable moments, but I'm encouraged more often than let down by what's going on in our industry. My ask for IWD? To understand how to get women offered more "stretch" roles in tech instead of being expected to have proven expertise while male candidates aren't held to the same standard (how many times do we hear "there just aren't enough qualified women for this role but then see a man promoted into the role?). Until the "pipeline" problem is fixed, maybe getting more women in senior tech roles can start with believing women can stretch to get there and supporting them when they take that risk.” – Monica Summerville, Head of Capital Markets |
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“When I began my career in Financial Services, I was one of only a few women who worked in the strategy and planning division of a leading wealth management firm. Today, I am so happy to report that as Head of Wealth Management at Celent, my highly skilled team consists entirely of amazing women with different backgrounds, histories and capabilities. I am inspired by them everyday. " – Jean Sullivan, Head of Wealth Management |
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“From the “working mom of two very young children” perspective – Celent and Oliver Wyman have made it clear that this is an organization that supports young families, working parents, and particularly working moms. The support provided to me, both verbally and through policies have been encouraging, inclusive, and thoughtful before, during, and after maternity leave. The working moms, as well as the male and female supporters, across the team, and the broader fintech industry have been an inspiration to me by proving that yes, it is possible to work full time and be a hands-on mom/parent, but more importantly, we can succeed at both and are emboldened to do so” – Ashley Longabaugh, Principal Analyst, Wealth Management |
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“I believe that when we lift-up others, the rewards are boundless. In a male dominated field of Financial Services Sales, I have been privileged to have been supported throughout my career by a strong group of mentors.Here, I am challenged, supported, and inspired by our team members (both female and male). I am proud to be part of team that has strong female leadership, which I've seen grow significantly over the last 15 years. On this IWD, I would like to share my appreciation for the women in my life and my career that have lifted me up. I hope, in turn, to pass it on!” – Bret Heither, Senior Client Development |
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“Breaking into the Financial Services industry and starting my career at Celent, I couldn’t have asked for a greater group of women to work alongside. I feel extremely fortunate to have such an influential group of mentors who are making tremendous strides forward.” – Jenna Blydell, Client Development |
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“I'm truly honored to work alongside female trailblazers in this industry. Women who have shattered ceilings and claimed overdue seats at the decision-making tables. Forces to be reckoned with, and a source of daily inspiration and motivation for me.” - Nicola Segal, Head of Marketing |
The journey has not always been smooth (and still isn’t always as evidenced in the observations above), but we’ll together continue to move it in the right direction. And, as a privileged male who has not always been aware of the challenges faced by those around him, I’m in awe of the grit they’ve shown and welcome the lessons that they continue to teach me.
Thank you for being simply awesome – go forward and keep smashing that glass!
PS A cheeky plug: If you're in the business of organising fintech events and want to avoid too many "Man-alls" (instead of "panels") on the agenda, you know where to find us :-)