Banking is a competitive and challenging sector that requires a lot of skills, knowledge, and resilience. It is also a sector that has been historically dominated by men, but that is changing rapidly. More and more women are rising to the top positions in banking, breaking barriers and stereotypes, and inspiring others to follow their footsteps.
In this article, we will look at some of the most powerful women in banking, according to Forbes, and learn from their tips and advice on how to succeed in this industry.
Ursula von der Leyen: The Leader of Europe
Ursula von der Leyen is the president of the European Commission, the executive branch of the European Union. She is the first woman to hold this position, and one of the most influential leaders in the world. She oversees a budget of over 1.8 trillion euros and a staff of more than 30,000 people.
Von der Leyen has a background in economics, medicine, and public health. She has served as a minister in various portfolios in Germany, including defense, labor, and family affairs. She is known for her strong leadership, vision, and pragmatism. She has been instrumental in leading the EU’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Ukraine war, and the climate crisis.
Some of the tips that von der Leyen has shared on how to succeed in banking and leadership are:
- Be prepared to take risks and make decisions. Von der Leyen says that leadership is not about being popular, but about being responsible. She says that leaders have to be ready to face criticism and opposition, and to stand by their convictions. She says that leaders have to be courageous and bold, and to act in the best interest of the people they serve.
- Be flexible and adaptable. Von der Leyen says that leaders have to be able to cope with uncertainty and change, and to adjust their strategies and plans accordingly. She says that leaders have to be open-minded and curious, and to learn from different perspectives and experiences. She says that leaders have to be innovative and creative, and to embrace new opportunities and challenges.
- Be inclusive and collaborative. Von der Leyen says that leaders have to be able to work with diverse and multicultural teams, and to foster a culture of trust and respect. She says that leaders have to be able to listen and communicate effectively, and to seek consensus and compromise. She says that leaders have to be able to empower and inspire others, and to share their vision and goals.
Mary Callahan Erdoes: The Asset Manager
Mary Callahan Erdoes is the CEO of Asset & Wealth Management at JPMorgan Chase, the largest bank in the US and one of the largest in the world. She is responsible for managing over 4 trillion dollars of assets for clients ranging from individuals and families to corporations and governments.
Erdoes has a background in finance and mathematics. She has worked at JPMorgan Chase for over 20 years, rising through the ranks and earning the trust and respect of her colleagues and clients. She is known for her expertise, integrity, and performance. She has been recognized as one of the most powerful women in finance by American Banker and one of the most powerful women in the world by Forbes.
Some of the tips that Erdoes has shared on how to succeed in banking and asset management are:
- Be passionate and curious. Erdoes says that banking and asset management are fascinating and rewarding fields that require a lot of passion and curiosity. She says that bankers and asset managers have to be constantly learning and updating their knowledge and skills, and to be interested in the markets, the economy, and the world. She says that bankers and asset managers have to be enthusiastic and motivated, and to love what they do.
- Be disciplined and diligent. Erdoes says that banking and asset management are demanding and rigorous fields that require a lot of discipline and diligence. She says that bankers and asset managers have to be able to work hard and smart, and to deliver high-quality results. She says that bankers and asset managers have to be able to manage their time and resources efficiently, and to prioritize and focus on their goals.
- Be humble and respectful. Erdoes says that banking and asset management are fields that require a lot of humility and respect. She says that bankers and asset managers have to be able to acknowledge their mistakes and learn from them, and to seek feedback and advice from others. She says that bankers and asset managers have to be able to respect their clients and their needs, and to provide them with the best service and solutions.
Naina Lal Kidwai: The Trailblazer
Naina Lal Kidwai is the chairman of HSBC India, the largest foreign bank in the country. She is also the first woman president of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the apex business organization in India. She is one of the most respected and influential bankers and business leaders in India and the world.
Kidwai has a background in economics and management. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Delhi and an MBA from Harvard Business School, where she was the first Indian woman to graduate. She has worked at HSBC for over 30 years, holding various positions and leading various initiatives. She is known for her vision, strategy, and advocacy. She has been a champion of women’s empowerment, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility.
Some of the tips that Kidwai has shared on how to succeed in banking and business are:
- Be ambitious and confident. Kidwai says that banking and business are fields that require a lot of ambition and confidence. She says that bankers and business leaders have to be able to set high standards and expectations for themselves and others, and to pursue their dreams and aspirations. She says that bankers and business leaders have to be able to believe in themselves and their abilities, and to overcome their fears and doubts.
- Be resilient and persistent. Kidwai says that banking and business are fields that require a lot of resilience and persistence. She says that bankers and business leaders have to be able to face and overcome various challenges and obstacles, and to cope with stress and pressure. She says that bankers and business leaders have to be able to persevere and persist, and to never give up or quit.
- Be ethical and responsible. Kidwai says that banking and business are fields that require a lot of ethics and responsibility. She says that bankers and business leaders have to be able to act with honesty and integrity, and to follow the rules and regulations. She says that bankers and business leaders have to be able to consider the impact and consequences of their actions and decisions, and to balance the interests of their stakeholders and society.
These are some of the most powerful women in banking, and some of their tips and advice on how to succeed in this industry. They have shown that banking is not only a field for men, but also for women who have the talent, the skills, and the determination to make a difference. They have also shown that banking is not only a field for profit, but also for purpose, and that bankers can be agents of positive change in the world.
