'I Don't Think Women Face More Barriers To Success In Our Industry Than Anyone Else'

And I'm no misogynist - in fact, my wife's a woman.

Joking aside (and I know you're not supposed to joke about this kind of thing if you want to keep clear of the politically-correct brigade), but I truly believe the very notion that the financial markets is a 'boy's club' is a very outdated viewpoint, and frankly an insult to the many women who successfully manage to juggle bringing up a family and enjoy a rewarding career in the industry.

And I, for one, don't hold the view that women face more barriers to success in our industry than anyone else - in fact, I think the very opposite is true, as firms have realised in recent years the benefits of having women leaders and managers, as they are able to bring to the table a much-needed different perspective, both strategically and tactically. In fact, most firms are crying out for more career-minded women.

My current boss is a woman, and she the best I've had in my eight years in the industry. Married, with two young children, she is highly organised (she has to be), decisive when making decisions, not afraid to make the tough calls, and much better on the inter-personal front when it comes to leading and motivating her team. She is rightly well-regarded, and clearly going places.

Now that's not to say that she had an easy route to the top - she didn't. But she got there nonetheless, and mainly because she was determined to do so. And that's my point - our industry is a tough one, and you only stand a chance of having a successful career if you put in the hours and show that you are made of the right stuff (and, believe me, women are!).

Now not everyone can achieve what they want careerwise, of course, as there are only a limited number of leaders and managers required by each organisation but, in my experience, those who end up being successful are those who really want it - and women are no more disadvantaged because of their gender than I am for being dyslexic. Sure, I face bigger challenges, but in the final analysis my firm has no agenda to see me fail; I am in the mix like everyone else, and it's down to me to work out the best path to success. And that's the way it should be - each man (and woman) doing it for themselves.

excerpted from: http://hereisthecity.com/2012/03/13/im-sorry-but-i-dont-think-women-face-more-hurdles-to-succeed-in/