Women in finance excel as advisors, and Lindsay Hans is focused on increasing their numbers.
Research from Deloitte indicates that women now occupy 18% of financial C-suite roles worldwide. However, the pace of change is slow; projections suggest that without significant action, women may not reach 25% representation by 2031.
Lindsay Hans, President and Co-head of Merrill Wealth Management, is dedicated to transforming this landscape. She advocates for new training programs designed to appeal to women, especially those lacking established networks or wealthy contacts.
Hans emphasizes the importance of predictability over risk for many women in their careers and investments. She aims for Merrill's female advisors to focus on client needs without the stress of finding clients. “This role is about helping others achieve their goals and needs,” observes Hans. “That’s often what draws women to this field, though business development can sometimes be a hurdle.”
Reflecting on her own journey in finance, Hans acknowledges that not all her supervisors were supportive of women. Yet, she focused on excelling in her work. “In this field, we must strive for excellence,” she states. “It’s a competitive industry, and excellence means being recognized as outstanding, both individually and as a firm.”
For more insights on balancing a demanding career with motherhood, tune into the How She Does It podcast, where Hans discusses why being a financial advisor is a career many overlook.
