Resisting Tides
Helen believes that despite the significant presence of women in the tech workforce, breaking into upper management continues to pose challenges. To address this, it is important to provide sponsorship opportunities to women and actively work towards creating a supportive and inclusive environment at the board and senior executive levels. To overcome the challenges, she balanced her work and personal life by blending them together for a better mindset. “For example, if you travel to a city for work, check in with friends or spend extra time with family friends over the weekend,” says Helen. She achieves this by seeking guidance from a personal board of directors. This approach ensures a holistic perspective, allowing her to navigate the complexities of the tech landscape while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
She has been fortunate to have had impactful mentors in her career. She claims Keith Block, former Oracle Executive VP, taught her the intricacies of enterprise solution sales and the importance of value creation. Jason Holmes, ex-COO at Marketo, instilled the value of prioritization using Start, Stop, and Continue. Their lessons go beyond her roles, emphasizing adaptability, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Their influence has shaped her mindset, contributing significantly to her professional growth.
Helen approaches risk management by balancing strategic vision with tactical execution. “Seeking guidance from a personal Board of Directors and leveraging their advice helps in navigating risks and uncertainties in the ever-evolving tech landscape,” she adds. The rise of technology in finance opens new avenues for women, especially in fintech and digital finance. She proudly states that women can play integral roles in driving innovation, shaping digital strategies, and contributing to the evolving landscape of financial technology. The finance industry can contribute by actively promoting diversity and inclusion, supporting initiatives for gender equality, and integrating sustainable practices into financial strategies. By aligning financial decisions with societal challenges, the industry can drive positive change.
Envisioning a Future
With a vision to integrate budding female leaders in finance, she is supporting women in finance. She desires sustained progress, equal representation, and empowerment for women striving in the finance sector. Helen has set a benchmark and an example for many women out there. As an entrepreneur and C-Suite executive’s accountant, she offers advice to aspiring finance executives. She asks them to hone their abilities and keep up with industry advancements in order to obtain the competence necessary to succeed in their sector. She asserts that specialized knowledge not only enhances individual performance but also strengthens the collective competence of women in finance. She asks them to take calculated risks and step out of their comfort zone. “By challenging yourself in new roles and responsibilities, you can broaden your skill sets and contribute to breaking down traditional gender barriers in finance,” she continues. In addition to that, she suggests that one foster a supportive community through networking and mentorship programs. Establishing connections with peers, mentors, and sponsors can provide valuable insights, guidance, and opportunities for career growth.
Helen promotes diversity and inclusion by fostering a culture that values different perspectives, provides equal opportunities for growth, and actively seeks diverse talent. She has advised and sponsored many minority leaders and has advanced to the CEO role within the Fortune brand.
Helen asserts that the role of women in finance has evolved positively, with increased recognition and opportunities. Looking ahead, she hopes to see continued progress, equal representation in leadership roles, and a shift towards a more inclusive and supportive industry. She also advises people to embrace curiosity, courage, and critical thinking. Mastery of technical skills is not solely dependent on having an engineering degree but on asking the right questions and continuously seeking knowledge.
