Looking for a woman in finance, redefining finance?

Q: What does Women’s Month mean to you as a woman in finance?

Lungile: Women’s Month is both a reminder and a call to action. It reminds me of the strength, resilience, and courage of the many women who paved the way for me to take up space in industries like finance, where we’ve historically been underrepresented. But it’s also a call to keep pushing forward – to show up, support other women, and shift the conversation from simply “making it in finance” to actively “reshaping finance.” For me, it’s about honouring the progress we’ve made while continuing to challenge the systems and cultures that still limit inclusion, particularly at senior levels.

‍Q: In your view, what are the main challenges women face when building and preserving wealth?

Lungile: Many of the barriers women face are both structural and psychological. Gender pay gaps, career breaks – often due to caregiving – and a lack of financial education tailored to women’s lived experiences all play a role. There’s also this lingering perception that investing is a male-dominated domain, which can affect confidence and delay engagement in financial markets. On top of that, women tend to live longer and often shoulder more family responsibilities, which makes long-term financial planning both more critical and more complex.

‍Q: How are women making meaningful strides in finance, both as professionals and as investors?

Lungile: We’re seeing a real shift. More women are entering the finance industry – and not just participating, but leading. They’re heading investment teams, founding fintech firms that centre women’s financial needs, and creating space for others to follow. On the investor side, women are increasingly investing on their own terms. They’re asking smarter, more values-driven questions and leaning into long-term strategies rather than short-term hype. It’s also encouraging to see more financial literacy initiatives aimed at women – confidence tends to grow quickly when the right tools are in hand.

‍Q: From your perspective, how is the investment industry evolving, and what shifts have you noticed?

Lungile: The industry is becoming more intentional about diversity, both in who it hires and how it serves its clients. There’s more focus on inclusion, mentorship, and designing investment products that are transparent and accessible. I’ve noticed a shift towards more human-centric investing, where understanding the investor’s values, behaviour, and goals is just as important as the financials. Women are playing a big role in bringing that balance to portfolios and boardrooms, and I believe it’s leading to better outcomes.

‍Q: What advice do you wish you had received when starting your investment career?

Lungile: I wish someone had told me that you don’t need to know everything to add value. This industry can be intimidating – with all its jargon and pressure – but curiosity, consistency, and a willingness to learn go a long way. That lesson applies to life in general. I’ve also learnt that your voice matters, even when you’re new, and that asking good questions is a strength, not a weakness.

‍Q: True or false: Based on your experience, do women need a different approach to investing than men?

Lungile: False, but with nuance. Women don’t need a different approach; they need an approach that aligns with their lives, goals, and timeframes. In fact, women often display traits that make for excellent investors: they’re typically more disciplined, less impulsive, and more focused on the long term. Instead of encouraging women to conform to traditional investment models, we should develop strategies that reflect and support their inherent strengths.