‘As long as you tried your hardest, then that is enough’

By Tony Sanchez 3rd August 2022

In our latest Women in Finance Interview, Tony Sanchez speaks to Becky Chissell, Credit Analyst at Avamore Capital.

Becky has been working in development finance for 18-months, previously studying at Newcastle University where she completed an undergraduate degree in Georgaphy and University of Reading, where she completed her Real Estate Masters.

Becky previously worked at a mezzanine finance lender for just under 18 months before moving into the credit team at Avamore Capital.

What brought you into financial services?

For me, it was the mix of property/development and finance that intrigued me about the role I’m in today.

I really like the blend of the two and it makes for an interesting day to day looking at different development schemes and how we can make finance work for every individual borrower/scheme.

What do you think makes a successful leader? And in particular women leaders?

Communication and the culture they create. I think if you have an environment that encourages conversation and brainstorming this a great way to create a fun/open business that can tackle any problems.

What are the biggest barriers you have faced in your career in financial services?

At my previous role I was the only female in the business, which I found tough at times, due to some aspects of the culture, I would say this is one of the biggest barriers I have faced so far.

If you could tell your younger self one thing you know about business now, what would it be?

Learning on the job is the best way to pick things up/understand. Education can provide you with a lot of great information, but it is the day to day experience that helps you understand how business works and learning from your mistakes.

What’s your own personal mantra?

As long as you tried your hardest/gave it your all, then that is enough.

What do you think is key for finding a successful work-life balance?

I really enjoy flexible working, I find the mix of in the office and working from home a great way to manage work-life balance a lot more, as it allows you to keep on top of your admin tasks that always seem to get side-tracked!

What’s one key leadership lesson you’ve learned along the way?

Take everyone’s opinions on board and listen, as every individual has a different approach/perspective on tackling a challenge.

What do you think is holding women back?

Old traditional companies, that aren’t moving with the times and modern practices of working or have old cultural values such as no female representation in leadership roles.

Do you think there is still a glass ceiling?

To some extent yes, but I do feel that this is gradually getting better. I hope that when I am in the later stages of my career, I can look back and see that it is more of an equal playing field for everyone who chooses a career in finance.

What are your thoughts on the Women in Finance Charter?

I think it’s a great initiative to push successful women into company boards.

The more women we see in senior management positions, the more women will feel represented and want to join the finance industry and help to remove the ‘image’ that the finance industry has of it being a man’s world.

How do we encourage more women into financial services?

I think we need to change how financial industry is viewed/the reputation by those not in finance.

Not every business has the culture that has been seen in past years, but unfortunately I think people still view this industry as a ‘boys club’, so I think if that was seen to be changing/adapting away from this, I think more women would be open to joining the financial service industry.