‘Surround yourself with people who inspire you’

In our latest Women in Finance Interview, Tony Sanchez speaks to Valentina Paez, Gerente General of Fiduciam España.

After completing her accounting degree in Argentina, Valentina embarked on a sabbatical journey to London.

Initially planning a temporary stay, life circumstances and the pandemic extended her time in the city.  she joined Fiduciam in 2021 as a junior accountant.

With dedication and hard work, Valentina gradually advanced to the position of Finance Associate.

Then, in May of last year, as Fiduciam expanded its operations and opened an office in Spain she was presented with the opportunity to relocate to Madrid.

What brought you into financial services?

Curiosity and a desire to explore new industries.

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

Regardless of gender, I believe an important skill a leader should possess is a clear vision and be able to articulate it in a way that inspires others to rally behind it.

Additionally, empathy and active listening are crucial traits for effective leadership.

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

I would say the language barrier, as English is not my mother tongue.

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

To trust myself and enjoy my achievements.

Sometimes I spend far too much time working towards the goals and forget about enjoying the day-to-day.

What’s your own personal mantra?

One step at a time! One day at a time!

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

Balance may look different for everyone, for me it is key to identify what my priorities are both at work and in my personal life at all times so that I know how to allocate my time and energy accordingly.

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

The profound importance of effective communication and active listening.

Being able to convey vision, goals and expectations in a way that is clear and resonates with the team is essential for alignment and collaboration.

In addition, by investing time and effort in understanding each team member’s unique strengths, motivations and aspirations, people feel valued, supported and empowered to contribute their best.

This sense of belonging fosters loyalty, commitment and a shared sense of purpose, driving team cohesion and performance.

What advice do you have for women aiming for leadership positions?

Surround yourself with people who inspire you, who believe in you and who take you out of your comfort zone.

What do you think is holding women back? Do you think there is still a glass ceiling?

Yes, despite progress in recent years, a glass ceiling still exists for women in the financial services industry.

I believe that promoting gender diversity in leadership, implementing policies that support work-life balance, addressing unconscious bias, and fostering inclusive workplace cultures are crucial steps toward breaking down barriers and advancing women’s representation and leadership in the financial services industry.

What are your thoughts on the Women in Finance Charter? 

It is a great initiative. It’s crucial for women to confront challenges, celebrate diversity, and advocate for equality, not just for personal success but also to reshape the financial landscape, bringing about changes in societal norms.

How do we encourage more women into financial services? 

By providing visible role models and opportunities for connection and learning, we can inspire and empower more women to explore and pursue careers in the financial sector.

The gender pay gap is only second worst to the construction industry. What can organisations do to address this?

Establish clear and transparent pay policies and practices based on an objective criteria.

What is your biggest achievement to date?

Encouraging myself to get out of my comfort zone and having built my personal and professional life several times and in different countries.

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