In this episode of Girls in Finance, we interview Theodora Lau, founder of Unconventional Ventures, a company that connects founders with funders to drive innovation in the banking industry, to uncover how taking risks and pursuing diverse career paths can lead to unexpected and rewarding opportunities in FinTech.

Theo shares how she navigated the transition across industries, the personal challenges she faced, and how she discovered her passion for reshaping finance. We also dive into the accessibility of FinTech for women, with Theo offering candid insights on the barriers and the exciting opportunities within this rapidly evolving field. We explore how Theo’s global perspective, shaped by her experiences in markets from Hong Kong and Japan to the U.S., provides her with unique insights into the slow pace of change in the American finance industry.

Whether you’re looking to carve your own path in a male-dominated field, explore unconventional career routes, or get ahead of the curve in the future of FinTech, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration just for you!

In this episode of Girls in Finance, we sit down with Lisa M. Ong, President & Founder of Wishing Out Loud LLC and a seasoned professional with extensive experience at PwC. Lisa shares her journey through the world of auditing, demystifying what it entails and highlighting its critical role in the corporate landscape. We also explore Lisa's current venture, Wishing Out Loud, where she brings her passion to life as a business owner and executive coach regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). She discusses the inspiration behind starting her own business and offers advice to teenagers who are considering careers in the corporate world.

In this episode of Girls in Finance, we interviewed Christina Linda Chan, an accomplished architect with a diverse career spanning an MBA, business ventures, and entrepreneurship. Christina shares her inspiration for pursuing an MBA and how workplace politics played a role in her decision, highlighting how her academic background has contributed to her business success. She discusses her entrepreneurial journey, detailing how her MBA and architecture experience have synergized to shape her business approach and financial management.

Christina offers practical advice on managing personal finances and provides essential tips for young entrepreneurs aiming to build a solid financial foundation. Additionally, she addresses financial strategies for women in long-term relationships, exploring the advantages of shared versus individual accounts for maintaining financial independence.

In this episode of Girls in Finance, we welcome Julie Muhn, a senior research analyst at Finovate. Julie delves into the unique aspects of Finovate, emphasizing its focus on innovation and industry collaboration. She breaks down complex fintech concepts like blockchain, cryptocurrency, and decentralized finance (DeFi), illustrating their transformative potential in the financial sector. Julie also addresses the challenges faced by legacy banks still running on outdated COBOL systems, highlighting the slow-paced industry. She discusses real-world applications of fintech innovations, such as improving financial inclusion and streamlining banking operations.

In this episode of Girls in Finance, we are joined by Eugenia Malamud, the Board Chair of CIMA Canada and FX and Commodity Valuations professional at BMO Financial Group, who shares her insightful journey in the financial industry. We discuss what CIMA is, how it impacts her day-to-day responsibilities at BMO Financial Group, and why she decided to pursue being a Board Chair. Through discussing the vital role of mentorship in Eugenia’s life, we talked about how young professionals can seek and approach mentors in the finance industry.

In this episode, Veena Venkatraman dives into her journey to becoming the Vice President Credit Advisory at RBCx (Royal Bank of Canada's Technological and Innovation Banking arm).

Veena delves into her passion for banking, discussing what initially drew her to the industry and what keeps her motivated. She also emphasized on the importance of networking, sharing strategies young women can use to build strong professional networks.

Additionally, Veena debunks the common negative stereotypes about the finance industry, offering her perspective on why these perceptions persist and how they can be challenged.

In today's episode, CPA entrepreneur and podcast host Erica Goode shares her insightful background in corporate finance at Walgreens. Erica explained what Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) is and how it was conducted during her time at Walgreens, providing a detailed look at the inner workings of corporate finance. She delved into the pros and cons of the field, offering a balanced perspective based on her experiences. Additionally, Erica elaborated on her current lifestyle, highlighting her ability to maintain a 15-hour workweek now that she owns her own CPA practice.

In today's episode, we are thrilled to host Keren Stephen, a distinguished CFO, consultant, and board advisor at a leading Restructure and Turnaround Consultancy, as well as a member of the AICPA Board of Directors and member of the council at CIMA.

With a wealth of experience spanning multiple industries, Keren shares captivating stories from her dynamic career journey. She delves into how a solid foundation in accounting and tech proficiency propelled her success. Curious about which degrees can offer the most career flexibility? Eager to understand the nuances between finance and accounting? Join us for an enlightening conversation packed with valuable insights and professional wisdom. Tune in today to learn more!