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Through their expertise and passion, Mortgage Introducer’s Elite Women of 2024 demonstrate that female leaders in the mortgage industry are breaking gender barriers and achieving their goals.
MI’s data reveals that the winners have risen through the ranks in the UK’s financial sector, with 58% now holding roles at director and senior management level. That represents a 23% increase in female executive representation over the past two years, a testament to the Elite Women’s success and drive to positively affect progress and change.
Women in Mortgages UK founder and Imogen Finance owner Kate Fuller highlights the attributes that anchor excellence in the 2024 Elite Women:
boosting visibility through event participation and networking
adopting a customer-centric approach
demonstrating comprehensive industry and product knowledge
mastering soft skills
contributing to the community through mentoring and community involvement
“You need to be willing to put your head up and be noticed and recognised for doing well within your area,” she says. “Ultimately, your efforts should lead back to delivering the best customer experience.”
Winning the Woman of Influence award once is an accomplishment, but for three-time winner Rodrigues, it affirms a lasting legacy.
“For me, it’s about giving back and adding value,” she says. “I want to be judged by my peers, whether male or female, and I think it’s massively important that we shout out women.”
In January 2023, Rodrigues was promoted to head of sales at Market Financial Solutions. Her problem-solving skills and solutions-oriented mindset shone as she evaluated and restructured the bridging finance provider’s teams to perform at their peak.
“It’s been great for me because I’ve been able to identify where the gaps were in knowledge or skill set, and everybody I’ve brought into the team has come with something to fill those gaps,” she says.
In her earlier role as the company’s national account manager, Rodrigues launched a national account proposition and negotiated large contracts with various networks and clubs while increasing brand awareness.
Her notable achievements and industry contributions include the following:
implementing anonymised CVs to eliminate bias as a member of the Diversity and Inclusivity Finance Forum
earning Level 5 coach certification
serving as a long-standing primary school governor
Inspired by the central theme of the movie Dead Poets Society – carpe diem, or seize the day – Rodrigues strives to make a positive difference in everything she does.
“That’s been my mantra: go for it and get what you can out of the day,” she says.
This Elite Woman’s ascension in the mortgage industry has been nothing short of remarkable, since she started out as a cashier in retail banking 18 years ago. After receiving several rapid promotions, culminating in her July 2023 appointment as sales director of specialist mortgages at Hampshire Trust Bank, Glasgow has solidified her status as a trailblazer within the company and industry.
“My concern is that if we don’t do more to push the industry forward, it will revert to what it used to be, and we don’t want that,” she says. “We’ve done so much work to get where we are as females, so let’s continue that.”
Glasgow has assembled a team of business development managers who have risen to diverse industry challenges under her leadership. Her dedication to gender diversity has resulted in five new female BDMs on her team, achieving a balance of 50% female representation.
“I don’t think there’s anything more rewarding than seeing the team grow into their own and find their feet; seeing them smiling is a reward in itself, especially after the tough market last year,” she says. “If I can manage a team in that market and troublesome times, 2024 should be a breeze.”
Highlighted among her numerous accomplishments are the following:
fostering an inclusive work culture that promotes gender equity and equality
playing an instrumental role in Hampshire Trust Bank’s sponsorship of Mortgage Introducer’s Women of Distinction award
dedicating efforts to raise awareness of and funds for several charities, including £2,799 for the St Barnabas Hospice 25km Midnight Walk
Guided by the philosophy that you can’t grow if you don’t know, Glasgow encourages her team to share their expectations of her as a leader.
She says, “I like feedback, but I thrive on negative feedback about myself because it’s a challenge to change something and make it better. If it’s done in the right way and at the right time, it can be so powerful.”
The Elite Women of 2024 have developed novel approaches and strategies, enabling them to reach the pinnacle of success, overcome hurdles and inspire others.
Confidence, states industry expert Fuller, is an attribute underpinning the ability to stand out.
“It’s important and can be difficult to develop, and imposter syndrome is real,” she says. “Learn as much as you can to become experts in your field. Don’t be afraid to speak out, ask questions and join groups that support and empower women.”
The focus on curiosity resonates with Glasgow, who never hesitates to ask about something she is unsure of. Other strategies that have also served her well are:
prioritising relationship-building
emphasising solutions
treating others as she wants to be treated
“You don’t need to overcomplicate things, and that’s what I’ve lived for for 18 years now,” she says. “I breathe that into my team every day. Build those relationships, and you will know who supports you, and you will support them in return.”
Fellow top mortgage leader Rodrigues strives to stay positive through challenging times, adopting the following strategies:
leading from the front
prioritising open and honest communication
promoting an open-door policy
“I roll up my sleeves and get my hands dirty,” she says. “My team is my number-one priority, and I need to ensure that we’re all delivering and doing a good job while also making sure they are enjoying it, and if they’re not, why not?”
Acknowledging the importance of attracting women and aspiring young mortgage leaders to choose a career in the industry, both Elite Women devote their time to various supporting endeavours, including school career days, speaking at public forums and appearing on panels.
Of 2024’s Elite Women who responded to whether they believe the industry has made strides in gender equity and equality, 65% said yes. However, they also point out that there is still a lack of role models for younger women, as evidenced by these comments:
“Although it’s improving, there is an age and gender gap. The mortgage and financial services industries are ageing, and we must unite various people to make them more attractive to the younger generation”
“In my experience, it's not just my gender but also my status as an immigrant female that has made it challenging to achieve more in my career”
“There is a definite shift in the right direction, but until I attend an awards ceremony and there are fewer black ties and more dresses, there won’t be enough”
“It is imperative that we work towards a more inclusive and supportive environment where women’s experiences and accomplishments in leadership are openly acknowledged and celebrated to inspire the next generation”
The significant impact that Elite Women can have on the future is reflected in one winner’s response: “I have achieved everything I wanted to in my current company. It could be due to the leadership of an amazing female CEO. But I know many women in the industry who feel they have been overlooked for positions they deserved.”
Mortgage Introducer invited industry professionals from across the UK to nominate exceptional female role models for the third annual Elite Women list. Nominees had to be working in a role that related to, interacted with or in some way impacted the industry, and should have demonstrated a clear passion for their work.
Nominators were asked to describe the nominee’s standout professional achievements over the past 12 months, their initiatives and innovations, and their contributions to the mortgage industry.
After a thorough review of all the nominations, the Mortgage Introducer team narrowed down the list to the final 55 Elite Women who have made their mark in the industry.