Girls in Finance

From Product to Fintech: Scaling Innovation with Ann Olinger

In this episode of Girls in Finance, we sit down with Ann Olinger, a fintech leader who transitioned from product operations and marketing to finance, scaling a SaaS product from $500K to over $110M ARR. Ann shares insights on breaking into fintech, navigating leadership as a woman in finance, and the evolving landscape of embedded finance and AI-driven innovation. Tune in for valuable lessons on scaling products, driving financial innovation, and seizing opportunities in fintech. Don’t forget to subscribe and follow us for more inspiring conversations!

Breaking Barriers: Lilian Ejila on Leadership, Inclusion, and Thriving in Finance

In this episode of Girls in Finance, we are joined by Lilian Ejila, Finance Manager at Brails, who shares her journey and invaluable insights into thriving in the financial industry. Lilian discusses the tools and resources that help her stay ahead in a fast-paced industry, including podcasts, newsletters, LinkedIn communities, and internal team collaboration. She emphasizes the importance of fostering inclusive environments for women in finance and offers advice for leaders looking to mentor the next generation of professionals. With reflections on overcoming obstacles, evolving definitions of success, and leading through challenges, Lilian’s story is both inspiring and empowering for anyone aspiring to make an impact in finance.

Navigating Hong Kong's Finance Law: Insights with Lily Miao

In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Lily Miao, a Partner in the Corporate Finance department of Appleby's Hong Kong office. With years of experience in advising international financial institutions and corporations, she brings a wealth of knowledge from across the legal and financial sectors. She takes us through her journey from her educational background to the unique experiences that inspired her to enter the legal field and ultimately specialize in finance law. Her story is one of resilience and adaptability, navigating a complex landscape of financial regulations and industry shifts that demand both legal acumen and a deep understanding of global finance. As a partner at her firm, Lily shares invaluable insights into managing a large client portfolio while fostering long-term relationships with international clients who rely on her expertise. Listeners will hear firsthand about the challenges she faces in balancing legal practice with leadership responsibilities, as well as her strategies for maintaining composure and clarity amidst the daily unpredictabilities of her role. Beyond her professional achievements, she discusses the realities of being a woman in a predominantly male industry, offering candid reflections on handling micro-aggressions and imbalances and providing guidance for young women aspiring to enter the legal field. This episode offers a unique perspective into the life of a top finance lawyer and the evolving opportunities and challenges within Hong Kong’s finance and corporate services sector.

Career Compass: Wassia Kamon’s Guide To Finance

In this episode, we talk with Wassia Kamon, CPA, CMA, MBA, a seasoned CFO with extensive experience in corporate finance and FP&A. We explore what inspired her to pursue a career in finance and why she chose to work at a not-for-profit like Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE) to support entrepreneurial growth. Wassia opens up about how she’s tackled challenges throughout her leadership journey and shares valuable advice for young women aspiring to leadership roles in finance. We also discuss the key strategies she recommends for building resilience and thriving during times of change, drawing from her session "Navigating Change and Uncertainty with Confidence" at Wharton Online. Wassia provides practical tips for students interested in starting a career in corporate finance and talks about the values that guide her approach to leadership and decision-making. She shares candid insights about her experiences as a woman in finance, including lessons learned and challenges faced along the way. Tune in for actionable insights on corporate finance, resilient leadership, and inspiration from Wassia’s experiences and professional journey.

Youngest CFO in Hawaii to CEO of Accumulus | Stacey Katakura

In this episode of Girls in Finance, we talk with Stacey Katakura, CEO of Accumulus. Stacey shares her personal journey, discussing how her background and education shaped her career and what inspired her to transition from the corporate world to entrepreneurship. She provides insight into Accumulus’s mission and her leadership role within the company, reflecting on the challenges and strategies that contributed to her early success. Stacey also offers valuable advice for high school and college students aspiring to enter the accounting and finance industries, emphasizing the importance of developing soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and adaptability. She opens up about her experiences as a woman in accounting, areas where the field still needs improvement, and how inclusivity in the accounting industry has evolved.