Kavita Patel, Investment Specialist at Peregrine Capital, believes that there has been significant progress made in terms of supporting women in the financial industry, however there is plenty of scope for a lot more to be done.
Kavita advocates joining initiatives, such as the Bloomberg’s Women’s Network that she is a part of, that support the progression of women in the field.
Career Journey and Challenges
Can you share some key milestones and challenges in your career journey that led you to a senior position in the finance industry?
Major milestones for me have been developing and leading a new offshore business initiative which added significant value to key stakeholders, various international travel opportunities and partaking in professional development programmes. Each of these things have taught me different skills and kept me motivated and focused to stay on track.
I have faced various challenges along the way, some examples include having to manage demotivated team members, bureaucratic processes and inflexible working environments. Most challenges have been used as an opportunity to learn and adapt, however in some cases, a challenge can also become an obstacle, in which case I have always tried to remain nimble enough to change direction and travel down a different path if needed.
Gender Diversity and Inclusion
How do you perceive the current state of gender diversity and inclusion in the finance industry, and what changes have you observed over the years?
I’ve seen significant progress over the recent years but there is still much work to be done. Businesses are more aware of the importance of gender diversity and inclusion, and many are taking clear steps to develop a more inclusive environment. Women continue to be underrepresented in many industries, including the financial industry, but I do see many more initiatives which are being created to support the progress of ambitious women. I have been to a whole host of women’s focused events over the years, and more recently I have been involved with Bloomberg’s Women’s Network which has been very well run with excellent content.
Work-Life Balance
Balancing work and personal life can be particularly challenging in demanding roles. How have you managed this balance, and what advice would you give to other women aspiring to senior positions?
I am very aware of my top three to five priorities, and I always ensure that adequate time and effort is spent on each one. I recommend making time for what is important to you in both your personal and professional life, and if possible, try to create a support structure to enable you to do what you need to do. I have been married for 16 years, and I have three young children who I adore dearly. I have so much fun and quality time with them, but in the same breath, I have an incredible support structure at home which enables me to really focus in my professional world when I need to. It’s also vital to spend time on yourself – I know that there is not enough time in a day, but one needs to be mentally and physically fit to perform at your best both at the office and at home.
Mentorship and Support
Have you had mentors or role models who have significantly influenced your career? How important do you think mentorship is for women in finance?
Yes, I have been extremely lucky to have supportive mentors who have helped my personal and professional growth. Over time, these mentors have provided invaluable guidance, support and advice which has helped me navigate my way through my career. I believe mentors can provide great value as they can provide you with insights based on their own experiences, help set goals and objectives, hold you accountable, and provide objective feedback to help you grow.
Future of Women in Finance
What do you believe are the most critical steps the finance industry needs to take to support the advancement of women into senior roles? What initiatives or policies have you found to be most effective?
I believe it’s critical for businesses to provide ongoing mentorship and development programmes for women, coupled with equal opportunities to support the advancement of women into senior roles. I would love to see more associations which enable women to interact with industry leaders and peers to enhance their learning, deepen their network and excel their growth.
