A Woman Who Inspired My Career: A Tribute to Female Leadership and Support (#IWD25)

As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, it’s important to recognize the tremendous impact that women have had on shaping our careers, communities, and industries. For me, the woman who inspired my career isn’t just one person but rather the collective influence of the women I’ve encountered over the years. From strong mentors to managers who broke barriers, these women’s guidance, support, and leadership have been instrumental in shaping my journey in financial services and customer relations.

In this article, I’ll reflect on how the women I’ve worked with and been inspired by have contributed to my growth. I will also share practical examples from various companies where women have led transformations, and connect these experiences to my own professional path as outlined in my resume. Through the lens of my career, I’ll explore how women in leadership can create inclusive, impactful, and results-driven environments, and how their presence has not only inspired me but countless others across different sectors.

Women Leaders Who Shaped My Career

Growing up, I was always inspired by stories of strong women, from entrepreneurs to pioneers in male-dominated industries. However, it wasn’t until I started my career that I truly understood the importance of mentorship, leadership, and the daily support that women provide within the professional world. Throughout my years in financial services and customer relations, I have encountered women in both formal and informal leadership roles, whose wisdom and direction have paved the way for my success.

1. The Power of Mentorship: Learning from Strong Women in Finance

In my professional journey, one of the most influential women I encountered was a manager at the Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC in Sri Lanka. As an Executive Officer in Customer services and Business Development, I worked under her leadership when I first began expanding my understanding of customer relationship management and financial solutions. Due to privacy, I will not disclose her name, but her impact on my career was profound.

This manager had a profound impact on my career, particularly in shaping how I approached customer service. Her philosophy was simple: “Treat each client as you would a member of your family, not just as a transaction.” She embodied empathy, patience, and resilience, and I quickly learned how important it was to listen to clients’ concerns, understand their needs, and tailor financial products accordingly.

Her leadership style was rooted in inclusivity, and she ensured that the team always had access to training and resources to grow professionally. Under her guidance, we were not just encouraged to meet sales targets but also to build genuine relationships with clients that would last beyond a single transaction. This approach helped increase customer retention by 20%, a testament to how women in leadership can transform a business by promoting values of trust and authenticity.

2. Promoting Collaboration Over Competition: Female Leaders Who Encourage Teamwork

Another pivotal influence was a Senior Executive Assistant in the Customer Services & Business Development team, who I worked with for two years at the Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC. Due to privacy, I will not disclose her name, but she was a master at promoting teamwork, collaboration, and mutual respect among her team members.

Her leadership wasn’t just about achieving business goals but also fostering an environment where we could learn from one another, support each other, and share ideas openly. As I grew in my role, she emphasized the importance of continuous learning, which led me to achieve significant milestones in my career, including improving operational efficiency and managing client accounts with greater confidence.

The lessons I learned from her were practical but profound: in a professional environment, teamwork should not be seen as a means to an end but as a sustainable approach that fosters innovation and creative problem solving. I’ve carried these lessons with me, and they are especially important in my current role at Tim Hortons, where I am part of a team that constantly strives to improve customer service and efficiency.

3. Balancing Ambition with Compassion: A Personal Example of Female Leadership

It’s also worth mentioning how a senior executive at my current job, Tim Hortons, exemplifies what it means to be a woman in leadership. Due to privacy, I will not disclose her name, but as a manager, she is always focused on fostering a work culture where personal development and career growth are intertwined with kindness and compassion.

Her leadership has shown me that it is possible to be ambitious and driven while still prioritizing the well-being of those around you. Under her mentorship, I was given the responsibility of training new team members, which significantly improved my leadership and problem-solving skills. I learned how important it is to balance efficiency with understanding, especially in a fast-paced retail environment where customer satisfaction is paramount.

This balance is something that I carry with me into my role as a financial services professional. Whether it’s managing high volumes of transactions or providing financial solutions to clients, I always strive to approach each situation with empathy and an unwavering commitment to delivering excellent service.

Women Making an Impact in Various Companies

While my experiences have shaped my understanding of leadership, it is important to recognize how women across industries are transforming businesses worldwide. Many companies are now championing female leaders, whose contributions are not only elevating the workplace but also driving social and economic progress.

1. The Financial Services Sector: Women Pioneers in Banking

Within the banking industry, women are stepping up to lead major transformations in customer experience, financial literacy, and technological innovation. One notable example is Jane Fraser, the first female CEO of Citigroup, who has made significant strides in diversifying the leadership team and creating a culture that values inclusivity and innovation. Under her leadership, Citigroup has focused on improving financial access for underserved communities, highlighting the transformative power of female leadership in driving positive social change.

2. Women in Tech: Shaping the Future of Financial Solutions

Another example of female leadership comes from companies like Finastra, a global financial software company. Their CEO, Nadeem Bakhsh, has focused on empowering women in tech roles, making a conscious effort to increase the number of women in senior leadership positions. This commitment to diversity has translated into better decision-making, more inclusive product development, and improved customer outcomes, as the company continues to develop financial solutions that meet the needs of all consumers.

3. Retail and Customer Service: Female Leaders Delivering Results

Companies like Sephora, led by female executives such as Jean-André Rougeot, have proven the business value of diverse leadership. Sephora has built an inclusive, customer-centric approach that empowers both employees and customers to express themselves freely. The brand’s commitment to gender inclusivity in the beauty industry has set a new standard for other retailers to follow, offering invaluable lessons on how to build strong customer relationships and innovative business practices.

My Journey: How Women Have Shaped My Career

Reflecting on my own career trajectory, the women I’ve worked with have shown me the importance of leading with compassion, fostering teamwork, and promoting inclusivity in all areas of business. From my early days as a Banking Trainee, where I was mentored by women who shared their expertise on financial products and customer service, to my role as a Senior Executive Assistant, where I helped streamline operations and improve client interactions, I have always been guided by strong female leaders who have empowered me to strive for excellence.

In my current role at Tim Hortons, I continue to embody the lessons learned from these women: prioritizing customer service, leading by example, and ensuring that my actions are always aligned with the company’s values.

Conclusion: Celebrating Women’s Impact

As I reflect on my experiences, I am reminded that women in leadership not only contribute to the success of companies but also shape the future of industries and communities. From my mentors in finance to the women leading retail and tech businesses, their influence has been nothing short of transformative.

On this International Women’s Day, I celebrate the women who have inspired me, mentored me, and empowered me to pursue my goals. Their leadership and vision have not only shaped my career but have also set an example for future generations of women to follow.