The Women in Finance series continues! Hear from experts and connect with our financial partners – build your network!
~Contributed by Cyndi Thompson
“It’s hard to be what you can’t see.” ― Marian Wright Edelman
What led you to Finance?
My parents both came from homes with little to no financial literacy. It had a devastating impact on their families so when they had me, they were extremely focused on teaching me how to handle money and personal finances. My first toy was a cash register – no joke! My parents, especially my dad, played games with me that included making change and counting the money. This was always balanced with conversations about the good you could do with money – taking care of your family, helping others that were less fortunate and investing in your community.
As I grew up, my lessons got more sophisticated. One of my favorite memories was when I was 16. My dad’s stockbroker was coming over to our house to meet with my dad and review the family portfolio. My dad had told me that I’d be joining them that evening, so I was sitting at the dining room table when he arrived.
The stockbroker was very friendly and asked what I was studying in school and that sort of thing. He was clearly ready to get down to business though so looked at my dad and said something like “She’s going to leave now so we can talk about your portfolio, right?”. My father explained that he considered it a great real-world lesson for me. The stockbroker objected based on my youth and being female. My father replied in a very stern voice, “Look. Somebody may be leaving this meeting but it’s not going to be HER.”
The stockbroker immediately started reviewing the family portfolio. I felt like a million bucks that my dad had stood up for me. When it came time for college, I was bound and determined to manage my personal finances. I found Everyone’s Money Book by Jane Bryant Quinn and officially began my adult journey into finance.
What are unique challenges that females in finance face?
While this isn’t the case at Johnson Bixby, my current firm, there are still times when females face not being taken seriously in the finance profession. It can be tough to take your seat at the table when there are no chairs left! At times, I’ve had to go find that chair and insert it at the table myself. It’s felt like I was outside a “club” in certain situations where it was difficult figuring out the secret password to get inside. I’ve had to speak up when I was left out of important meetings or discussions.
At previous companies, I had male employees come to me and voice their concern about me assigning a female to a role, and their doubts about her ability to perform a financial role, specifically because she was a female. Surprisingly, it didn’t occur to them that as a female financial professional, their claims were a negative reflection on me too. The fact was, I had placed the highest qualified person in the role regardless of gender. It can be a challenge to build more inclusive environments but it’s incredibly important to do so. I like to hear all viewpoints as each person often has something unique to add to the conversation.
Sometimes, women’s voices are talked over or ignored. I think we can all support each other in changing this. I also think it’s a challenge to monitor the language we use to make sure it is not apologetic or sound subordinate in any way. I worked hard to learn to speak with clarity and authority.
Advice to other women pursuing a career in Finance?
You’ve got this! Women are excellent at finance for so many reasons. We often form deep relationships, and care about others’ well-being which leads to lifelong client bonds and partnerships. I feel like the analysis part – determining the financial position someone or a company is in – is only the beginning.
I see true success as being able to implement solutions that enhance a person or company’s financial life. This requires relationship building, trust and commitment to the people you are trying to help with your financial skills.
- Make sure your financial skills are razor sharp while keeping your eye on that result. Ask: did my work help a person or company achieve their financial goals?
- “It’s hard to be what you can’t see,” said Marian Wright Edelman, founder, and president emerita of the Children’s Defense Fund. Find a mentor and someone to sponsor you in your organization. We can all be champions for each other to keep these doors open. I’ve had both male and female colleagues support me in my journey.
- Also, read and keep up on the latest financial news. Join professional groups, show leadership, and earn a board position.
- Always protect your integrity. You may sometimes be challenged or asked to do something that’s not in line with your moral compass. Don’t do it.
About Cyndi ~
I am currently the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of a group of companies owned by Heidi Johnson Bixby, CFP®, which includes Johnson Bixby (a financial planning firm) and Integrated Tax Services, our sister company. I’ve been happily married to my husband for 37 years, have two amazing adult sons and recently became a mother-in-law to a wonderful woman! I am passionate about my family, career, and travel among many things.
Some career highlights:
- I have been quoted in publications such as Forbes, USA Today, CNBC, TheStreet, Yahoo Finance and Fiscal Times.
- I am a licensed Certified Financial PlannerTM and served on the Board of Directors for the Financial Planning Association of Oregon and SW Washington for over eight years. Roles included president and director positions.
- I serve on the Board of Directors for the Portland Chapter of the Financial Executives International along with the Oregon State University – College of Business Finance Advisory Council.
- I created and taught financial literacy classes for over five years. I love helping people reach their financial goals!
- I hold a Master of Science degree in Financial Planning as well as a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
- My career has included working as a Chief Financial Officer, Director of Finance, Finance Manager, and supporting dozens of businesses in their financial management in various consulting positions.
- I have an extensive portfolio of financial planning and other articles which have been published on a variety of topics.
- I have served as a seminar presenter at local, national and international conferences.
Connect with Cyndi ~
Questions? If you want to reach out to Cyndi, her email is cyndi@its-taxes.com or visit https://johnsonbixby.com/