My experience with discrimination
Mar 10 Written By Melinda Satterlee
Have you experienced discrimination as a woman?
When I was in my mid twenties I was hired by the largest wealth management firm in the U.S. I was hired as a trainee stock broker in Santa Barbara, CA. During my training I became engaged and soon after my fiancee was transferred to Sacramento. I went on to become a licensed stockbroker in the Santa Barbara office and worked there for six months before asking to be transferred to the Sacramento office to join my fiancee.
I'll never forget what I was told! The manager of the office, an elderly gentleman, said, "We always lose the pretty ones to marriage." I was floored. I was twenty-eight and had every intention of continuing my career as a stock broker instead he made me feel like my career would be over if I got married. I coped by outwardly laughing it off but inwardly I determined to prove him wrong.
Taking on the challenge as a woman.
When I moved to Sacramento, the Ol' boys network was very strong in the office. Instead of being intimidated, I loved the challenge. In one instance, I went toe to toe with the biggest producer in the office, a man, over an account we were both pitching. I decided to approach my presentation in the style of a teacher. My presentation involved explaining the economic cycle and I made a large whiteboard outlining this information. I took the time to explain how I approach investing and taught them something new in the process. I did this knowing my competition would approach his presentation with an attitude of, "I’m a man who has been in this business a long time and she's too young and female to advise, so go with me." Lo and behold, I won the account. Ironically, it was with the Amalgamated Transit Union, a gruff bunch of men (with hearts of gold) who you think would naturally choose a man over me. They turned out to be one of my best clients.
How I dealt with being a woman in a man’s world.
My strategy for dealing with discrimination was, and still is, to be a woman! Women have many advantages to men. As a financial advisor, I have sensitivities and insights that men don't have. I listen intently, approach things with an open mind, and treat my clients with respect. For the young women out there, just be yourself, understand your God-given advantages and lean in!
Melinda Satterlee
I help women become confident about their financial future. I can help you too!
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