The programme ‘Women between two worlds’, broadcasted last 28th of May on Libertad FM, went to the new offices of one of the partners of the cluster, EVO Banco, where they interviewed its Financial Director, Beatriz Mendoza, to get to know her more personal side.
In addition, in response to questions from Carmen M. García, chair of the Gender Economy Commission of MAD FinTech, she explained how EVO Banco has a management committee that is taking off its ties and where the female presence is increasing.
Beatriz Mendoza, CFO of EVO Banco, together with Carmen M. García, chair of the Gender Economy Commission of MAD FinTech.
Which women are a point of reference today?
Laura Abarquero, Salesforce Service Cloud for Spain and Portugal, Bárbara Otero, Business Director at Evo Banco, and Pilar Blasco, Marketing Manager for Southern Europe at Nuance Communications, took part in the discussion.
All of them women and a reflection of the new decision-making space they already occupy in many companies, including technology and finance companies. These are the conclusions of his talk show:
- “There is a lot of focus on having female talent in companies, because we can bring things that men don’t have”,
- “Companies are realising that having female talent in companies adds up, and is profitable”.
- “Companies that want to succeed today have a pillar in technology, but then there is a profile beyond, where machines do not reach, there are other skills, such as communication or emotional intelligence, active listening, which women do have”.
- “Companies are looking to reach their customers, where there is diversity: there are men and women. If we don’t have that diversity, we won’t reach half the population, and it will be a failure. We buy more than they do.
- “This is not about gender, it’s about talent, about companies realising that it doesn’t matter whether you are a man or a woman, but that you are trained and have the necessary qualities and skills.
- “There are work-life balance policies that are appearing in companies and this is the line that needs to be worked on. It doesn’t matter if you are a man or a woman, this conciliation and flexibility must be possible so that talent can be found”.
- “The technology allows us to allow all careers that are STEAM to be able to go for it”.
- “It is more a societal issue than a banking or technology issue. It affects all sectors, and little by little we are going to see women at the top of traditional banks.
- “We have improved a lot in the last few years”. We will continue to make progress in the coming years thanks to women who have spoken out on these issues and fought hard. Gender inequality still exists, especially in senior management positions.
- “It is the young generation that will make these advances.
- “Women’s networks give visibility to female talent and provide the security of being able to share the same experiences with other women.
- “We have to let them know what our needs are. Let them understand what we need.
- “We are often the ones who set the glass ceiling for ourselves. Many women give up until they are not able to combine it with having a child and find a balance”.
- “If we need role models, men need role models who have done it. Your partner has the same share of daughters as you do. But we carry more responsibility for the children.
- “It is important to educate in equality, starting with ourselves, with our children. And, as a society, to value professional merit more than any other gender distinction.
- “You have to bring out the best in people, empower them”.
- “The banking sector is based on effort; we need inspirational leaders to help them in their work, encouraging good practices.
- “Women bring certain skills to management positions, such as listening skills and empathy. They are more efficient and profitable.
- “The best example is for your children to see you happy.
MAD FinTech, and its Gender Economy Commission, has promoted the drafting of a study on the impact of the incorporation of women in organisations.
