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Women play an integral role in the mortgage broking industry.
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Research shows that females have a high level of emotional intelligence and this plays a critical part in their discussions with customers. Indeed, women are naturally suited to mortgage broking as they have instinctive rapport building skills and strong empathy.
Moreover, they are intuitively able to interpret and understand their clients’ financial needs and recommend the most appropriate solutions. They also relate to other women and they tend to be the primary decision maker in the family.
Combined, these skills and dynamics make mortgage broking an appealing career choice for women, and the long term opportunities for women in broking are numerous.
OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND
As a career choice, mortgage broking allows for a high level of flexibility which supports work – life balance for many women who are juggling families and work.
Mortgage broking has traditionally been seen as a male dominated industry. Thankfully, however, it seems this is changing as more women find their voice.
In particular, the number of female industry body representatives has increased dramatically in recent times, with many of these women entering leadership positions and commanding the respect of their peers.
I have been involved with the MFAA for many years, and the current NSW/ACT MFAA council has a female president, Alison Whittle, who is supported by numerous other women including Katrina Rowlands, Donna Beazley and Sarah Wells – which means that more than 40 per cent of the current NSW council representatives are women!
Women also account for 40 per cent of Queensland’s MFAA council.
GROWING INFLUENCE
My observation is that women – such as these industry representatives – want to work together to get the job done. It’s not about power for power’s sake; rather, they are committed to collaborating and growing a sustainable industry.
According to statistics, more than 30 per cent of CBA’s accredited brokers are women – and this figure is increasing month-on-month.
Women may be a minority at the moment, but more are becoming role models for the industry, shining repeatedly in various industry surveys of elite and successful brokers.
Mortgage Success’ Katrina Rowlands is an icon in the Illawarra area, for example, and is frequently involved in public speaking and educational seminars for brokers.
Similarly, Marion Weekes of Astute Queensland understands the importance of quality customer service, and always ensures her customers’ full financial needs are met.
In South Australia, Wendy Higgins of Mortgage Choice is arguably the nation’s top broker and employs nine staff in her shopfront at Glenelg.
Janine Carpenter and Helen Lenyszyn from Independent Mortgage and Finance Services (IMFS) in WA are also examples of how tenacity and passion can create a strong mortgage broking business.
All of these women have the courage to back themselves and are passionate about customer service.
At CBA we are ‘determined to be different’ – we are passionate supporters of women in broking.
