“In the UK, only 16% of financial advisors are women. But as my mother always said, ‘women shape society.’ Imagine what an educated, financially savvy woman can do – not just shape society, but redefine it, thereby creating a strong foundation for our daughters, granddaughters, and future generations to make informed, confident financial choices.” – Nilam
It’s officially March and that means that International Women’s Day is right around the corner. With 8th March fast approaching, we’ve decided to mark the occasion in the best way we can – hear from women in different industries who are absolutely smashing it!
We were lucky enough to be joined by Mariana Arrieta Yanez and Nilam Parbat for a conversation about all thing’s women in leadership roles.
Mariana Arrieta Yanez, Data Analytics and Insights Manager at Interactive Investor
Nilam Parbat, Independent Financial Advisor at Caroola Financial Planning
From sharing top advice for those following in their footsteps, to breaking down how to overcome challenges and barriers, this interview is full of insight and inspiration for the next generation of women. So, without further ado, let’s kickstart the discussion…
Let’s start at the very beginning. What was your journey into the industry and what led you to where you are today?
Nilam: I began my journey in financial advising working as a Personal Finance Manager at a debt management company. In this role, I helped people navigate financial challenges and I realised that many of their issues could have been avoided with better financial knowledge.
The lack of understanding about financial products and the long-term consequences of decisions often led people into difficult situations. This not only impacts individuals, but it also affects the broader economy. Debts that are written off mean money that will never be recycled into the economy. Seeing this firsthand, I wanted to do more than just help people manage financial crises; I wanted to empower them to make informed, confident financial decisions before they reached that point. That’s what led me to start my career in financial advisory.
When we asked Nilam what inspired her to keep pursuing this career, it was seeing the impact that financial advice can have on people’s lives that made her keep going. “There’s still a stigma around discussing finances openly but sharing knowledge and learning from others’ experiences is how we grow in all aspects of life.” For Nilam, the idea that financial wisdom isn’t passed down in the same way, and many people feel uncertain, overwhelmed, or misled due to industry jargon, past scandals, and a lack of trust in the process is a frustration.
Mariana’s journey into her current career also stemmed from a natural curiosity and has grown over time.
Mariana: I can’t point to a single “lightbulb” moment that led me to pursue a career in data. Instead, it’s been more of an ongoing self-discovery journey. Over time, I realised that I produced my best work when being asked to spot patterns and make sense about the world through numbers rather than relying purely on theory. Data turned out to be the perfect place for me to double down on that strength.
As I’ve grown in my career, I’ve discovered that numbers and coding are only the entry point into data. Data is a field deeply tied to people and communication. If you want data to truly make a difference, you’ve got to bring everyone along for the journey – helping them update their own beliefs and make better decisions through what the numbers reveal.
“I love spotting numbers and trends. I like learning about the world not through theory, but through numbers.” – Mariana
Everyone deserves a moment of praise from time to time. What is one of the biggest milestones or proudest achievements of your career to date?
Nilam: One of my proudest milestones is my ability to keep going despite the many challenges I faced along the way. Balancing a full-time job, family responsibilities, and studying was incredibly tough, and there were times when I doubted whether I could continue. But completing my qualifications while managing work and raising children is something I’m truly proud of. Even now, as I work toward becoming chartered, I remind myself that perseverance is my greatest achievement.
It goes without saying that, no matter what sector, every career path is fraught with hurdles. What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve had to face?
Mariana: One of the biggest challenges I’m tackling right now is convincing others that data isn’t just a technical discipline. It might be fuelled by analytics tools and technologies but at its core, I believe data is a business discipline—one that can supercharge both your organisation and your decision-making processes.
Nilam: Like many women in the financial industry, I faced challenges such as a lack of representation and difficulty finding a mentor. While I had great female mentors in previous roles, the lack of women in advisory positions in this field made it harder to find that guidance. I also dealt with self-doubt, balancing work and personal life, and facing industry stereotypes.
If there’s one thing women ace, it’s being great problem-solvers. Here’s how Nilam and Mariana overcame their challenges.
Nilam: To overcome these challenges, I actively sought mentorship, continued my education through CPD and additional qualifications, and developed new skills to build my confidence. Advocating for myself and pushing through these obstacles has made me stronger and more determined to help create a path for other women in the industry.
Mariana: I’m continually working on ways to make data more accessible and relevant to everyone. I want people to see that you don’t need advanced coding skills or a math degree to use data in a meaningful way. It’s about focusing on the questions, insights, and business impact that data can create.
“I realized there was a need to create a space where people feel empowered, not intimidated, by their financial decisions. A moment that solidified this for me was when an elderly client told me, ‘Thank you, now I can sleep peacefully’. That was when I truly understood the impact of good financial advisors – especially women – can have.” – Nilam
We asked our female powerhouses from Interactive Investor and Caroola Financial Planning if they had any advice for the next generation of women.
Nilam: Believe in your abilities and don’t shy away from challenges. Surround yourself with supportive people, continue learning, and always lift other women up. Your contributions matter, and you have the power to make a difference.
Mariana: If you’re interested in data, my biggest piece of advice is don’t wait. Data is everywhere, even if your current role doesn’t carry a data title. Look for ways to integrate analytics into the work you’re already doing. Don’t wait for someone else to assign you a “data project” – create one yourself. Curiosity and initiative go a long way in this field, and often the best learning happens through practical, hands-on experience.
To round off the discussion, we couldn’t let them go without asking what International Women’s Day means to each of them.
Nilam: International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder of how much progress we’ve made, and how much more work still lies ahead. It’s a day to celebrate the achievements of women while advocating for equal opportunities and representation. More than that, it’s about uplifting and supporting women who are striving to make an impact – not just in their careers, but in their communities and in society. Together, we are helping to shape a better future for generations to come.
We’d have to agree that there’s definitely something to be said for refusing to take a backseat but instead being loud and proud about your goals and ambitions. Make sure your voice is heard. And if there isn’t space, make space! Nobody else will do it for you.
“Data is everywhere. Don’t wait for someone to give you a project in data – go after it!” – Mariana
A big thanks to the wonderful, powerful, and inspiring Mariana and Nilam for giving up their time to speak to us about their journey within the industry.
If you want to find out more about Interactive Investor or Caroola Financial Planning, head to MyMarketplace to discover further details.
