Women and Wealth: Breaking Barriers and Owning Your Financial Future – Insights from Anjali Singh

In a compelling conversation on The AboutHer Show, Anjali Singh, a seasoned corporate leader who has held senior roles at American Express, Deutsche Bank, EY, and Ericsson, shared her insights on what it takes for women to succeed in the corporate world. One of the key themes that emerged from our discussion was the importance of financial independence for women—a topic that is central to our Women & Wealth: Taking Charge series.

The Power of Financial Independence

Anjali Singh’s perspective on financial independence is deeply rooted in her upbringing and professional journey. Having grown up in a progressive household, she credits her parents, particularly her father, for instilling in her the belief that women must be financially independent. Her father, a diplomat, ensured that his daughter had the same opportunities and encouragement as his son, reinforcing the idea that financial self-sufficiency is a fundamental right for women.

This belief carried through Anjali’s career in banking and corporate leadership, where she saw firsthand how financial independence empowers women to make choices—whether in their careers, relationships, or personal aspirations.

Also Read: Women & Wealth with Apurva Purohit

Why Women Must Prioritise Financial Independence

Anjali emphasized that women often struggle with self-doubt, a challenge that can hold them back from asserting themselves in professional and financial matters. This hesitation extends to salary negotiations, investment decisions, and career growth opportunities. Many women, she noted, shy away from financial discussions, leaving them at a disadvantage when it comes to wealth-building.

“Women must have harder financial conversations and demand to be paid what they are worth,” she asserted. The gender pay gap remains a stark reality, with women frequently earning less than men for the same roles. This disparity not only affects their present financial standing but also has long-term repercussions, particularly in terms of retirement savings and financial security.

Building Financial Confidence

A crucial part of financial independence is financial literacy. Anjali strongly advocates for women to take charge of their financial education by understanding investments, savings, and wealth management strategies. She believes that workplaces and educational institutions must do more to equip women with the knowledge they need to make informed financial decisions.

One of her key pieces of advice is to “believe in yourself and your worth.” Whether it’s negotiating a salary, investing in a new opportunity, or managing household finances, confidence is key. Women must move from a mindset of “Can I?” to “I can.”

Overcoming Gender Bias in Financial Spaces

Despite the progress made, Anjali acknowledged that biases persist in financial and corporate spaces. Women are often viewed as risk-averse or less capable of handling financial decisions, a stereotype that needs to be dismantled. She recounted experiences where women’s ideas were overlooked, only to be validated when echoed by men. This underscores the importance of women taking up space in boardrooms, investment meetings, and financial decision-making roles.

She pointed out that women’s economic empowerment benefits not just individuals but entire families and communities. Financially independent women make better financial choices, contribute to economic growth, and set examples for future generations.

Also Read: Women and Wealth- A Conversation on Financial Independence with Meher Mirchandani

Practical Steps to Financial Independence

To help women take charge of their financial well-being, Anjali suggested the following practical steps:

1. Start Early: Women should begin saving and investing as soon as they start earning, ensuring long-term financial security.
2. Educate Yourself: Financial literacy is crucial. Women must actively seek to understand investment portfolios, stock markets, and other financial tools.
3. Negotiate Your Worth: Don’t accept the first salary offer. Advocate for your worth, armed with market research and confidence.
4. Seek Financial Advice: Engage with financial planners or mentors who can guide you in making sound financial decisions.
5. Build a Support System: Surround yourself with financially savvy individuals who can provide guidance and motivation.

The Road Ahead

Anjali’s message is clear—financial independence is not a luxury but a necessity. Women must claim their place in financial conversations, break through self-doubt, and demand equal opportunities. The time to take charge is now. Whether you’re a young professional just starting out or a seasoned executive, financial empowerment is a journey that every woman must embark upon.

As we continue our Women & Wealth series, let’s carry forward Anjali’s insights and ensure that financial literacy and independence become non-negotiable aspects of every woman’s life.