Carving space for women in finance: Prerna’s story
This International Women’s Day, Corporate Trustee Services Client Relationship Manager Prerna Chaudhry shares her experience of being a woman working in financial services, guidance she’d give younger women in the industry, and the responsibility she feels in raising her young son.
Prerna Chaudhry remembers when an older male contact first told her she hadn’t added any value in a client meeting and then laughed at her about it.
One of two women in a room of nine men, Prerna says she chose to listen and observe instead of talking “for the sake of talking”.
The contact apologised later but it had a profound impact on Prerna, who was left shocked and surprised.
“I had just joined that company. I thought, ‘Gosh men really think it’s ok to say things like that?’. A lot of people don’t think women belong in this industry, but I used it as motivation.”
Now a Client Relationship Manager in Public Trust’s Corporate Trustee Services Custody team, Prerna is passionate about guiding the way for women working in finance, traditionally a male-dominated industry.
Cultural differences in Fiji
Prerna lived in Fiji until aged six, a place with a lot of traditional gender roles, she says. Moving to New Zealand brought new opportunities. She recalls her mother learning to drive later in life.
“Growing up in an environment where women faced significant oppression had a huge impact on me,” Prerna says.
“Although I was surrounded by women who showed strength in their own ways, I wanted something different. That awareness became a driving force in shaping my values and my determination to seek freedom and equality.”
Raising the next generation
A mother to Kasey, nine, Prerna feels her biggest responsibility is to raise a good person.
“Yes, I can speak up in meetings and yes, I can stand up for the woman next to me. But when I think about my long-term impact, I am hoping I can raise my son into a kind human being. I want him to grow up respecting women, and hope that when he’s in the workplace, he’s not the problem – he’s actually the solution.”
This International Women’s Day, Prerna shares her tips for young women in the financial services industry:
This International Women’s Day, Prerna shares her tips for young women in the financial services industry
1. Don’t be afraid to speak up
“Ask the questions,” Prerna says. “Silence is often mistaken for agreement, and I learned early on that if you don’t speak, decisions move forward without you. Your viewpoint is important,” she says. “Finance needs more women who trust their voice early and stay long enough to shape the future.”
2. Burnout is not a badge of honour
Prerna says she normalised exhaustion but now realises the importance of getting rest to help keep sharp judgement. “Burnout is not a badge of honour”.
3. You don’t need a mentor to grow
“Not everyone has access to senior women, supportive leaders, or someone whose life actually fits their reality.” She cites as examples carers, immigrants and people managing health challenges. “Many of us grow by becoming our own reference point of what we do and don’t want to be.”
4. Financial services is a great career for women – and it’s not all numbers
The industry is based on relationships, which for many women is a strength, she says. “Women should lean into this instead of being fearful in believing that the world of finance is scary and all numbers.”
5. The industry sets you up with life skills – be open to learning
Money, investing, KiwiSaver – the industry can provide women financial wellbeing skills. “Even if your career path ventures outside the industry, you’ll forever have a valuable understanding of finance that will help you make smart choices throughout your life.”
6. Your resilience can be a superpower for other women
Often women in meetings become the unofficial note taker or event planner for the next team activity, Prerna says. “You might feel overlooked at times, but each time you climb a rung on the ladder, you make it a little easier for the next woman who is coming along behind you.”