Recognizing Excellence: Women in Secured Finance
As published in The Secured Lender – March 2026, Vol. 82, Issue 2, pages 9-74
Dawn Eastman of SLR Business Credit is featured on page 64.
What advice would you offer to women just starting out in the industry? What is the best advice you ever received?
My advice is to be confident in your abilities and do not be afraid to speak up in meetings. Share your ideas and take initiative when an opportunity presents itself. Mistakes will happen along the way, but taking responsibility and learning from them will only allow you to grow. Collaborating with others also helps you to develop skills you may not have known you needed.
The best advice I ever received was do not be afraid to share your ideas and ask for clarification if not clear on an answer someone has given to you. Being confident in expressing my views and sharing my ideas has helped me to grow and earn respect from my peers.
How did you approach making a big decision in your career, either moving onto a new organization or role?
I approached my decision to move to a new organization by researching the position to determine if the opportunity was the right move for me at the time and whether there was room for growth. I also took into consideration how it would affect my work-life balance. I reached out to colleagues and friends seeking their input. Once I weighed the pros and cons, I was able to determine that the move was right for me.
What role has mentorship/sponsorship played in your career?
Mentorship has played a meaningful role throughout my career. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work with my current manager who believes in my abilities and offers regular guidance and thoughtful feedback. She challenges me in ways that forces me to use my critical thinking skills and continues to identify areas for improvement while providing the tools needed for my professional development. I’ve grown to appreciate the support I continue to receive and try to incorporate when supporting others.
What skills or experiences have been most critical in helping you succeed?
Communicating effectively, being adaptable to change, learning modern technologies are all critical components in being successful. Collaboration is also important since working with others brings diverse perspectives to the table that in turn helps to achieve the intended goal. I also believe in asking for help when needed. Being able to manage your time effectively by prioritizing tasks in order of importance is also helpful.
How do you stay resilient and motivated during periods of uncertainty or industry transformation?
During periods of uncertainty, I try to focus on the things I can control, such as the current tasks at hand. Staying motivated during uncertain times can be difficult. However, I do not let it overwhelm me. Discussing the possibility of changes with my colleagues is also helpful. Staying informed while preparing for the possibility that changes may be ahead allows me to be accepting of the situation. I do not think that worrying about things you cannot control is productive.
View/download as PDF Dawn Eastman-TSL March 2026
To view the rest of the profiles as well as other articles in this issue, please visit https://issuu.com/thesecuredlender