The Secured Lender
MARCH 2025 VOL. 81 ISSUE 2
Recognizing Excellence: Women in Secured Finance Profiles, Pages 6-65.
It is an honor to welcome you to our annual issue of The Secured Lender in which we recognize and celebrate 41 remarkable women in the secured finance industry. On the following pages, you will find the inspiring journeys of these trailblazers who have forged their paths with unwavering determination, resilience, and vision, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of secured finance..
Teresa Chan of SLR Business Credit featured on page 52.
HOW DID YOU APPROACH MAKING A BIG DECISION IN YOUR CAREER, EITHER MOVING ONTO A NEW ORGANIZATION OR ROLE?
Making the move from White Oak to Webster Bank was a big decision for me, as I was taking on a larger and different role. I spent a lot of time contemplating whether this was the right move and if it suited me. The first thing I did was consult my mentor, who often provides valuable perspectives I might not have considered. Then, I reflected on my career goals and the kind of work environment that makes me happy. It’s crucial to know what you’re looking for before making a big move. Ultimately, I trusted my gut and took the opportunity. I reminded myself that you’ll never know unless you try, and in the worst case, you can always start over.
WHAT SKILLS OR EXPERIENCES HAVE BEEN MOST CRITICAL IN HELPING YOU SUCCEED?
Being a team player means not turning away from tasks that are unfamiliar or outside your job description. You never know what opportunities might arise from taking on new challenges. At the very least, you’ll learn something new, and it demonstrates your motivation and eagerness to learn. Curiosity is another essential trait that can significantly benefit your career. If you’re not curious, how else can you learn new skills? Embracing curiosity and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone can lead to personal and professional growth.
HOW HAVE YOU HANDLED A PARTICULARLY CHALLENGING PROBLEM AT WORK?
Handling challenging problems at work is an ongoing learning process for me. Each challenge is unique, whether it involves personnel issues, client concerns, or specific situations in a deal. My approach to these challenges is multifaceted and involves several key steps.
First and foremost, I believe in taking a moment to breathe and think things through before reacting. This pause allows me to clear my mind and approach the problem with a calm and rational mindset. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed in the heat of the moment, but taking a step back helps me gain perspective and consider the best course of action.
Consulting with colleagues and management is another crucial aspect of my approach. I value the insights and experiences of my team members, as they often provide different perspectives and solutions that I might not have considered. Engaging in open and honest discussions with my peers helps me gather valuable input and make more informed decisions. It’s a collaborative effort, and I believe that leveraging the collective knowledge of the team leads to better outcomes.
Additionally, I view every challenge as a learning experience. Each obstacle presents an opportunity to grow and develop new skills. By staying open to learning and adapting, I can continuously improve my problem-solving abilities. Whether it’s through formal training, seeking feedback, or simply reflecting on past experiences.
View/download article as PDF: Women in Secured Finance TSL March 2025
To view the rest of the profiles as well as other articles in this issue, please visit https://issuu.com/thesecuredlender