Recognizing Excellence: Women in Secured Finance Profiles
As published in The Secured Lender – March 2026, Vol. 82, Issue 2, pages 9-74
Winter Ma of SLR Business Credit is featured on page 65.
What advice would you offer to women just starting out in the industry? What is the best advice you ever received?
I encourage women to embrace curiosity. There is often a silent pressure to have all the answers, but real growth comes from the courage to ask, “Can you explain the logic behind this?” When you ask “why,” you aren’t just seeking information; you are uncovering the foundation of the business.
The best advice I ever received was: “Experience is simply the name we give to our mistakes.” Working in banking and factoring operations has taught me not to fear mistakes, but to learn from them. When something goes wrong, I focus on identifying the root cause and improving procedures to reduce human error. This mindset helps me remain calm, accountable, and thoughtful when handling complex operations.
What skills or experiences have been most critical in helping you succeed?
Success for me is rooted in the ability to listen—not just to data, but to the people behind it. My background as a journalist taught me that if a process isn’t working, the solution is rarely on the surface. You have to be a detective to find the truth.
Pairing that investigative mindset with my experience working various survival jobs taught me the value of every person’s contribution. A successful operation isn’t just about software; it’s about human empathy and resilience. By reaching across departments to listen and learn, I can lead more effectively. I believe that when you truly value others’ voices, you create a culture where everyone feels they belong.
Studies have shown women are more reluctant to tout their accomplishments in the workplace. What advice would you give to help women be more comfortable with speaking up?
We often hesitate to speak about our accomplishments because we don’t want to appear as though we are “bragging.” However, I encourage women to reframe this: speaking up is not about self-promotion; it is about sharing evidence of what is possible. When you articulate success, you provide both a roadmap and inspiration for others.
If highlighting personal achievements feels uncomfortable, anchor them in the broader impact. Speak about how your work supported the team, improved the process, or helped a client navigate a difficult challenge. Framing accomplishments through outcomes and solutions not only demonstrates leadership but also reinforces the value of collective contribution and shared success.
What would you like to achieve this year, either personally or professionally?
Professionally, I want to keep learning and growing. Even after many years in banking and factoring operations, I’m constantly reminded that there is always more to learn. This year, I aim to deepen and broaden my expertise in emerging operational strategies and stay current with market evolution, so I can better support my team and being a reliable, thoughtful resource.
Personally, I am committed to a path of self-fulfillment while remaining intentional about supporting others, particularly those who need it most. I have been helped by many people throughout my journey, and I hope to do the same for others in small but meaningful ways. If I can make someone’s path a little easier, or make the world feel a little kinder and more beautiful, that would be a true achievement for me.
To view/download as PDF: Winter Ma_TSL March 2026
To view the rest of the profiles as well as other articles in this issue, please visit https://issuu.com/thesecuredlender