As we mark International Women’s Day 2026, it feels like a fitting moment to reflect on my 7-year journey with Hope Capital Property Finance and the progress we’ve made as a business.

Since joining in 2019 as Finance Director, I’ve had the privilege of helping to shape the company’s strategic growth alongside our CEO, Jonathan Sealey. Together, we have focused on building a resilient and scalable business including securing new institutional funding, strengthening relationships with our existing funding partners, and launching new products and investment initiatives to better support brokers and borrowers in an evolving market.

International Women’s Day also provides an opportunity to recognise the growing impact women are having across the finance and property sectors. While I am incredibly proud to have received the Mortgage Introducer Elite Woman Award for four consecutive years, what matters most to me is being part of a business that champions work-life balance, team wellbeing and a culture built on trust and collaboration.

That culture is particularly important when work-life balance is at risk. Small gestures such as free lunches or staff socials are always appreciated, but they rarely address the deeper challenge many women face when building a career alongside personal responsibilities.

At Hope Capital Property Finance, our goal is to ensure that work does not amplify the pressures our team members may already be managing outside of the office. We believe no one should have to choose between their personal life and their professional ambition.

Small Changes That Make a Real Difference

The specialist lending sector is undeniably fast paced. Managing time and energy effectively is essential.

For me, a key focus has been energy accounting. Planning work and personal commitments in a way that balances output with recovery. It requires discipline, self-awareness, and honest conversations about capacity.

Through enhanced parental leave, flexible working arrangements, additional leave for significant life events and 2 hours monthly for wellness time, we aim to provide practical support that genuinely helps our team manage the responsibilities of a busy life.

Personally, that flexibility has been instrumental in my own career progression.

Managing a senior leadership role while raising two neurodivergent children presents unique challenges. From medical appointments to advocating for the right educational support, there are moments when family responsibilities are demanding and non-negotiable.

The support network at Hope Capital Property Finance has enabled me to navigate those moments without feeling that my career must stall. Open communication, trust from senior leadership and a culture built on understanding have allowed me to grow professionally while remaining fully present at home.

Equally important is the partnership I have outside of work. I am fortunate to share responsibilities with my husband, and we actively support one another’s careers. That mutual respect and balance at home allows us both to perform at our best professionally.

Leadership That Is Earned and Supported

At Hope Capital Property Finance, we actively promote the best candidate for each role regardless of gender. Our recently appointed Directors are all female however this was not a strategic quota or target. It is a natural outcome as every Director has earned her position through consistent delivery, commercial awareness, and leadership ability.

As leaders, we have a responsibility to ensure that opportunity is visible and accessible. Talented women should feel encouraged to step forward if they demonstrate the drive and ability to lead.

My position today reflects both performance and the environment that made that performance sustainable. The strongest organisations recognise that support and high standards are not in conflict, they work best together.

Creating Opportunity for the Next Generation

Representation sends a powerful message. Seeing women in leadership roles demonstrates what is possible.

For the next generation entering Hope Capital Property Finance, whether in finance, underwriting, operations or sales, there should be a clear pathway ahead.

Women sometimes hesitate to put themselves forward unless they feel entirely ready. As leaders, we must recognise potential as well as experience and provide the development opportunities that allow confidence to grow.

A strong support structure starts with values, trust and leadership.

We recognise that a successful business is built on a foundation of engaged, motivated, and supported employees so we operate on a two-way street. Our team is encouraged to be open about their circumstances, and in return they can trust that support will be considered fairly and thoughtfully.