Amanda Pullinger, a trailblazer in the finance industry, stands as a beacon of inspiration for women looking to break into male-dominated fields. As the first in her family to attend university, Pullinger's academic journey took her to Oxford University, where she was inspired by Margaret Thatcher, the first British female prime minister. Thatcher's leadership in a predominantly male arena motivated Pullinger to carve her own path in finance. After 25 years in the industry, including over a decade as CEO of 100 Women in Finance, she founded Global Female Investors Management in 2024 alongside Vanessa Yuan.
The Global Female Investors Network, spearheaded by Pullinger, boasts a thriving community of 2,000 women dedicated to money management. Pullinger believes that equipping women with essential numerical skills and confidence is crucial for increasing female representation in leadership roles. She advocates for more young women to explore careers as capital allocators or investment professionals, emphasizing the significant impact they can have on the world.
Growing up in the UK, Pullinger understood the challenges of being the first in her family to pursue higher education. Although she regrets not studying math at A-level, she acknowledges her capability and aims to prevent similar missed opportunities for future generations. Her concern extends to the exclusion of men from conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion—an issue she believes needs addressing for true progress.
Statistics reveal the stark gender disparity in venture capital (VC) investment partners. In the United States, only 19% of VC investment partners are women. Europe fares slightly worse, with a 2023 report indicating just 16% female representation in these roles. Despite receiving less than half the investment capital of their male counterparts, female-founded companies generate twice as much revenue per dollar invested.
Pullinger's database of 2,000 female risk-takers exemplifies her commitment to fostering an inclusive financial landscape. Her work highlights the untapped potential of women in finance and the need for systemic change to bridge gender gaps.
"I think it would be great for you to represent the organization," Pullinger often encourages women, underscoring her belief in their ability to lead and innovate.
Pullinger's vision extends beyond individual success. Her goal is to cultivate an environment where women can thrive as leaders and decision-makers, reshaping the global financial system. This mission aligns with her company's ethos of empowering women through community and support.
The statistics surrounding female representation in finance emphasize the urgency of Pullinger's work. By creating spaces for dialogue and opportunity, she seeks to dismantle barriers that hinder women's progress in the industry.
