To celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, we spoke to Maria Harris, Chair of Open Property Data Association. She shares her journey in the finance world and what inspires her.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the finance industry? Was it intentional, or did you find yourself here by chance?
I wish I could say it was inspired but it came about completely by chance. I’d spent 5 years managing contact centres in the travel industry, then 5 years in utilities before deciding that having a university degree might be a good idea. I was completing my Post Graduate Certificate in Management when HBoS approached me to ask if I’d consider joining their senior team. They wanted me to bring external market experience to their mortgage distribution and processing teams. That was in 2005 and the rest as they say is history!
As a woman in leadership, what are the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way? How have you overcome them?
The industry is very different now than when I joined. I remember going to my first management meetings and being the only woman in the room and my first industry events were an eye opener! The mortgage industry is still very much based on relationships but back then those ties in the industry were deep with the people who’d been there a long time, played golf together, socialised, etc. It was often an isolating place to be as a working mum, away from home during the week and a non-golf player. It felt like I had to work extra hard to earn my place at the table, to be listened to and to build relationships with the people who could advocate for me and keep me from being excluded.
What progress have you seen in gender diversity in finance over the years?
The change over 20 years is definitely real and visible. You can see it now in how the industry is represented, the recognition that we have for a more diverse market and the growing number of women in middle and senior management roles. For me, I’d love us to do even more – we still don’t have enough female CEOs, Chairs, Non-Execs, Directors and the really senior decision makers that are the role models for the next level of very talented people coming into the market.
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received and how has it shaped you?
I have two. The first is to find a job doing something you love. I’ve followed that advice all of my career and I’ve loved every job and every industry I’ve worked in. Having a real passion for what you do and feeling like you’re making a difference in the world is the best feeling and gets you through the bad times too. The second is to have mentors and lots of them! There are so many amazing people to learn from in and out of our industry and you’d be amazed how happy they are to give up their time and share.
What advice would you give to young women looking to break into the finance sector?
Don’t hesitate! It’s a fantastic industry and the breadth of roles and initiatives that you can get involved in are inspiring. It’s a dynamic place to work and it’s all about the people, relationships, doing the right thing and making people’s home and life aspirations come true.
Who inspires you?
There are so many people I honestly don’t think I could fit them all in here. We have lots of incredible people in our industry who do the most brilliant things every day. My go to mantra is from Maya Angelou though, she said “If you’re always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.” I’m drawn to people who I see living and breathing that sense of spirit and making positive change.
What are some common misconceptions about women in finance and how do you challenge them?
I don’t know if we have misconceptions as much as unconscious behaviours. I still hear the odd example of a woman being asked to take the minutes or make the tea in a room full of peers. It’s frustrating that we still have to consciously ask people to be respectful and polite at events or meetings, to not put women in a position where they feel uncomfortable. It is changing over time but we need the whole industry to be challenging those behaviours and making every interaction safe and inclusive for everyone.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self?
To be yourself – “everyone loves an original darling.” I spent far too much time worrying about how different I was to the rest of the industry – female, Geordie, football obsessed, half Spanish, rock chick, LGBTQ – I definitely didn’t fit the banking or mortgage industry mould but being your whole, authentic self and being true to your values is so important and means you can bring your best you to work.
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