What drives the relentless pursuit to break the glass ceiling in the corporate world, and how can we each contribute to this ongoing revolution?
In the latest episode of the Pick a Path podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with April Eden, an accomplished Investment Advisor at Craig’s Investment Partners and a passionate advocate for women in business. Her journey from a teen mum to a leading voice in the financial sector is inspiring and thought-provoking, offering invaluable insights for anyone navigating their career.
April shared a pivotal moment in her career that ignited her advocacy for women. She recounted, “I was in a job where it didn’t quite work out the way that the job had been touted to me, and I had asked one of the executives how I became an investment advisor. And this executive turned around and said, ‘Oh no, you’ve got to have at least the number four in your age and a few grey hairs.’ ” This response spurred April into action. She realised the importance of standing up against such biases and became an advocate, ensuring that other women would not face the same hurdles.
Reflecting on April’s story made me consider how many talented individuals might be held back by outdated biases and stereotypes. How often do we hear similar discouraging remarks, and more importantly, how do we respond? April’s decision to push forward and prove her worth despite the barriers is a powerful reminder for us not to let others define our potential.
April’s path to becoming an investment advisor was far from linear. She left high school early, had her children young, and was determined not to become a statistic. “I wanted to show my girls that I could actually achieve something as well,” April said. Her perseverance led her to study business administration, switch majors from marketing to accounting, and eventually find her place at Craig’s Investment Partners. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of advocating for oneself.
April’s ability to pivot, adapt, and embrace unexpected opportunities is something we can all learn from. How often do we cling to our initial plans, even when they no longer serve us? Sometimes, the most rewarding paths are those we never anticipated.
In Dunedin, April has witnessed and contributed to several initiatives aimed at supporting women in leadership. From Business South’s projects to the networking opportunities offered by Women in Business Otago and Elevate, there are numerous resources available. April highlighted the importance of such initiatives, stating, “There are some hard women that have really fought for us to be able to do what we do. We’ve come a long way, but we still have a long way to go.” April’s involvement in these initiatives underscores a crucial point: progress is often driven by community and collective effort. While individual achievements are important, the real change happens when we come together to support and uplift each other. It’s a reminder for us all to seek out and contribute to networks that foster growth and equality.
Despite the progress, significant challenges remain. April discussed the persistent issues of sexism and outdated views on women’s roles. She emphasised the importance of collective action, urging everyone to speak up against injustices. “Whether you’re a male, female, non-binary, whatever – collectively you speak up. When you’ve got an opportunity to say, ‘Hey, that’s not right,’ or ‘Hey, that comment is not appropriate,’ speak up. How often do we witness subtle biases and choose to stay silent? April’s call to action is clear: we all have a responsibility to challenge the status quo and support those around us.
April is actively involved in mentoring young women, particularly those in finance, a field traditionally dominated by men. She is working to shift dynamics and support women through scholarships and sponsorships. Her advice to both women and men is clear: “Be an advocate. Stand up, speak up. If you hear something or see something that’s wrong, whether you’re a male, female, in between, whatever, stand up and say it. Be the change that you want to see.” Mentorship and advocacy are two powerful tools we can all utilise to create a more equitable professional environment. April’s efforts highlight the impact one person can have in shaping the future for others. It’s a call to action for all of us to invest in the next generation of leaders and pave the way for their success.
April Eden’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact of perseverance, advocacy, and mentorship. Her journey offers valuable lessons for anyone striving to break through barriers and create a more inclusive workplace. To delve deeper into her insights and experiences, tune in on Spotify to listen to the latest episode of the Pick a Path podcast (also on Apple Podcasts and Oar FM Website).
Thank you, April Eden, for sharing your inspiring journey with us.
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