[ I N D E P T H ]
Behind every great woman, is another great woman When it comes to making waves on the trading floor, or simply just finding your place in the industry, the importance of having a senior female figure to look up to was commonly reiterated as a vital pillar to lean on when shaping a career in capital markets.
As one of the only women on the trading floor when she started out, Carlyle asserts that the support and guidance provided from female mentors cannot be underestimated.
“ I’ ve been fortunate to have female mentors whose guidance and example helped me navigate
“ Mentorship isn’ t always formal, sometimes it’ s a quiet conversation after a difficult day, or simply observing calm, decisive leadership under pressure. Those moments shape you.”
LAURA-JAYNE CARLYLE, SENIOR FIXED INCOME
TRADER, BLACKROCK
challenges with greater confidence. Mentorship isn’ t always formal, sometimes it’ s a quiet conversation after a difficult day, or simply observing calm, decisive leadership under pressure. Those moments shape you.”
A similar sentiment is shared by Yildiz, who highlights that to achieve success in financial markets, a willingness to learn and continuously be open to feedback is a critical skill all traders should keep in their toolkit.
“ Mentors provide perspective, strategic guidance, and practical insight that accelerate development and strengthen decision-making. Seeing women excel in senior roles reinforces a powerful principle: progression in this industry is driven by capability, integrity, and contribution,” comments Yildiz.
“ Approach your role with preparation, professionalism, and confidence in your work ethic. Be intellectually engaged, open to feedback, and supportive of your team. Thriving in markets is not about competing for attention; it is about continuously refining your understanding, contributing thoughtfully, and building credibility through consistent performance.”
However, the value of learning from your peers and cohort should also not be underestimated. As previously discussed, conferences and
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