In celebration of Women’s World Banking’s 45th anniversary, we are highlighting the voices of individuals from across the globe who have significantly contributed to and influenced the organization’s journey since its inception at the 1979 Commission on the Status of Women.
Meet Janet Truncale. In a world where women’s empowerment and leadership are crucial topics, the recent fireside chat hosted by Women’s World Banking (WWB) and EY at Forbes on Fifth in New York City was especially timely. The event highlighted Janet, the Global Chair and CEO of EY and the first woman to lead a Big Four accounting firm. During this insightful conversation, several key themes emerged, drawing from her experiences and wisdom, and providing actionable insights for women navigating their careers in the financial and corporate world. Watch the full conversation above or explore a recap below!
Janet’s Connection to WWB: Fostering Empowerment Through Leadership
Janet’s involvement with Women’s World Baking runs deep, serving on our Board since October 2018 and as the Board Chair for the past four years. Her tenure has been marked by a commitment to fostering empowerment and creating opportunities for women in the banking industry. Through initiatives aimed at skill-building, networking, and mentorship, Janet has played a pivotal role in advancing WWB’s mission of empowering women to succeed in a traditionally male-dominated field and we could not be more thankful for her leadership and commitment.
Professional Journey: From Intern to Global Chair
Janet’s professional journey is a testament to her resilience, determination, and commitment to excellence. Starting as an intern at EY, she embarked on a trajectory that would eventually lead her to the pinnacle of corporate leadership. Her appointment as the Global Chair and CEO of the firm, effective July 1, 2024, marks a historic milestone in her career and serves as an inspiration to aspiring women leaders everywhere.
Embracing the Role of “First Woman”: Shaping the Narrative
As Janet reflects on her historic appointment as the first woman to assume her new role, she acknowledges the weight of responsibility that comes with breaking barriers and shattering glass ceilings. Janet recognizes the significance of representation in challenging the status quo and inspiring future generations of women leaders. By embracing her role as a trailblazer, she seeks to redefine the narrative surrounding women in finance and pave the way for greater gender diversity and inclusivity in the corporate world.
Advice for Women in Finance: Nuggets of Wisdom from Janet
During the fireside chat, she shared a wealth of insights gleaned from her own experiences in the finance industry. One key takeaway was the importance of seeking constructive criticism as a catalyst for personal and professional growth. Drawing from her journey, Janet emphasized the value of surrounding oneself with trusted advisors who can provide honest feedback and guidance.
Additionally, she underscored the significance of investing in mentorship and sponsorship as essential components of career development. By actively seeking out mentors and sponsors who can offer support, advocacy, and opportunities for advancement, women in finance can accelerate their progress and overcome barriers to success.
“It’s crucial to seek mentors who challenge you to think differently and push you beyond your comfort zone,” she remarked, underscoring how these relationships have been pivotal in her professional growth.
She also highlighted the imperative of being intentional about diversity, inclusion, and equality in the workplace. As a champion for diversity and inclusion, she emphasized the business case for fostering a culture of belonging where individuals from all backgrounds feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives.
Janet underscores the notion that investing in initiatives that benefit both business outcomes and societal well-being is not only ethical but also strategically advantageous.
“It is not only good for business but also good for the world.”
Empowering Women for a Better Tomorrow
In a sector where gender equality remains an elusive goal, only 14% of the 63 institutions with new finance governors or CEOs in OMFIF’s index appointed women, conversations like the fireside chat with Janet serve as catalysts for change. As Janet prepares to embark on her new role, her leadership promises to usher in a new era of empowerment, diversity, and inclusion, laying the foundation for a brighter and more equitable future for all.
Women’s World Banking has changed the lives of millions of women, transforming their households, businesses and communities, and driving inclusive growth globally through financial inclusion.
Today, using our sophisticated market and consumer research, we turn insights into real action to design and advocate for policy engagement, digital financial solutions (see Blanca’s story here), workplace leadership programs, and gender lens investing.
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