We have heard it said that this is a man’s world. I have no doubt that there is a great deal of gender inequality and that women tend to be the target for any passing misogynistic cheap shot and despite all our laws to prevent it, such attitudes persist. In practice of course, it has little if anything to do with a woman’s ability and everything to do with a “mans” insecurity.

The Most Powerful Position on Earth

Take Janet Yellen, who at 67 looks set to become possibly the most powerful person on earth (don’t tell the President). She looks set to head up the Federal Reserve; it will be her leadership that sets the tone of US economics and monetary policy, which will impact us all (given the size of the US stockmarket). Her significant credentials are considerable; yet the mere fact that at 67 she is embarking on such a powerful position is itself impressive. The majority of the Western world looks to retire at such an age, yet she seems to shifting gears and ready for action.

Defying Gravity?

Yesterday I was on a training course, led by a woman, the best and most thoughtful questions and responses came from the females in the audience. In the evening I was at the London premier of “Gravity” which is a fantastic, very tense new film (that you really must shell out to see in 3D), which whilst fiction, has a hugely impressive female lead character (played by Sandra Bullock) who overcomes enormous difficulties. This morning Radio 4 were featuring Carolyn McCall who is the CEO of Easyjet, who has managed to treble their share price (form £4 to £12) in a little over 3 years and has picked up accolades for services to women in business.

Changing Perspective

So we can probably agree that things are changing, not before time! Yet my industry is still dominated by a “male voice” and fails to engage with women generally. More than half of my clients are female and I insist on seeing couples together, yet I am certain that more could be done to make financial planning more engaging for women (and men). I suspect the language of much of financial services is tiresome to both sexes, it’s just that women are less willing to engage with the utter nonsense that is spewed into the arena. So, here’s where I need your help – what are your suggestions and thoughts? – how can I make the personal, bespoke financial planning that I provide even more accessible to women? (and men).

Dominic Thomas: Solomons IFA