‘I WISH I was like her’ is a phrase I’d imagine most women have had pass through their minds at one time or another.

But can we extract meaningful value from this statement, or to be more specific, the subsequent questions it can lead us to ask ourselves?

From a young age, I have been fascinated by female leaders in academia, business, politics and philanthropy.

I would read and listen to their stories in awe of what they had achieved and over the years, these women became my imaginary mentors.

Asking myself ‘what would she do in this situation?’ often gave me the courage to make a decision or take action in times of personal uncertainty.

This is something I still do today but with an increasing focus on the female leaders of the financial sector, within which I work.

It is important to celebrate and reflect upon the success of these women, particularly as it an industry that is traditionally male dominated.

With International Women’s Day approaching (March 8), what better time to highlight some of the most influential women in the financial sector who (in my opinion) have demonstrated courage, resilience, resourcefulness, integrity, ambition and industriousness.

I believe these are women to be admired for their achievements but also act as sources of guidance and motivation for our own personal betterment.

Arundhati Bhattacharya

Chair-Managing Director of the State Bank of India (SBI)

Over the course of Ms Bhattacharya’s 39-year career with SBI, she has held positions in business areas including foreign exchange, treasury, retail operations, human resources and investment banking. She is quoted as saying ‘you have to create a good reputation for yourself for people to appreciate you’. There is little doubt that she has achieved this, having become the first woman to lead an Indian-based Fortune 500 company, which is a monumental accomplishment.

I love her willingness to challenge herself and seek out exposure to different areas of business. Her flexible approach to the development of her career is a testament to the confidence she has in her own abilities. Her exploits have proven that this self-confidence is not misplaced. The lesson I have taken away from her is not to shy away from opportunities, especially if they force you out of your comfort zone. It is by doing this that we realise our potential and build a reputation of our own defining.

Mary Callahan Erdoes

Chief executive, JP Morgan Asset Management

I first came across Callahan Erdoes as a guest speaker at a Davos conference several years ago. Even though it was just an online video, I felt her power, authority and presence. Retrospectively, however, what else should be expected from a lady responsible for assets under management of $1.7 trillion and one of the most power individuals on Walls Street?

What comes across when listening and reading her interviews is her relentless work ethic and expertise in her chosen field.

One of her stories that sticks in my head the most is a conversation she had with her mentor who said that she was frazzled and making everyone around her frazzled too. Callahan Erdoes’ honesty in sharing this story taught me the importance of self-awareness but also made me realise that no one is immune from feeling overwhelmed from time to time.

The important thing is how we use such situations to shape us into stronger and more resilient individuals.

Laura Jobson is a paraplanner at wealth management firm Brewin Dolphin, in Newcastle.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily the views held throughout Brewin Dolphin. No director, representative or employee of Brewin Dolphin accepts liability for any direct or consequential loss arising from the use of this document or its contents. Any tax allowances or thresholds mentioned are based on personal circumstances and current legislation, which is subject to change.