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CFO Team- October 29, 2024
In a world where the finance profession is traditionally dominated by men, breaking through as a woman takes persistence, resilience, and a clear vision. In a recent episode of the Future CFO Podcast, Ramatoulie Nyang, an accomplished finance leader and executive coach, shared her journey, reflecting on the challenges and triumphs that have shaped her career. Her story is a source of inspiration and a valuable roadmap for aspiring leaders in finance, especially women navigating male-dominated spaces.
This article is based on a podcast interview. The full podcast can be watched via the links below: YouTube, Apple Podcast, and Spotify.
From Audit Junior to Senior Leadership: Ramatoulie’s Journey
Ramatoulie Nyang’s entry into finance wasn’t purely coincidental; her father was an accountant, and her natural ability with numbers nudged her toward a career in accounting. However, what started as a practical decision soon evolved into a lifelong passion. After completing her Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) qualification, Ramatoulie joined Deloitte as an audit junior—a critical stepping stone that gave her a strong foundation in finance.
As she recalls, the early days of her career were not easy. Ramatoulie balanced multiple responsibilities— newly married, pursuing her ACCA qualification, and working full-time. Yet, she thrived in this challenging environment, driven by a vision for where she wanted to go. This persistence paid off, and after qualifying as an ACCA, she was quickly promoted to audit senior at Deloitte, marking her entry into the world of leadership.
Reflecting on her early experiences, Ramatoulie emphasized the importance of “thinking big.” She explains how she didn’t get bogged down by the minutiae of her day-to-day tasks or promotions as an audit junior. Instead, her eyes were fixed on her future as an audit senior, and she allowed the more minor interim steps to fall into place naturally. This forward-thinking mentality is a powerful lesson for young professionals: keep your vision broad and let the small achievements build up toward your ultimate goal.
The Unique Challenges Women Face in Finance
One of the most impactful parts of Ramatoulie’s journey is her candid reflection on the unique challenges women face in finance. Finance remains male-dominated, particularly in regions like The Gambia and other parts of Africa, where societal norms can pressure women more.
Early in her career, Ramatoulie had to navigate the competing priorities of being a wife, a student, and a professional. While she did not have children at the time, the expectations of family life were ever-present. She describes this balancing act as one of her most significant early challenges. She notes that the key to overcoming these pressures is a combination of clear vision, resilience, and a supportive network.
“I was lucky to have a very understanding family,” she says. Her in-laws, husband, and father played crucial roles in allowing her the space to focus on her studies and career. This support system was a cornerstone in her ability to juggle so many roles, and it’s a reminder that no professional journey is undertaken alone. Behind every successful woman is a network of support, and that network should not be underestimated.
Ramatoulie’s story also underscores the importance of staying true to oneself in a male-dominated industry. She emphasizes the value of “staying feminine” in her leadership journey. For her, being in leadership didn’t mean adopting traditionally masculine traits; instead, it was about staying authentic and confident and using her unique perspective as a woman to bring something different to the table.
The Role of Coaching and Personal Development
After years of leadership roles in finance, Ramatoulie’s career took a new direction—executive coaching. This transition was born out of a desire to help others avoid some of the struggles she faced, mainly the steep learning curve she experienced in developing her soft skills.
Ramatoulie believes that technical skills will only take a finance professional so far; leadership, such as communication, adaptability, and emotional intelligence, are essential. She reflects on her first managerial role, which she admits didn’t go well because of her rigid, audit-trained mindset. Only through experience and self-reflection did she realize the importance of flexibility and understanding people—lessons she now imparts to her coaching clients.
As Ramatoulie defines it, coaching is not about giving people the answers but helping them find their own. Through carefully structured questions and reflective dialogue, she helps executives navigate challenges, clarify goals, and improve leadership skills. Coaching is about unlocking potential, and for Ramatoulie, there’s no greater satisfaction than watching her clients grow and achieve their goals.
While organizations may offer training and development opportunities, the individual must constantly seek improvement. Whether through reading, networking, or seeking a mentor or coach, continuous learning is non-negotiable for success.
Navigating the Future: Gen Z and AI in the Workplace
The conversation with Ramatoulie also touched on some of the significant trends shaping the future of finance, notably the rise of Gen Z in the workplace and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI).
She notes that Gen Z brings new expectations to the workplace. Unlike previous generations, they value flexibility, diversity, and work-life balance over traditional markers of career success, such as salary. They also want to feel seen and heard and thrive in environments that foster communication and inclusivity. For finance leaders, this means adapting management styles to accommodate these new priorities. Offering flexible working arrangements, creating pathways for continuous learning, and embracing diversity will be essential in attracting and retaining top Gen Z talent.
On the other hand, the rapid rise of AI poses both challenges and opportunities for finance professionals. While AI can take over routine, manual tasks, Ramatoulie stresses that the human element remains irreplaceable. “Bring your human self to work,” she advises, emphasizing that emotional intelligence, leadership, and the ability to interpret data meaningfully are skills that AI cannot replicate.
For finance professionals, this means focusing on their roles’ strategic, interpretive, and communicative aspects, leveraging AI for efficiency but ensuring they maintain relevance by excelling in areas requiring a human touch.
Conclusion: The Importance of Flexibility and Courage
Ramatoulie Nyang’s journey through finance is a testament to the power of personal development and adaptability. Her experiences illustrate that leadership is not about following a linear path but embracing challenges, learning from setbacks, and always looking at the bigger picture.
Her story is incredibly inspiring for women in finance. It reinforces that while the path may be fraught with challenges, particularly in male-dominated industries, resilient, forward-thinking, and authentic people can break through the barriers. Moreover, Ramatoulie’s transition into coaching serves as a reminder that personal growth is an ongoing process, and even seasoned professionals must continually adapt, learn, and evolve.
In a world rapidly changing due to technological advancements and shifting generational expectations, Ramatoulie’s advice is clear: be brave, stay curious, and never stop developing yourself. With these principles, finance professionals can survive and thrive in the future workplace.
