How Identity Has Influenced a Managing Director at Compass Diversified's Career
Katharine's career in the previously male-dominated finance industry required proactively seeking mentorship outside traditional channels, as "there just weren't a lot of women in what I did," but a determined approach and "demanding that [she] belong" ultimately allowed the industry to adapt to a more balanced representation. The experience highlights the evolving landscape of finance and the importance of assertive self-advocacy.
Executive/Leadership, Overcoming Challenges, Mentorship, Networking, Gender Diversity
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Katharine (Katie) Melzer
Managing Director/Head of Business Development
Compass Diversified
University of Michigan
UCLA Anderson School of Management - MBA
Business Management & Admin
Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing)
Business Strategy
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. Katharine's experience highlights the evolving landscape of gender diversity in finance, transitioning from a male-dominated field to a more balanced environment.
2. She emphasizes the importance of seeking mentorship, especially given the initial scarcity of female role models in her career path. Her diverse mentorship sources illustrate resourcefulness and proactive career management.
3. Katharine's assertive approach of demanding her place and advocating for changes that accommodate her needs serves as a powerful example of navigating a professional environment and shaping it to be more inclusive.
Transcript
As someone who identifies as a woman, how has that impacted how you navigate your career?
Thankfully, private equity in the finance community is much more diverse now than when I started. When I first entered the industry, I was one of the only women in an extremely male-dominated field.
Being able to work without gender being an issue was very important to me. I think it helped that I grew up with two brothers and was on the men's crew team in college as a coxswain. I was around men a lot, so it wasn't intimidating.
I did have to seek mentors a bit more than my colleagues because there weren't many women in my role. Some of my mentors weren't in finance; one was an aunt, another in a different career, an old professor, and a family friend. I had to seek mentorship more than some male colleagues who had someone who looked and felt like them at the organization.
I knew I would never let my gender deter me. Thankfully, the world has sped up, and it's much more balanced now. Prior to this, it really wasn't.
Knowing that you belong, demanding that you belong, and being okay with asking for changes that might not fit your lifestyle or gender identity are crucial. Having the voice to say, "Hey, I'm here, I belong here," and making the industry change around you, rather than changing for the industry, is important.