I found success when I rewrote my inner voice and stopped playing small.

There was a time—not long ago—when the phrase “women don’t raise capital like men do” echoed a little too loudly at lending conferences, investor meetings, and pitching rooms I found myself in. I could feel the energy shift the moment I walked in. It wasn’t overt, but it showed in the pauses, the glances, the subtle surprise that the person holding the pen, structuring deals, and running the show was me.

I didn’t grow up thinking I’d become a CEO, much less one leading a company that would evolve into a true balance sheet lender. My journey started like many others—with grit, curiosity, and the burning desire to create something of my own. But along the way, I encountered what many women in business do: the quiet undercurrent of doubt, not just from others, but from within.

That’s the most dangerous kind of doubt. It whispers you’re not ready, not qualified, not “cutthroat” enough to swim with sharks.

What changed everything was a moment during a capital raise meeting early on. I was pitching my vision, explaining the numbers, the models, the margins. I could see the investors were listening, but not fully leaning in. One of them finally asked, “Who’s the actual decision-maker?”

I smiled and said, “You’re looking at her.”

That moment crystallized something in me. I realized I didn’t need to morph into someone else to be seen as powerful. I needed to own my voice, my values, and the unique lens I bring to lending.

From there, I stopped playing small. I leaned into leadership with both empathy and strategy. I stopped asking for permission and started building a track record that spoke for itself. I surrounded myself with mentors who invested in me, not just my business. I stopped trying to be less feminine and more “financial,” realizing the two are not mutually exclusive. They are, in fact, my superpower.

Today, I run Simplending Financial with a team of powerhouse women. We’ve transitioned from brokering deals to funding them ourselves—directly, decisively, and with full control.

Becoming a balance sheet lender wasn’t just a financial milestone; it was a mindset shift. It meant we no longer waited for approval—we became the approval.

I’ve raised capital, grown a loyal investor base and, most important, shattered the belief that I had to do it like the boys to win in this space. Now, I mentor other women stepping into finance, helping them rewrite their inner narrative and build real financial firepower.

If there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s this: Limiting beliefs shrink our potential, but the moment you decide you’re enough, everything expands.

Being a woman in this industry isn’t my obstacle. It’s my edge.