Jennifer Finzel

I think one of the most important qualities in any role is being open to learning and being someone people can rely on. If people know they can come to you for answers, solutions, or support, that will take you far.

I’ve always been like a sponge when it comes to learning. In a previous executive support role, I learned an entirely new industry from the inside out while helping implement operational improvements, systems enhancements, and process management initiatives.

If I see an opportunity to improve efficiency or solve a problem, I’m going to find a way to make it better. Problem solving and process improvement are truly what I love to do.

One of the best pieces of advice I’ve learned is to not let other people’s opinions determine your path. People may tell you something isn’t the best idea or question the direction you want to take, but at the end of the day, you have to do your research, trust yourself, and go for it.

If I hadn’t taken chances throughout my career, I wouldn’t be where I am today or have the opportunities ahead of me now. Executive support roles, especially, are often misunderstood. It’s no longer the traditional “secretary” role people may picture from decades ago — it’s a dynamic position that requires operational knowledge, adaptability, problem solving, and leadership support at a high level.

I’ve learned that having a positive attitude, staying confident in your goals, and separating your own vision from other people’s perspectives is incredibly important. What works for someone else may not fit your path — and that’s okay.

The biggest advice I would give to young women entering this industry is to stay open to learning, trust yourself, and don’t be afraid to take opportunities that push you outside of your comfort zone. Executive support and banking roles have evolved so much over the years, and there are far more opportunities for growth and leadership than people often realize.

Be reliable, adaptable, and willing to learn every aspect of the business. If people know they can depend on you to solve problems, stay organized, and help move things forward, that will take you far. Don’t let other people’s assumptions define your career path — focus on your goals, continue growing your skill set, and be confident in the value you bring to the table.

One of the challenges I’ve faced while growing in my career has been overcoming assumptions about executive support roles. Because so much of the work happens behind the scenes, people don’t always realize the level of responsibility, coordination, and operational knowledge that goes into keeping things moving smoothly.

Over time, I’ve learned that I don’t need to focus on proving the value of the role to everyone. The impact of your work speaks for itself, and it’s okay if not everyone fully sees everything that happens behind the scenes.

What I’ve also learned is that these roles can open the door to incredible growth and experience. Working closely with executive leadership allows you to gain insight into operations, communication, problem solving, and the business as a whole. If you’re willing to learn, stay adaptable, and truly invest in understanding the organization, there are a lot of opportunities that can grow from that experience.

My number one value is integrity. I also believe having a positive attitude and staying open-minded are just as important. When you keep an open mind, so many opportunities and perspectives can open up for you.

I’ve learned that you can learn something from everyone if you’re willing to listen. I enjoy getting to know people across different departments — understanding their roles, their challenges, what motivates them, and how they approach both work and life. I truly believe anyone can be a mentor if you stay open to learning from the people around you.