Her Story
About Thomasin
Thomasin Bentley serves as Integrated Communications Director at Human Interest, where she supports the company's mission to make retirement savings plans simple and affordable for small business employees through technology. With more than 25 years of experience in the investments and financial services industry, including seven years focused on fintech, she brings expertise in communications, marketing, brand narratives, and public relations. Bentley earned her bachelor's degree in history and economics from Fordham University while working full time in financial services. She is a member of the Financial Communications Society and actively supports public transit advocacy in New York City through the Writers Alliance. In her personal life, she participates in classical choirs, serving on the board of Cantori New York and performing with the Greenwich Choral Society, often engaging in community outreach performances at senior centers and for incarcerated populations in Brooklyn. Bentley attributes her success to mentors, particularly women in her male-dominated field, and values integrity, follow-through, and work that expands access to financial prosperity, drawing from her family's background in public service and ministry.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Thomasin
01What do you attribute your success to?
I've been fortunate to have mentors and people in my life who have given me opportunities, really pushed me to stretch and grow, particularly women in my industry. I treasure the advice and guidance from women in this male-dominated field and try to pay that forward by being a resource to young women on my team to help them gain confidence and perspective.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Make sure to make the most of your network. I've had people encourage me to stay in touch, to reach out, find ways to stay connected with people you've known over the years. It's been maybe 15 years since I left a job, and there's been so many opportunities that have come up from those continued conversations and introductions.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't let someone shake your confidence when you know that you've got what it takes. Believe in yourself and don't ever lose sight of your own talent. Also, take your mistakes as opportunities to grow and don't let yourself spiral if you've messed up. The important thing is not to do it again, look at it as an opportunity to sail forward and apply that learning.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The industry is becoming very consolidated very quickly. Big companies are getting bigger but not necessarily better, so it's crucial to continue to compete at scale and innovate to stay ahead. On the opportunities side, artificial intelligence is an absolute game changer in financial services and fintech. It's going to make it so much easier and simpler and more affordable for more people to access financial systems, creating a huge opportunity for democratization of ways of building prosperity that have historically only been available to big institutions or wealthy people.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Being true to your word and doing what you say you're going to do. If you can't deliver, correct that as soon as you can. You're only as good as your last commitment, so follow through. Also, working for an organization and work that really does make a difference, bringing prosperity and access to financial systems to more people. I come from a long line of public servants and ministers, and it's a core value to find purpose and connection to help people in the work that I do.
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