Mari Nieves Lanzagorta’s career trajectory is a powerful testament to resilience, passion, and innovation in an industry that has long been dominated by men. Her exceptional work in the finance and regulation sectors, particularly her contributions to Mexico’s pension fund system, earned her the prestigious Excellence in Regulation award at the inaugural Women in Finance Latin America Awards, held in Mexico City on March 6. This award not only honors her professional achievements but also highlights her commitment to improving the accessibility and understanding of financial markets.
Following her award, Markets Media Group spoke to Mari to learn more about her journey, insights into her career, and the obstacles she has overcome as a woman in finance. Here’s an in-depth look into her career and the lessons she shares with the next generation of women looking to enter the finance industry.
A Journey from Economics to Financial Regulation
Mari’s professional journey began with an academic foundation in economics. Initially, she gravitated towards public policy, a field she thought would allow her to make a tangible impact. However, her career path soon expanded to include roles in Strategy & Operations (S&O), competition, and competitiveness. As is often the case with women balancing career aspirations and personal life, Mari took a break from her career at 28 to focus on motherhood.
Yet, rather than retreating from her professional pursuits altogether, Mari found a unique opportunity. While caring for her young children, she became a consultant for a prominent communication firm in Mexico. It was here that she discovered the intersection of her two passions: communication and finance.
Mari found that communication experts were in need of someone with financial expertise to help people understand their pension funds. This discovery proved to be a turning point in her career. She immersed herself in making complex financial concepts accessible to everyday workers. Her experience in Mexico, where she helped formal workers understand that their pension funds had been managed by professionals since 1997, sparked her passion for financial markets. She began emphasizing long-term investment strategies and educating people on the importance of contributing more to their retirement savings.
Over the following years, Mari refined her ability to communicate complex economic ideas to the general public. She worked with organizations like Amafore (the Mexican Association of Pension Funds), the Mexican Stock Exchange, and various NGOs. This allowed her to help people not only grasp financial concepts but also see the relevance of these ideas in their everyday lives.
Eventually, Mari transitioned into a full-time role at the National Banking and Securities Commission (CNBV) as its spokeswoman. This role marked a significant moment in her career, bridging the gap between public policy and the regulatory side of financial markets. After several years at CNBV, Mari returned to Amafore, where she worked directly with the pension funds industry. This was a dream come true, as it enabled her to continue her advocacy for better regulation and foster public understanding of the pension system.
Pride in Her Achievements
Mari’s journey has been filled with both external recognition and internal pride. When asked about a moment she is particularly proud of, she reflects on a significant realization early in her career: the desire to be part of the “big table” in the corporate world, as opposed to remaining on the periphery. This turning point was not about achieving recognition for the sake of accolades, but rather understanding that career success and family life could coexist.
Mari recalls feeling uncertain about balancing her personal life and her professional ambitions. Many women, especially those with children, often struggle with the guilt that accompanies career advancement. Mari found herself in a situation where the expectations of her were to remain in roles that didn’t align with her true interests or potential. The realization that staying in such a position would hurt both herself and her employer led her to make the difficult but necessary decision to leave and pursue something more fulfilling.
Her subsequent success proved that taking ownership of her career and not compromising her professional aspirations was the right move. Mari’s ability to follow her instincts and create the space for her to grow professionally continues to inspire others in similar situations.
Winning the Excellence in Regulation Award
Reflecting on her reaction to winning the Excellence in Regulation award, Mari humorously admits she initially thought the notification was a scam. This reaction, though surprising, is rooted in a common phenomenon among high-achieving women—imposter syndrome. Often, women doubt their own accomplishments and find it difficult to accept recognition.
However, once she overcame her disbelief, Mari felt immense gratitude. She was not only thankful for the recognition but also appreciative of the support she had received from mentors and colleagues who believed in her potential. This recognition is not just a personal triumph but also a recognition of her passion for making financial markets more transparent and accessible to all.
Overcoming Challenges and Breaking Barriers
Mari’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. As a woman in finance, she has encountered the common obstacles that many women face in male-dominated industries. One of the most significant hurdles she has had to overcome is the perception that women are too soft, inexperienced, or young for leadership roles.
She recalls a particular instance when she aspired to a job but faced skepticism from those around her. Initially, she questioned whether she should withdraw from the opportunity. However, with the encouragement of a great mentor and coach, Mari found the courage to assert herself. She learned an important lesson—raising your voice and advocating for your worth is not rude but necessary. By standing up for herself and articulating why she was the right candidate for the role, Mari gained the confidence to pursue the career path she truly wanted.
This experience also taught Mari that women, especially those raised in cultures where they were taught to be patient and passive, must work on developing the confidence to ask for what they want. This can be as simple as asking for a promotion, requesting a new project, or seeking opportunities for career growth.
The Gender Gap: Challenges for Women in Mexico’s Financial Sector
Like many women in the workplace, Mari has experienced firsthand the challenges of balancing family responsibilities with a demanding career. In Mexico, as in many countries, it’s still uncommon for men to apologize or explain themselves when they leave work early to tend to family obligations. The assumption is that their partners handle the caregiving responsibilities at home. In contrast, women often feel the burden of family obligations on top of their professional duties, leading to a constant struggle between the two spheres.
However, Mari believes there is hope for the future. The younger generation, particularly, is more aware of the need for gender equality in caregiving. Men are increasingly expected to take an active role in family life, and this shift in societal norms is likely to help ease the burden on women as they balance career and family.
Opportunities for Women in Finance: The Road Ahead
When asked whether women in Mexico or Latin America have good opportunities to pursue careers in finance, Mari is optimistic. While the financial sector has been historically male-dominated, she believes that women today have more opportunities than ever before. The financial industry recognizes the importance of gender equality, and there is a growing movement to open doors for women who are passionate about finance.
However, despite this progress, Mari acknowledges that women still face unique challenges. Financial careers require a high level of specialization, and women must be proactive in seeking mentorship, training, and leadership opportunities. The key is for women to show up, be prepared, and make their presence felt.
Advice for Aspiring Women in Finance
Mari’s advice for young women considering a career in finance is clear: Make a plan, seek out mentors, and trust in your abilities. The path may not always be easy, but perseverance, continuous learning, and building a strong support network are critical to success.
She also emphasizes the importance of breaking away from the traditional roles women often feel they must play. Women should never limit themselves by believing that caregiving duties should solely fall on their shoulders. It’s essential to share responsibilities with a partner and prioritize both career and family aspirations equally.
The Future: A Vision for a More Inclusive Financial World
Looking ahead, Mari remains committed to her mission of making financial markets more inclusive and accessible. She hopes to continue contributing to the understanding of pension savings, promoting sustainable and responsible investments, and fostering financial literacy among the general population.
Her ultimate goal is to create a world in which financial well-being is as prioritized as mental and physical health. Mari wants to help build a future where everyone, regardless of background or socioeconomic status, has access to the benefits of financial markets and can achieve long-term financial security.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mari Nieves Lanzagorta?
Mari Nieves Lanzagorta is an economist and financial regulation expert who has dedicated her career to making financial markets more accessible and understandable to the general public. She won the Excellence in Regulation award at the inaugural Women in Finance Latin America Awards for her contributions to Mexico’s pension funds industry.
What was Mari Nieves Lanzagorta’s early career path?
Mari began her career with an interest in public policy but later transitioned into Strategy & Operations, competition, and competitiveness. After taking a break from her career at 28 to raise her children, she began working as a consultant in communication strategies for financial markets, which led her to discover her passion for helping people understand their pension funds and the broader financial system.
What led Mari Nieves Lanzagorta to pursue a career in financial markets?
Mari’s interest in financial markets was sparked when she worked as a consultant and realized the lack of financial literacy, particularly regarding pension funds. She saw an opportunity to make financial concepts more accessible and understandable for everyday people, especially in Mexico, where many workers were unaware of their role as investors through the pension system.
How did Mari Nieves Lanzagorta overcome challenges in her career?
One significant challenge Mari faced was the perception that women in finance were too inexperienced or too young for leadership positions. She overcame this by seeking mentorship and learning to assert herself more confidently in her professional pursuits. Mari credits having mentors who encouraged her to raise her voice and ask for opportunities rather than waiting passively to be noticed.
What is Mari Nieves Lanzagorta’s perspective on gender challenges in the workplace?
Mari acknowledges that women in male-dominated industries, like finance, often face unique challenges, such as balancing family responsibilities with career aspirations. She also highlights the societal expectation that women should take on caregiving roles without support from partners. However, she is optimistic that younger generations will foster more equality, both at home and in the workplace.
What advice does Mari Nieves Lanzagorta give to young women considering a career in finance?
Mari advises young women to make a clear career plan, seek mentors, and trust in their abilities. She emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, breaking traditional gender roles, and sharing caregiving responsibilities with partners. Her advice is to never let the pressures of being a caregiver prevent women from pursuing their career goals.
How did Mari Nieves Lanzagorta feel when she won the Excellence in Regulation award?
Initially, Mari was skeptical and thought she was being scammed when notified of the award. However, after recalling that someone had nominated her, she felt immense gratitude. The recognition was meaningful not only for her personal achievements but also as a testament to her passion for making financial markets more accessible to the public.
What impact has Mari Nieves Lanzagorta had on Mexico’s pension system?
Mari has worked to improve public understanding of Mexico’s pension system and has contributed to better regulation and transparency in the management of pension funds. Her efforts have focused on educating workers about their role as investors and the importance of contributing to their retirement savings to achieve long-term financial security.
Conclusion
Mari Nieves Lanzagorta’s remarkable career serves as an inspiring example of what can be achieved through determination, passion, and the willingness to embrace challenges. As a leader in the financial regulation space, she has not only reshaped how people understand financial markets but has also paved the way for future generations of women to succeed in finance.
