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Navigating a Male-Dominated Industry

Are you often the only woman in the room? No problem. Here's how to use that to your advantage.

By Sarah Burns

As managing director and group head of investment banking for KPMG Corporate Finance LLC (kpmgcorporatefinance.com), Cherie Smith Homa has years of experience working in a male-dominated industry. She has worked with corporations of all shapes and sizes – primarily in the services and technology industries. Here she and colleague, Chrisanne Corbett, managing director and group head of private equity coverage at KPMG Corporate Finance, offer six strategies for success as the only woman in the room.

1. Use differences to your advantage. Although you may go an entire year without seeing another woman on a deal, know that your peers will remember you. As the only woman in the room, you'll be hard to forget. So if you make a great impression, it will go a long way toward building your network.

2. Leverage your knowledge as a woman in the negotiating room. Women are responsible for or influence the vast majority of purchasing decisions in the U.S. As a woman, you know what will sell just based on the brands you and your friends love and use on a daily basis.

3. Help other women in the industry. There are so few women in top seats – especially in the financial world – that when you do meet another woman in your industry, it can be beneficial to stay in touch. Then you have other people who understand your Life/Work challenges who can offer advice or just empathy when you may need it.

4. Approach client service with a velvet glove. Women tend to be more likely to inquire about the well-being of our clients' families. Plus, people generally like to talk about themselves. So using the interpersonal relationship skills that women are known for can go a long way in building more solid client relationships (that could also produce referrals down the line).

5. Use your intelligence to build a name for yourself. Ultimately, clients want to know they have the most knowledgeable team working on their behalf. If you've done your homework and done your best possible job for them, they'll be impressed with you, regardless of your gender.

6. Help shape standards within your place of work. Talk to management about creating programs that help junior females rise through the ranks; develop programs for mentoring and recruiting other women; and create special programs that recognize outstanding female employees.