In a recent episode of The Finance Cafe podcast, host Shana Frederick delved into the crucial topic of finding one’s voice in finance, with special guest Maya Oreibi, Financial Empowerment Consultant & Coach. Opening the discussion with a striking statistic—62% of women prefer not to talk about their own financial situations—Shana highlighted the prevalent taboo around discussing salaries, savings, and debt. But she stressed that breaking this silence is essential, as it empowers individuals to better understand and manage their finances.
Maya’s Background and Journey
Maya comes from an impressive background in the world of finance. With over 15 years of experience in investment consulting, a bachelor’s degree in finance, an MBA, and a CFA charter holder, she is no stranger to the finance industry. Additionally, Maya is a mother of two beautiful children and has successfully navigated a career in a male-dominated field, not once, but twice. She immigrated to Canada and chose Oakville, Ontario, as her home.
Currently, Maya leverages her investment expertise to empower women to take charge of their finances. She has pursued coaching education and is a licensed coach by the International Coaching Federation. Her journey led her to leave her corporate job and start her own consulting and coaching practice, Wayz, dedicated to empowering women in their lives, finances, and careers.
The Journey to Empowerment
Maya’s journey toward empowerment had two significant turning points. The first was when her daughter was three years old and was diagnosed with selective mutism, a form of anxiety characterized by the fear of being heard. Witnessing her daughter’s struggle to find her voice ignited Maya’s interest in understanding the subconscious beliefs and fears that drive our actions.
The second turning point occurred when Maya was deep into her middle management career and faced the dilemma of balancing career growth with her desire to expand her family. Burnout, dissatisfaction, and the burden of mommy guilt weighed on her. This struggle eventually led her to realize that she needed to take action to create change.
Maya decided to leave her corporate job, listen to her entrepreneurial calling, and start her own journey. Along the way, she welcomed a baby boy into her family and gained autonomy over her financial position. Her story is a testament to the power of determination and the willingness to challenge the status quo.
Mindset: The Key to Change
Maya emphasizes that mindset is the foundational key to any significant change in one’s life, particularly when it comes to finding your voice in finance. Our mindset influences how we perceive ourselves, our abilities, and our environment. Changing our mindset can be challenging because it requires stepping out of our comfort zone. However, it’s a crucial ingredient for creating lasting change.
A mindset shift occurs when we begin to challenge negative beliefs, question the validity of our fears, set realistic and achievable goals, and give ourselves the time and space to be vulnerable throughout the process. This shift allows us to confront the internal factors that may be limiting us and work towards empowering ourselves in the realm of finance.
“One internal factor that plays a huge role in women’s financial independence is mindset.” – Maya Oreibi
Cultivating a Growth Mindset
Maya emphasizes the intentional nature of developing a growth mindset. It starts with a strong desire for change and an understanding that you must want change to achieve it. She mentions the value of shifting from a fixed to a growth mindset, which involves seeking resources, literature, and even getting a coach.
Maya shares a personal story of how hiring a coach helped her uncover her fears and beliefs that were impacting her career. By acknowledging and understanding these factors, she was able to embark on a path of growth and transformation.
Don’t Be Afraid to Seek Help
Maya passionately encourages everyone not to hesitate when it comes to seeking help from professionals. Whether it’s a coach, advisor, or mentor, having someone with expertise can make a world of difference in your financial journey. Remember, you don’t have to go through it alone.
Financial Literacy: The Second Ingredient
Maya emphasizes that the second key ingredient to finding your financial voice is financial literacy. Building financial knowledge is intentional work. It involves seeking out resources, courses, and information that can help you understand and manage your finances better.
Financial literacy is empowering. It offers increased financial security, the ability to manage finances and make investment decisions, and the freedom to make choices that align with your values. It ultimately results in lower financial stress and greater confidence, allowing you to assertively ask for what you want and negotiate on your terms.
Start Taking Action
Maya’s third ingredient to finding your financial voice is taking action and not waiting for the “right” moment. Start by creating a budget. Allocate a portion of your budget to self-development, which is an investment in yourself. Seek financial advisors, and remember, it’s okay to meet with multiple advisors until you find the right fit.
Maya Oreibi’s wisdom and insights in this episode of The Finance Cafe provide a roadmap for anyone seeking to find their financial voice. It all begins with awareness, followed by a commitment to developing a growth mindset and gaining financial literacy. Finally, taking action, seeking professional help, and breaking free from societal norms can lead to a future of financial empowerment and confidence.
Maya’s message is clear: You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Reach out for help, invest in your financial education, and start taking intentional steps toward your financial well-being. Maya’s practical advice and personal journey serve as a powerful reminder that finding your financial voice is not just a goal; it’s an achievable reality.
