Females in Finance Collective with Founder, Meghan Curtin McKenna

RRE POV

This episode features Meghan Curtin McKenna, founder and CEO of Females in Finance (FIF) Collective and managing director at Stifel. Meghan shares her journey in the finance sector, the motivations behind starting FIF Collective, and the importance of supporting women in finance. The discussion covers how banks manage risk in venture lending, the impact of recent bank collapses, and Meghan’s firsthand experience during the SVB collapse. Meghan also talks about the rapid growth of FIF Collective, its goals, and how financial institutions can better support women in their careers.

Show Highlights:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:19) Meghan's journey in the finance sector and early career influences

(03:01) Personal life events shaping Meghan's career, including the loss of her mother

(04:27) Changes in the venture banking sector over the past 20 years

(06:03) How banks handle risk and venture lending and the importance of trust

(07:21) The impact of the SVB collapse and the banking industry's response

(10:14) Advice for entrepreneurs on securing venture loans

(12:18) Collaboration among banks post-SVB collapse and the benefits of industry shakeups

(13:50) FIF Collective: mission, growth, and impact

(16:28) Unique aspects of FIF Collective and its rapid expansion

(16:31) Long-term objectives and vision for FIF Collective

(19:22) How financial institutions can support women in their career journeys

(21:00) Meghan's energy and passion for her work

(25:40) Meghan shares her singing capabilities

(24:29) Fun segment with Meghan answering rapid-fire questions

(26:58) Gatling gun questions

(33:14) Closing remarks

Links

FIF Collective: https://www.fifcollective.com
Website: https://rre.com/rrepov

Twitter: @RRE

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rre-pov/id1719689131

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/01n8AfKKi3HIguEa3QUXSg