Women In Wealth With Sarika Dhanjal
‘Women In Wealth’ is all about showcasing women in the wealth management industry who are thriving and challenging stereotypes. We feature real perspectives of what it’s like, the barriers and the breakthroughs.
Here, Sarika Dhanjal, Head of Asset Management at Progeny shares her take.
What is your job title?
Head of Asset Management.
How did you get into wealth management and what makes it the career of your choice?
Interestingly, a career in financial services was not my original path - I had initially aspired to become a doctor. However, after completing university, I began working at a bank where I met a Mortgage Adviser named Karen. She shared valuable insights on how to transform a job into a long-term career, which inspired me to explore new opportunities. Through her guidance, I connected with a recruiter and began studying for the CII Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Advice whilst working as a financial adviser.
Completing the Level 4 Diploma opened many doors within the financial services industry, allowing my career to grow and evolve. During my time at Tenet, I had the opportunity to contribute to a variety of projects, each of which helped me develop a broad and valuable skill set. This growth has continued at Progeny, where the combination of my previous experience and diverse roles has enabled me to succeed in my current position as Head of Asset Management.
Are there any barriers you have faced as a woman working in the wealth management industry, and how have you overcome them?
Some women only become aware of the barriers they’ve faced when reflecting on their careers - I was one of them. For a long time, I couldn’t understand why, despite consistently working hard and performing well, my salary didn’t align with that of my peers. Prior to joining Progeny, I spent several years managing teams whose members were, in many cases, earning significantly more than I was. When I questioned this, my manager at the time offered the analogy, “Football coaches aren’t paid as much as the players.”
Looking back now, I recognise that gender may have played a role in those disparities. That said, I don’t regret that period of my career. It provided me with invaluable experience and helped me develop the skills and resilience that have contributed to my success in my current role.
What do you like the most about being a woman in wealth management?
It was only in recent years that I came to truly appreciate the impact of being a role model - realising that others look to you for support and guidance. I’m passionate about mentoring and supporting women and young individuals who are considering a career in financial services. It’s important to me to show that success and recognition in this industry are absolutely attainable.
While there is still progress to be made, I believe that championing this message and empowering young women to believe in themselves is creating meaningful change - not only in their individual journeys but also across the wider industry.
What advice do you have for a woman wanting to get into wealth management and those wanting to advance?
There are a few key lessons from my own experience that I believe have been instrumental in my personal and professional growth:
Have the courage to say yes
You won’t always have all the answers, and that’s okay. Sometimes, it’s about having the confidence to take on a challenge first and then figuring out the “how” along the way.
Be self-critical in a constructive way
Growth begins with honest self-reflection. Recognising your areas for development and accepting feedback with an open mind is essential - don’t see it as criticism but as an opportunity to improve.
Actively invest in your development
Once you've identified the skills or areas you want to improve, take steps to build them. This might be reading an article or book, watching a TED Talk, or seeking guidance from someone with experience. You are never a finished product. The journey of learning can be challenging, but the moment when something finally clicks - that ‘penny drop’ moment - is truly rewarding.
If you would like to get involved with the blog series and share your story as a woman in the wealth management industry, we’d love to hear from you. Follow us on LinkedIn for more!
