Fortune: The finance sector remains a male-preserved space. How does it feel to be the one recalibrating that balance as you climb?

Biruktawit: Tesfaye: The finance sector, like many others, has traditionally been male-dominated. But I see that less as a barrier than as an opportunity to push myself and work harder. As a woman in finance, I bring a different perspective, especially in leadership, risk awareness and decision-making. I do not see myself as competing with men. I see myself as contributing to better outcomes. In today’s world, and particularly in Ethiopia, what matters is productivity and efficiency, not male bias or the marginalisation of women.

Q: Beyond the statistics, why do you think this particular industry has stayed so stubbornly monochromatic for so long?

The religious and cultural perception that women are subordinate to men is one. Another is the traditional belief that women are too weak for demanding work. A third is that this thinking became normalised over time, to the point that many women felt discouraged and confined themselves to simpler roles. That is changing now. Women’s real capacity is becoming visible across sectors, including finance. More women are stepping forward, building their capabilities, and gradually narrowing that imbalance.

Q: What are the unwritten constraints you have had to clear as a woman to secure your seat at the executive table?

One of the biggest challenges is the need to constantly prove your capability, sometimes more than your peers. There are also expectations around balancing professional and personal roles. I have dealt with these by focusing on results, consistency and confidence in my work.

Q: Was there a sliding-doors moment, a specific turning point, that steered you toward the C-suite?

My journey has been progressive rather than shaped by a single moment. But a key shift came when I realised that my engineering background could add real value in banking, especially in collateral valuation. That gave me the confidence to think bigger and shape my own path.

Q: There is a pervasive myth that a career in finance requires mathematical brilliance. How much of that is reality, and how much is just branding?

Mathematics matters, but it is not the only skill finance requires. The field depends on analytical thinking, judgment and decision-making. It is about understanding risk and making informed choices. It also demands strong communication skills because complex ideas should be explained clearly. Adaptability matters too, especially in changing market conditions. In the end, finance is a combination of technical knowledge and practical insight.

Q: If you could sit down with your 20-year-old self, what is the one piece of non-career advice you would give her to make the journey easier?

I would tell her to be visionary, to keep improving and investing in herself, and to trust that success will follow. I would also tell her to believe in herself earlier and not underestimate her potential.

Q: Whom do you credit most for the architecture of your success?

My parents, sisters and brothers laid a strong foundation by believing in me and instilling discipline and values from an early age. I was also inspired by a member of my family, now a national figure whose name I prefer not to mention, who was the only one to join Addis Abeba University through hard work alone. He always encouraged me and believed in my potential, even when I doubted myself. That confidence gave me the strength to stay determined. My husband and my sons have also supported me through every challenge, and that has been invaluable.

Q: When was the last time you saw another woman in action and thought, I want to be like her? Who was she?

I am inspired by any woman who shows resilience, women who, despite limited resources or formal education, work tirelessly to raise and educate their children; women who hold their families together in difficult circumstances and preserve values, education and faith. Those women are my legends.

Q: Did you ever actually visualise yourself in this position, or was this a destination you discovered along the way?

I did not have a fixed vision from the beginning, but I always wanted to grow and improve. Over time, the path became clearer, and I embraced the opportunities that came my way.