Women in Finance: Emma Roberts on Tenacity, Leadership, and Loving the Unexpected
At Connect for Intermediaries, we believe stories shape the future. In this feature, we spotlight Relationship Manager Emma Roberts, an example of grit, growth, and strong values.
Emma joined Connect in 2020 with over ten years of experience in specialist finance. Her energy and drive have become a cornerstone of the team’s success.
Women in Finance – From Orthopaedics to Opportunity: A Career that Chose Her
Emma’s journey into financial services began unexpectedly, yet it turned out to be the right path.
She initially pursued a role in medical device sales. Emma networked extensively, sat through multiple interviews, and even observed orthopaedic surgeries. Despite reaching the final stages several times, nothing materialised. Then came a call from a recruiter about a position at Fluent Money. It wasn’t what she had anticipated, but it changed everything.
“I thought it would be temporary. But the second I walked into that interview, I knew this was where I wanted to be.”
That decision led her to a thriving career, and today, she stands alongside Connect’s senior leaders, including Liz Syms, Kevin Thomson, and Jane Benjamin.
Redefining Leadership – With Empathy and Energy
Emma believes leadership is about action, not status. Her approach is grounded in three principles: listen, care, and include.
“Leadership isn’t about title or tenure. It’s about showing up, listening with intent, and bringing others with you.”
Emma takes pride in seeing more women in senior roles, something she rarely experienced early in her career. She remembers being the only woman in the room and needing to work harder to earn recognition. Those experiences shaped her resolve, not her confidence.
Women in Finance – The Lessons She’d Tell Her Younger Self
Emma has clear advice for her younger self:
Be unapologetically yourself.
Don’t stay in roles that fail to inspire.
True confidence, she says, comes from authenticity and from knowing your worth without seeking approval from others.
Work-Life Balance: Harmony, Not Hustle
Motherhood transformed how Emma views her time. Before having children, she worked long hours, including evenings and weekends. Since becoming a parent, her priorities have changed.
Weekends are family time. I’ve learned to take a step back when needed—and I’m better for it.”
Her husband, equally driven in his career, shares home responsibilities. This makes it easier for Emma to travel and commit to work when required.
And after COVID restrictions lifted? She booked five holidays to make up for lost time.
On Progress, Purpose, and Paying it Forward
Emma’s views on equity and inclusion are straightforward.
To address the gender pay gap, she believes in transparency. For barriers to progression, she encourages others to speak up and take the initiative.
As for the glass ceiling? Emma says it doesn’t exist at Connect.
She supports the Women in Finance Charter, seeing it as a driver of long-term change. Her advice to encourage more women into the sector: show that finance can be flexible, exciting, and rewarding.
“I’ll always tell my daughter to forge her own path. But if she ever says she wants to be in finance like mum—I’ll be very proud.”
Women in Finance – Proudest Moments -Professional and Personal
Professionally, Emma takes pride in her role during Connect’s pandemic response and the trust she’s earned across the business. Personally, her proudest moment is becoming a mother.
“Becoming Isla Rose’s mum. That journey wasn’t easy, but it’s my greatest joy and biggest win.”
Women in Finance – For the Women Rising
To women pursuing leadership, Emma offers this:
- Work hard.
- Seek out mentors.
- Give more than you take.
- Don’t shrink to fit—stand tall and lead.
Because, as Emma puts it, life is too short to stay somewhere that doesn’t feel right.
‘I am confident, I know my worth and what I bring to the table’
Thank you for reading our “Women in Finance | Emma Roberst – Connect Mortgage Network” publication. Stay “Connect“-ed for more updates soon!
