Released earlier this year, Treasury Today Group’s Global Equity Study 2026 explores issues around age, gender, identity, aligning with allies, recognising mental health and wellbeing, and supporting differently abled and neurodivergent individuals, which figured high in the study. Meanwhile, themes around opportunity and pay parity, quotas, flexibility and the tools essential for career advancement remain consistent within the industry.

Aiming to be more than just an annual touchpoint and in-depth analysis of equity in corporate finance, the Global Equity Study is a conversation with and within the industry, as issues around diversity, equity and inclusion continue to evolve and mature.

In a new series of articles, Treasury Today Group is examining key findings from the report to gain a deeper understanding of the human stories and drivers influencing global corporate finance.

Aspirations and goals

In the first instalment of this series, we look at aspirations – those long-term dreams, strong desires or broad visions that drive many of us to achieve the goals that manifest our life purpose and direction.

According to the survey, 36% of respondents aim to rise to group treasurer or a similar level, with 23% content to maintain their positions. Meanwhile, 14% aim to be named chief finance officer (CFO), 6% to become a chief executive officer (CEO), and 13% to be named to an independent board. However, 6% were looking forward to retiring soon.

Karina Inga-Kamienski, Senior Director, Capital Markets at Gilead Sciences and Founder of the Women in Treasury Network in the US, says that when she thinks about aspiration, she looks to push herself out of her comfort zone – even when this comes with an element of risk.

“There is this strong sense in me of what I can accomplish,” she says. “I just need to be very intentional about having a plan.”

Outside of scaling her non-profit Women in Treasury network beyond the Bay Area in the US, Inga-Kamienski is looking to become a treasurer and grow as a strategic treasury leader.

“For me, aspiration is more about thinking about the impact I will have,” she says. “If I get to be that treasurer, what impact can I have on my team? If I form this organisation, what impact can I have on other women?”

Examining aspiration through this lens supports Inga-Kamienski’s leadership goals and reflects the kind of impact she wants to make, she adds.

Making the most of opportunities

In the Global Equity Survey, 68% of respondents reported experiencing a period in their careers when progress slowed or stalled.

Reflecting on this point, Silvia Pinton, Group Treasurer at Lastminute.com, says her aspirations have “changed over time”. She recalls that there have been periods in her career when she did not always feel her voice was heard, or that there were enough opportunities for her to fully demonstrate and develop her skills.

“During those times, I sometimes found myself adapting my aspirations to what I had around me, trying to make the most of the opportunities available to me, rather than fully considering how far I could potentially go,” she adds.

At times, Inga-Kamienski has also found she has held herself back in certain conversations and discussions. However, this is due to needing a clear view of a situation or strategy, and avoiding the risk of not having all the answers.

“My biggest barrier is that I want to make sure everything is perfect for making that move,” she says. She attributes that mindset to working in treasury, being risk-averse and safeguarding the company’s assets.

However, now she is developing the skill of “just going forward” and making decisions “even when I don’t have all of the answers”. Those skills help her show up and share more of her professional aspirations.

Responsibilities and recognition

Pinton has been fortunate to work with a CFO who recognised her capabilities and potential and gave her the opportunity to take on greater responsibilities.

“I believe that the environment you work in and, above all, the people around you can have a significant impact on your ambitions,” she adds. “When someone believes in your abilities and gives you the space and trust to demonstrate them, they can help you see possibilities that you may have stopped considering.”

That trust, she says, has allowed her to grow professionally and look at her ambitions “with greater confidence and awareness”. As a result, Pinton was recently promoted to Group Treasurer at Lastminute.com – a role that has raised her profile within the wider finance organisation.

“Feeling that my work, responsibilities and the value I bring are more visible and recognised motivates me to do even better,” she adds. “It is important to me to know that the people I work with recognise not only what I do, but also the level of responsibility I take on.”

In the longer term, Pinton is looking to move towards a broader corporate finance role. But for both Inga-Kamienski and Pinton, aspiration is more than just a promotion or a more senior job title.

While on a professional level, Inga-Kamienski would like to become a treasurer, on a personal level she is invested in seeing more women develop and be recognised as leaders, which “aligns with my career, as well.”

For Pinton, aspiration is about having the opportunity to “fully use your skills, having room to grow, feeling valued and being recognised for the contribution you make to the organisation.”