Amanda Roberts

Director, Business Development, RedRidge

Amanda Roberts is the former president of the Midwest Chapter of the Secured Finance Network  and an active member of the Association for Corporate Growth. She holds a Bachelor of Science in marketing from Indiana University Kelley School of Business and is also an active supporter and contributor to GRIP Outreach for Youth organization in Chicago. Amanda is an experienced originator and underwriter, with previous relationships at LaSalle National Bank.

Accessible to clients day and night, Amanda’s natural goodwill, resourcefulness and vast connections bring added value to our industry. She knows the merit of her network - regularly tapping into these relationships to deliver expert guidance, insight and support. Amanda oversees business development and strategic growth efforts at RedRidge, having excelled in every role in the business. Through Amanda’s leadership, the company has accelerated growth to cover over 150 clients globally. Her direct efforts and dedication to its clients reinforce its reputation for high-quality diligence across the U.S. and U.K.

What advice would you offer to women just starting out in the industry?

Never focus on what makes you different – such as being a woman in a male-dominated industry. It’s best to silence that voice within you. Don’t sell yourself short. Instead, concentrate on your core strengths and the value you bring. With this perspective, you will overcome challenges naturally. You can be a successful businesswoman and a successful mother – believe and achieve it. 

What do you know now that you wish you knew in the beginning of your career?

Networking is key, both internally and externally. Remember to nurture network connections early in your career and to plan for the career you want. Ask yourself: where do I want to go? In business development, building lasting relationships is vital to success, so I am always looking for common ground to connect with clients and colleagues. 

What do you enjoy most about your role? Least?

I most enjoy meeting new people and getting to know them – beyond what they do in their professional careers. For me, understanding a client’s story and knowing them on a personal level is extremely rewarding. Dive in and you’ll continue relationships for years to come. Since clients often determine my schedule, the most challenging aspect of my role is constant availability and bringing the right energy to every engagement. 

How do you balance work/personal time?

Love what you do, be versatile and seek flexibility from your employer. As a mother of three young children, balancing work and home routines is so important. Multitasking comes naturally to me, so I work on efficient time-management to ensure I’m most productive whether it’s time to work or time to unwind. Striving for balance is an excellent example I can show my daughters – demonstrating every day they can be anything they want to be. 

How can commercial finance organizations attract and retain more women?

Simple: be fair and hire people with the best skills. Specifically, create roles for people with families, including flexible schedules, and be respectful of your staff’s life commitments. Employers must have the mindset that women can be great employees and great moms. 

What effect, if any, has working remotely had on your career and/or your industry? What have been the challenges and how have you worked to overcome them?

In my role, I am accustomed to traveling and meeting with clients face-to-face, but I’ve adapted to succeed. Working remotely has added tools to my arsenal, allowing me to touch more contacts in less time. This new work environment works well with current relationships, but is slightly more challenging when forging new ones. When reaching out to firms or individuals I do not know well, I look for connections. Finding common ground is a great way to overcome a cold introduction. 

What do you think work will look like in the post-pandemic world? 

The pandemic leveled the playing field, meaning even the most buttoned-up CEO can expect a family interruption on a business call and no one thinks differently. Today there is less pressure on personal presentation and more focus on the solutions provided. While it seems webinars, virtual seminars and Zoom meetings are the new normal, I believe it’s important to find the silver lining. Personal relationships, building respect and trust still matter. For example, review the Zoom guest list early and make connections in advance. Approach post-pandemic work differently and create efficiency in new ways.