Natasha Dadlani, Head of Equity Derivatives and QIS Sales, US, Societe Generale, won Excellence in Equity Derivatives at Markets Media Group’s 2025 U.S. Women in Finance Awards.

What qualities or skills help women stand out and succeed?

Success in finance — especially in technical areas like trading and derivatives — requires more than analytical ability. The women who stand out are those who combine strong technical foundations with sound judgment, emotional intelligence, and the ability to build trust. In EQD sales, clients respond to authenticity and clarity. They value someone who can simplify complex products, listen closely, and understand what truly matters to them. These skills aren’t always the most visible on a trading floor, but they are often the most enduring and impactful.

Have you benefited from mentorship or sponsorship, and how do you now support other women in their career development?

Absolutely. Early in my career, I had the privilege of working for two remarkable women who guided me, challenged me, and advocated for me when I was still finding my voice. Their sponsorship taught me that career breakthroughs come from both hard work and the leaders who believe in your potential. Because of that experience, mentorship has become central to how I lead today. I mentor women across the bank, support junior talent through our Americas Women’s Network, co-lead our Global Markets analyst program, and launched a returnship program within Global Markets to help professionals re-enter the industry after a career break. I view creating opportunities — especially for women and those with non-linear career paths — as both a responsibility and a privilege.

Finance has given me the opportunity to learn, grow, and collaborate with talented people across the industry. I am grateful for the mentorship I received early on, and I am committed to paying it forward. If there is one through-line in my career, it is that progress is never achieved alone — it is built through shared effort, shared opportunities, and the collective belief that our industry is stronger when more voices are empowered to participate.

What advice would you give to women aspiring to enter trading, derivatives sales, or other technical areas of finance?

My biggest advice is to stay curious and persistent. No one starts on a trading floor knowing everything, and no one expects you to. What matters is your willingness to learn, ask questions, and build knowledge one day at a time. Derivatives can be complex, but that complexity is exactly what makes the work exciting — never let it discourage you. Confidence forms through repetition, effort, and humility. And most importantly, stay authentic. Your perspective, your background, and your style are strengths. You don’t need to emulate anyone else to succeed.

Outside of work, what inspires or motivates you?

Outside of work, I draw energy from my family and community. They remind me why representation matters and why it’s important for the next generation to see women thriving in spaces where they have historically been underrepresented. Watching my children develop their own curiosity about the world keeps me grounded and motivated. I also find inspiration in travel and in experiencing new cultures, which continually broadens my perspective and reinforces the importance of staying open-minded and adaptable.