Inclusion in asset finance: Helena Thernstrom joins the Asset Insights Podcast

The episode is now available to stream on the Finance Connect website at https://finance-connect.com/asset-insights-podcast/, and on Spotify, YouTube and Amazon Music.

Published in the spirit of International Women’s Day 2026, the conversation looks beyond slogans and surface-level initiatives to explore what meaningful inclusion actually looks like in an industry shaped by relationships, networks and long-standing norms.

Purpose, pressure and pushing for change

Edward introduces Helena as someone shaped by multiple cultures and experiences — born in South Korea, adopted and raised in Sweden, educated in France and now living in England. That sense of not fitting neatly into categories becomes a useful starting point for a wider discussion about belonging, voice and perspective.

Helena reflects on her career journey and why she has often been drawn to complex or challenging areas such as EDI and consumer protection. She speaks candidly about the realities of this work, acknowledging that progress can feel slow and difficult at times, but emphasising the importance of persistence and collective responsibility.

Inclusion and industry culture

During the conversation, Helena and Edward discuss the broader importance of EDI across the asset finance sector. The discussion touches on the role of leadership, visibility and inclusive behaviours in shaping workplace culture, as well as the importance of ensuring opportunities and networks remain open and accessible across the industry.

Helena highlights that meaningful change often comes through consistent, everyday actions – listening carefully, creating space for different perspectives and embedding inclusion into how organisations operate.

Gender focus for 2026

In line with International Women’s Day, Helena explains why gender is the Leasing Foundation’s major focus for 2026 and why more industry-specific insight is needed to understand lived experiences and where barriers to progression may still exist in asset finance.

This work will begin with the Leasing Foundation’s Gender Programme Launch Event – “Moments That Matter”, taking place on Tuesday 17 March 2026, from 5.30–7.30pm at Shoosmiths, London.

The gender programme, driven by Becki Barrett (Interbay Asset Finance), Isara Cotton (Lombard) and Hayley Lawrence (Grenke), aims to create space for shared learning, honest conversation and meaningful progress. It seeks to build a clearer picture of lived experiences across the industry, including the sometimes difficult or uncomfortable topics that shape careers and workplace cultures.

The launch event will bring together professionals from across the sector to reflect on the moments, decisions and experiences that influence career paths and industry culture. Shanika Amarasekara, CEO of the FLA, will share her own “moments that mattered”, followed by round-table discussions designed to encourage open conversation and practical ideas.

The evening will also outline plans for the programme over the coming year, including a mentoring initiative and the development of a shared knowledge bank.

The event is open to all genders, and attendees are encouraged to bring colleagues to ensure a balanced and constructive discussion. Registration is required and spaces are limited. More information is available here.

Listen now: The latest episode of the Asset Insights Podcast is available to stream at:
https://finance-connect.com/asset-insights-podcast/. You can also listen on Spotify, YouTube and Amazon Music.