After5 is in conversation with Mélanie Bosboom
Mélanie Bosboom is 28 years old and living in Amsterdam. Three years ago, she started her own company right after university together with her best friend, driven by the ambition to get more women in the financial sector. Her background is in Finance as well, but entrepreneurship has been her true passion. She believes in carving your own path, taking risks, and creating opportunities rather than waiting for them.
How did you meet with your co-founder Léonie Kennepohl ?
I met my co-founder - and best friend - Léonie Kennepohl, during the intro camp of our bachelor’s Economics and Business. From that day on, we were inseparable—whether it was going to parties, hitting the gym, traveling, or studying together. A good mix, haha!
But beyond all the fun, we also shared an ambition for a great career and dreamed of starting a business together. When Covid hit, we were living together and spent hours brainstorming ideas. One thing stood out: at every Finance-related event or in-house day we attended, we were often among the few women in the room. That started the conversations about representation and opportunities. We started an Instagram page to share tips and tricks from role models —and that’s how Female x Finance was born.
What is your mission with Female x Finance?
Our mission is simple: to increase female presence in the financial sector because everyone deserves to go after the career they desire. We invest in the next generation of talent, helping them reach their full potential, while simultaneously supporting financial companies in attracting, and hiring them.
Much needed! How does Female x Finance do that?
Female x Finance is a career platform that connects young female talent with companies in the financial sector. For our community we offer networking opportunities, 1-1 career guidance and trainings on different parts of Finance and how to ace a job interview. For companies we provide targeted hiring solutions, employer branding support, and direct access to our female finance talent pool.
What started as an idea has grown into an international community of over 7,500 members, with more than 60 partner companies across Europe. And we’re just getting started.
What inspired you to focus on women in finance?
It came from my own experience. During my studies, I did two internships in finance and attended many in-house days at financial companies—where I was often the only woman in the room, or one of very few.
The numbers confirmed it: while 30% of Finance Master's students in the Netherlands are female, but only 18% of the entry-level hires in finance are women. That drop-off is huge, and it says a lot about the barriers women face when entering the industry.
Finance is still a male-dominated sector. We wanted to challenge that narrative and show women that they belong in this space as well.
Being an ambitious women comes with it's own challenges. What challenges did you face as a woman entering the finance industry?
The biggest challenge was trying to find my place in a team with a very male-dominated culture. There were conversations and inside jokes that I simply couldn’t relate to, which sometimes made me question how I should act—should I try to fit in? Should I change the way I present myself?
But if I felt this way, so did many others. That’s why we created Female x Finance—to make sure women stepping into the industry feel supported and empowered.
What are the biggest barriers women face in finance today?
There are a few major barriers:
Lack of representation at senior levels – If you don’t see women in leadership, it’s harder to envision yourself getting there.
Unconscious bias – Hiring and promotion decisions are still often influenced by outdated stereotypes.
Limited access to the right networks – Many finance companies still hire from within their own (mostly male) circles.
Stereotypes about what a “finance professional” looks like – There’s still a perception that finance requires a specific personality type, when in reality, the industry benefits from diverse perspectives and skill sets.
All of this makes it more challenging for women to enter the field, grow their careers, and reach leadership positions. But the more we challenge these barriers, the closer we get to real change.
Sounds like there are quite some barriers to overcome! What advice would you give to women who want to enter finance?
Go for it, even if you don’t feel 100% ready—because no one ever does. Women tend to be overly critical of themselves, but the truth is, you learn the most on the job. The key is to take that first step.
Also, our motto is: Your network is your net worth. Build a strong network and don’t be afraid to reach out to people—more people are willing to help than you might think. This is crucial at every stage of your career.
As a woman working in a male-dominated industry, why do you think having a strong, supportive circle is so important?
Again: your network is your net worth. Having a circle of supportive women and men around you isn’t just about encouragement—it’s about sharing knowledge, opening doors, and creating opportunities for each other.
In an industry where women are still underrepresented, lifting each other up is the fastest way to create real change.
How can women support each other in making better financial decisions?
By having open conversations. Finances are often taboo or seen as a “men’s topic” or as boring, but the more we talk about salaries and investments, the more we can learn from each other. It always inspires me to hear how other people manage their finances which makes me want to step up my game as well.
What are some ways friends can hold each other accountable for financial goals?
Set goals together, and be open about it. Léo and I love to discuss our finances together. We go for coffee and make vision boards at the beginning of the year where we set goals on where we want to be. This makes it so fun!
Also, make a group chat with other friends where you can share podcasts, books or other tips. This helps you to get inspired!
This is so true! Having a supportive group of friends can really help you achieve more! What is one last thing you would love to share?
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that taking risks is the key to growth. Too often, we wait until we feel "ready"—but the truth is, you’ll never feel 100% prepared. You have to take the first, and the confidence will follow.
One of the quotes that always inspire me is from Steve Jobs:
"Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart."
So go for that job, negotiate that salary, start that business - you are more capable than you think.
Yesss! Thank you so much
Mélanie! 