When I first started earning, I didn’t think much about investing. Like many women I’ve since spoken to, I thought investing was something men did in sharp suits with a Bloomberg terminal and an expensive watch. Meanwhile, I was focused on saving what I could, paying the bills, and crossing my fingers that my pension would one day be enough.
Fast forward a decade, and I now run a company that invests in other businesses. So what changed?
It wasn’t a sudden windfall or a finance degree. It was a shift in mindset. And that’s what I want to talk about, because if you’ve ever felt like investing is “not for you,” I promise, you’re not alone.
Let’s Talk About the Confidence Gap
Women are just as capable of being savvy investors as men, but we often don’t feel that way.
That’s not by accident. We’ve been conditioned, subtly and not-so-subtly, to see money as something we manage, not something we grow. Even today, it’s common for women to defer long-term financial decisions to a partner, or to avoid talking about money altogether in case we’re judged for “not knowing enough.”
The truth? No one is born knowing how to invest. Confidence comes with education, support, and (most importantly) practice.
Start Small, Start Now
When I began investing, I didn’t throw thousands at the stock market overnight. I started by educating myself, listening to podcasts, reading books, asking questions I was afraid might sound “silly.”
Then I dipped my toes in. A few hundred pounds here, a small business venture there. Some things worked out brilliantly. Some didn’t. But each decision taught me more than any spreadsheet ever could.
If you’re reading this and wondering where to begin, here’s my honest advice:
- Set your own goal.Do you want to build wealth, retire early, support your kids, or grow a side hustle? Your investment strategy should reflect your
- Don’t wait for the perfect moment.There’s always going to be uncertainty. Start where you are with what you have.
- Ask questions.Whether it’s with a financial advisor or a friend who invests, get curious. Google is great, but real conversations build real confidence.
Why Representation Matters
One thing I didn’t expect when I became an investor myself? How few women I saw across the table. I remember walking into investment meetings where I was the only woman in the room, not just among investors, but sometimes across the entire panel of entrepreneurs.
Representation matters. When we see more women investing, mentoring, and making financial decisions out loud, we change the story for the next generation. That’s one of the reasons I started HarbarSix, to back purpose-driven businesses, many of which are founded by women who’ve been underestimated for far too long.
Financial Literacy = Freedom
For me, financial literacy isn’t just about spreadsheets or dividends. It’s about freedom. The freedom to leave a toxic job or relationship. The freedom to take a sabbatical. The freedom to invest in your kids, your health, or your passion project without fear.
Every woman deserves that kind of freedom. And you don’t have to be wealthy to start — you just have to be willing to back yourself.
So, what’s holding you back?
Is it fear? Confusion? A story you’ve been told about who investing is “for”?
Because I promise you this: you can learn. You can grow. And you absolutely deserve to have your money working just as hard for you as you do for it.
By Rebecca Sutherland
Rebecca Sutherland Bio
CEO & Founder, HarbarSix
Rebecca Sutherland is the visionary force behind HarbarSix, a hybrid investment fund and business accelerator designed to power up high-potential founders with more than just capital. At the heart of her mission is a belief that exceptional businesses are built not only with smart strategy but with empowered leaders and the right ecosystem of support.
With over 20 years of experience in scaling small businesses and transforming overlooked ventures into sustainable success stories, Rebecca brings a unique blend of commercial acumen, leadership insight, and emotional intelligence to the table. She has a sharp eye for spotting potential where others see obstacles, and she’s on a mission to make sure bold ideas don’t fall through the cracks simply because they don’t fit the traditional startup mould.
Through HarbarSix, Rebecca leads a highly selective programme investing in six standout businesses every six months. But this isn’t your average accelerator. HarbarSix offers deep partnership, one-on-one coaching, access to expert networks, and a shared toolkit that founders can use. It’s a growth ecosystem built for those who are ready to do the work and scale with integrity.
Rebecca’s approach is grounded in the belief that mindset drives results. She champions founders who lead from within, and she’s known for combining big-picture strategy with the kind of practical, hands-on support that truly moves the needle. Whether guiding a business through a make-or-break quarter or helping a founder breathe through a boardroom curveball, her leadership is clear, calm and unapologetically committed.
At HarbarSix, Rebecca isn’t just investing in businesses, she’s backing people, because she knows that when founders grow, their companies follow.
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