What It Takes to Succeed in Secured Finance
Career Advice from Dwight Funding’s Jessica Bates
Getting ahead in commercial finance takes more than technical skill. It takes resilience, the confidence to ask for what you want, and the ability to build relationships that last. Dwight Funding's Jessica Bates has built her career on exactly those principles, and earlier this year she was recognized in The Secured Lender's 2026 Women in Secured Finance issue. Here's what she had to say.
What advice would you offer to women just starting out in the industry? What is the best advice you ever received?
The best advice I’ve received is the best advice I can offer: be bold and ask for what you want. Whether it’s internally at your organization, in deal discussions, or navigating a credit or underwriting process, you are always your biggest advocate. Opportunities are rarely handed to you – more often, they follow when you speak up, articulate value, and lead with confidence.
Equally important is recognizing that hearing “no” shouldn’t be intimidating. It may not be the answer you are looking for, but “no” often comes with information, and information is power. Use it to refine your approach and come back stronger.
What skills or experiences have been most critical in helping you succeed?
One skill that has been central to my success is relationship building. In this industry, a strong network is your most valuable asset. The relationships you build with colleagues, clients, investors, and even other service providers have the power to shape your career. Investing in those relationships authentically creates trust and opens doors at every stage.
Resilience has also been critical. Commercial finance is cyclical by nature and deeply relationship-driven, which means working across shifting priorities and a myriad of personalities. Long-term success requires the ability to stay steady through change and adversity by building on positive momentum when you have it, and recovering quickly when things don’t go as planned.
How do you stay resilient and motivated during periods of uncertainty or industry transformation?
By staying consistent. Consistency in the face of uncertainty is key to building a successful career in secured finance. The market is cyclical and reactive. Maintaining your work ethic, especially in tougher macro environments, helps keep you focused and positions you to benefit when the market inevitably turns back in your favor.
What is the one misconception about secured finance that you believe women entering the field should rethink?
A common misconception is that commercial finance is male dominated and therefore harder for women to succeed. While the industry is still largely male dominated, that does not mean women cannot thrive in it. In fact, this dynamic can create an opportunity to stand out rather than fall into the shadows.
Women hold tremendous power in the industry precisely because we offer something different. Our presence alone can shift the tone of an interaction, and we bring a fresh perspective that is often welcomed (at times even preferred) in client conversations and internal discussions. Rather than letting demographics feel intimidating, it can be helpful to view that distinction as an advantage. From there, the quality of your work speaks for itself.
This Q&A originally appeared in The Secured Lender’s 2026 Women in Secured Finance issue.
What is The Secured Lender’s Women in Finance Issue?
The Secured Finance Network (SFNet) is the leading trade association for the secured finance industry. Each year, its Women in Secured Finance issue celebrates professionals who are shaping the future of commercial lending through leadership, expertise, and impact. Dwight Funding is proud to have Jessica recognized among that group.
Dwight Funding provides modern asset-based lending solutions to early, growth, and late-stage brands across DTC, CPG, food, beverage, beauty, and more. To learn more about our working capital financing, contact us at dwightfunding.com.
