Women in Investing: Breaking Barriers – An Interview with Lauren Simmons
The investment world has traditionally been dominated by men. Boardrooms filled with suits, trading floors echoing male voices, and media narratives that often exclude female stories. But that narrative is changing. Slowly—but powerfully—women are rewriting what it means to be successful in finance.
In this special feature, we sit down with Lauren Simmons, known as the “Youngest Female Trader on Wall Street,” to talk about her journey, the biases she’s faced, her strategies for success, and how she’s using her platform to elevate a new generation of investors—especially women and people from underrepresented communities.
If you’re searching for investing success stories, real trader interview podcasts, or wondering how I made money investing—this conversation delivers.
From Math Lover to Wall Street Powerhouse
Lauren Simmons never planned to work on Wall Street. With a background in genetics and a passion for math, she found herself intrigued by the markets but hesitant to enter a field with such a strong male image.
“I didn’t come from a finance background. I didn’t go to a top-tier Ivy League school. But I did love math. That gave me confidence,” she told us.
At age 22, she became the youngest full-time female equity trader at the New York Stock Exchange, and notably, the second African-American woman in history to hold that position.
“I was the only woman on the floor—and the only Black woman at that. People questioned why I was there, what I knew. But I was ready. I studied. I worked hard. And I delivered.”
Women in Investing - Crystal Ball Markets
Challenges Women Still Face in Finance
Lauren’s story is a powerful example of what’s possible, but it also exposes the gaps in financial inclusion.
Despite progress, women still manage less than 2% of the world’s assets. They’re underrepresented in fund management, venture capital, and trading. And even when women do enter the field, they often face assumptions about their skills, risk tolerance, or leadership ability.
“The biggest challenge isn’t learning how to trade,” Lauren explains. “It’s being taken seriously. You walk into a room and have to prove yourself before you even open your mouth.”
She notes that the lack of representation isn't just a social issue—it's a performance issue. Diverse teams consistently outperform homogeneous ones, a fact backed by years of financial data.
How She Made Money Investing – Smart Moves, Not Shortcuts
For those who are wondering, how I made money investing, Lauren emphasizes process over profit. She didn't stumble onto a hot stock or ride a meme wave. She learned the game.
“People assume there’s some big secret to investing success. There isn’t. It’s discipline. It’s data. It’s playing the long game,” she says.
Her personal approach blends traditional equity investing with a strong foundation in behavioral finance—understanding not just the numbers, but how psychology influences markets.
She also leans on the power of smart tools. Lauren is a vocal supporter of tech platforms that democratize investing, praising platforms like Crystal Ball Markets for making it easier for first-time investors to learn and grow.
“You need a platform that doesn’t just give you charts—it should help you make sense of them. Crystal Ball Markets does that. It’s clean, intuitive, and perfect for beginners or pros.”
Education First: Why Knowledge Beats Luck
Lauren has made it her mission to educate young people—especially women—about how money works. Through keynote talks, TV appearances, and her upcoming projects, she’s actively reshaping financial literacy for the modern world.
“Schools don’t teach us how to invest, how to build wealth, or even how to budget properly. So we have to teach each other,” she says.
For aspiring traders, she recommends avoiding TikTok “finance hacks” and focusing on structured learning instead.
“Start with podcasts. Find ones that break things down in real language.”
Her go-to? The Crystal Ball Markets podcast—a beginner-friendly series that blends algorithmic trading insight with real-life experiences.
“It’s practical, it’s honest, and it doesn’t talk over you. That’s what the industry needs more of.”
The Power of Visibility
Representation matters. Seeing someone like Lauren on the trading floor, or on national TV, gives others permission to imagine themselves in similar roles.
“I didn’t have a role model in finance who looked like me. That made it harder. I want to be that person for someone else,” she says.
And she’s not alone. There’s a rising tide of female investors, traders, and fintech founders making waves around the world—from India to Nigeria, Brazil to the U.S.
They’re not just succeeding; they’re innovating—building platforms, publishing books, creating education hubs, and launching funds specifically tailored to underserved groups.
Real-Life Trading Experiences: Not Always Glamorous
Lauren also keeps it real about the volatility of investing.
“There were trades that went south. Moments I wanted to quit. But every loss taught me something about risk, about emotion, about what I could handle.”
This is why she values transparent platforms and stories. She encourages new investors to study not just success stories but failure stories too.
The Crystal Ball Markets podcast offers exactly that—a mix of practical wins and cautionary tales that serve as real education.
Advice for Aspiring Women Investors
What would Lauren tell women just starting out in investing?
“Investing isn’t just about money. It’s about freedom. Power. Independence. Don’t wait for someone else to give you permission.”
Her three must-dos for beginners:
- Start Small, But Start – Even $50/month into a low-cost index fund is a beginning.
- Use the Right Tools – Find platforms that make investing accessible and empowering, like Crystal Ball Markets.
- Find a Community – Don’t go it alone. Follow investor podcasts, read books, join groups—learn together.
The Future of Finance is Female—and Global
Lauren believes that the future of finance isn’t just inclusive—it’s global.
“Women in India are investing. Women in Nigeria are trading crypto. Women in the U.S. are launching fintech startups. This isn’t a local movement—it’s a global shift.”
She sees this as the next major evolution in the markets: a wave of diverse investors from every background, with new values, new tools, and new expectations.
“We’re not asking to be included anymore. We’re building our own tables—and they’re getting bigger every day.”
Real Life Trading Experiences - Crystal Ball Markets
Final Thoughts: Learn, Invest, Lead
Lauren Simmons is more than a success story—she’s a movement. Her journey shows that with persistence, education, and the right support, anyone can succeed in finance.
If you’re searching for a trading journey podcast, investor interview series, or just a voice that cuts through the noise, this is it.
Want to Start Your Own Investing Journey?
✅ Explore Crystal Ball Markets – a powerful, user-friendly trading platform designed for all skill levels.
🎧 Listen to the Crystal Ball Markets Podcast – featuring algorithmic trading insights, real-world experiences, and success stories that actually teach you something.
Because the next investing success story might be yours. And like Lauren Simmons, you don’t have to wait for permission to write it.