Authenticity Above All: Allison’s Story of Growth and Empathy

At Monex, we believe in recognising and celebrating the incredible contributions of women in the workplace. This Women's History Month, we're shining a light on the remarkable women who help shape our company by sharing their inspiring stories and the impact they've made. 

For our final spotlight, we are delighted to introduce you to Allison Gramlow ,  Head of Strategic Sales at our Toronto office, Monex Canada. Allison shares her career journey and the lessons she has learned along the way that shaped the woman she is today. She tells us why leading with empathy is the key to success and the power of always being yourself. 

The Evolution of the World of Sales 

Throughout her career, Allison has always been passionate about sales and has dedicated much of her professional life to the field. She believes that sales is a transferable skill, and her ability to adapt has helped her succeed across various industries. Her key tactic? The importance of consultative selling. 

"Sales is a transferable skill. The knowledge specific to each industry can be taught, but knowing how to sell consultatively is invaluable. I’ve transferred through various companies, and that approach has always been my constant." 

While the sales sector remains male-dominated, Allison saw this as an opportunity to stand out. By embracing her own strengths and leading with empathy, she has thrived, and the results speak for themselves.  

Embracing Empathy as a Leadership Strength 

In her role as Head of Strategic Sales at Monex Canada, Allison describes herself as the ‘quarterback,’ working behind the scenes to ensure projects move forward efficiently. Her leadership style is grounded in understanding and respecting the priorities of her colleagues. 

"My leadership style is supportive. I try to be respectful of people's time and priorities, but I think what really resonates is leading with empathy and seeing things through a different lens." 

Allison’s empathetic approach has enabled her to build stronger connections and drive successful outcomes. She acknowledges that while challenges in sales are inevitable, resilience and self-awareness have been her greatest tools. 

"Learning resilience was a huge turning point for me. Early in my career, I took things personally and wanted to be perfect at everything. Over time, I learned that failing is okay. Only when you fail at something do you pave the way for growth.” 

The Importance of Making Connections 

For women considering a career in sales, Allison’s advice is clear: be yourself and build authentic connections. 

"Knowledge is important but so is connecting with people and believing in what you bring to the table. Women are naturally skilled at building relationships, and that’s a huge advantage in sales." 

She emphasises the value of establishing genuine connections rather than adopting a persona to fit expectations. 

"I always aim to connect on a personal level first. If I led with technical jargon that didn’t resonate with me, I’d feel like a fraud. Embrace your unique strengths, they are what make you stand out." 

Looking back, Allison wishes she had proactively sought out mentorship from other women earlier in her career. She encourages young professionals to connect with mentors and build supportive networks. 

"I used to view other women as competition. Now, I know women genuinely want to help other women succeed. Building those connections can be incredibly impactful." 

Looking Ahead: Advocating for Gender Equality 

While Allison has seen progress in gender equality in sales, she hopes to see even more women in leadership roles in the coming years. 

"Sales is still male-dominated in many ways. More representation of women in senior roles would be amazing. Pay equality is also something I’m passionate about, these disparities shouldn’t exist in 2025." 

Allison also emphasises the need for greater support for women starting families. 

"There should be better support for women taking time off to start families and ensuring they feel supported when they return. No one should feel inadequate trying to juggle both career and family." 

Words of Wisdom: Failure is Part of the Journey  

"I wish I had known earlier that it’s okay to fail. Failure paves the way for growth and opportunity. Learning resilience and listening to your inner voice are key." 

She also stresses the importance of embracing your individuality. 

"Throughout my sales career, I’ve learned to own my unique gifts. Just because someone else does things one way doesn’t mean it will work for you. Embrace your uniqueness - it’s your greatest strength." 

Life Philosophy: You have a unique gift - own it. 

Allison’s mantra is simple yet powerful - and speaks for itself!  

With her empathetic leadership and dedication to empowering others, Allison continues to inspire those around her. Her story is a reminder that authenticity, resilience, and empathy are powerful tools for success. 

Thank you for joining us in celebrating a small handful of the amazing women at Monex this Women's History Month!