Raj Hayer on financial freedom, pink razors, and why equality without capital is a myth
Raj Hayer was just 16 when she first learned what money really means. Not as a number on a bank statement, but as a lifeline: a way out, a way forward, a way to breathe.
“I stayed in toxic jobs, even in unhealthy relationships, because I needed the money,” she says. Today, Raj is the founder of TinyBox Academy, a sought-after executive coach for women in leadership, and one of the clearest voices in the conversation about financial empowerment.
Her mantra: “Your freedom begins with your bank account.” And she means it. “Back then, I made choices that weren’t good for me simply because I had no financial safety net. If you don’t have security, you make decisions from fear – not freedom.”
From Pay Gap to Wealth Gap – and why that’s a ticking time bomb
We talk a lot about the gender pay gap – that women earn less for the same work. But Raj digs deeper: “It’s not just about what you earn. It’s about what you keep. And what you do with it.” The wealth gap between men and women is bigger, more dangerous, and harder to see. Wealth equals options. Resilience. Independence. Or, without it – vulnerability.
“Many women split costs 50:50 with their partners even when they earn significantly less. Sounds fair? It’s not,” Raj says. “If he earns 70K and you earn 50K – why are you paying the same? He saves. You struggle.”
Pink razors and hidden losses
“Women pay more for identical products – just because they’re pink,” Raj points out. Welcome to the world of the Pink Tax. It may sound petty, but it adds up. Women also invest less, talk less about money, and take fewer financial risks – often at great cost. Emotionally. Mentally. Existentially.
📊 46% of women say money negatively impacts their mental health – versus only 38% of men (Bankrate, 2022).
👩🦳 And globally, women over 50 are far more likely than men to live in poverty.
Time to get loud – about money, too
Raj is clear: money isn’t just a personal issue. It’s a structural one.
Women still receive less venture capital. It is that FemTech startups are more often funded when founded by men, than by women. Why? Because the rooms where money is handed out still look the same: male, networked, exclusive.
Her solution? Safe spaces.
“In mixed groups, women often hold back when it comes to talking about money,” says Raj. That’s why she advocates for masterminds, women-only investment circles, and empowering networks. “Co-investing doesn’t just reduce risk. It builds confidence.”
3 things every woman can start doing – today
No fluff. No finance-speak. Raj’s advice is simple and real:
- Know your numbers.
Not just budgeting – get clear on what you’re actually spending. What does your life cost? - Start small, but start.
You don’t need to be rich to invest. But you do need to invest to build wealth. Even €10 a month can be the beginning. - Diversify your income.
We’re not Boomers doing one job for 40 years. Multiple income streams – side hustles, digital skills, investments – are the new norm.
Money isn’t a man’s game – and it’s not rocket science either
“Money is power. And power isn’t dirty – unless you don’t know what to do with it,” says Raj. Women need to earn more, yes – but also want more. Not just stability. But agency.
Why don’t more women engage with money and wealth-building? “Because we’re told, early on, that money isn’t for us,” says Raj. The messaging is familiar: Money is cold. Ambition is unladylike. Leave it to your partner.
What she would tell her younger self?
“Don’t wait. Start. Learn how to earn, keep, and grow your money. You’re not just giving yourself freedom – you’re rewriting the rules.”
📢 Bottom line: If you want gender equality, you need to talk about money. Not someday. Not quietly. But now – and out loud.
Money, Equality & Networks – Why women need more than good intentions
- 57% of working women feel behind on retirement savings.
- 46% of women say money negatively affects their mental health (vs. 38% of men).
- Only 17% of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals are on track – including Goal 5: Gender Equality.
- 82% of women say networking with female leaders helps their careers.
- 67% say they’ve learned their most important leadership lessons from other women.
Sources: Bankrate 2022/2023, UN SDG Report, KPMG Women’s Leadership Study
Wayfinders Summit – Where bold women lead the way
The Wayfinders Summit is an annual retreat for women who want to shape the future – of business and of society. Founded by Raj Hayer in 2024, it brings together founders, executives, and visionaries from around the world for connection, strategy, and bold transformation.
Topics:
- Future-oriented leadership
- Financial sovereignty
- Purpose and personal clarity
- Networks with real depth
What makes it different?
Wayfinders isn’t just another business event – it’s a movement. Small, curated groups. Deep conversations. Real results.
For women who aren’t just part of the system – they’re here to redesign it.
About Raj Hayer
Raj Hayer is a TEDx speaker, award-winning CEO, and founder of TinyBox Academy, Mayfly Maven, and the Wayfinders Summit.
Her mission: Every voice matters – especially women’s.
With over 30 years of experience in business, finance, and technology, Raj has worked with companies like Google Cloud, PUMA, and Siemens. She knows what it’s like to be the only woman at the decision-making table – and is now committed to helping more women get there. Visible. Influential. Financially independent.
As an executive coach, she supports female leaders, builds meaningful networks, and creates spaces where women can rewrite their own stories.
That’s why many call her: Queen of Connections.
