Spotlight on Women at Focus: A Conversation with Elena Brennan

What does International Women’s Day or Women’s History Month mean to you personally?

For me, International Women’s Day is inseparable from my family’s story. My parents and I immigrated from Moldova to the United States in the late 1970s. My mother is Christian, my father is Jewish, and part of why they left was because my father simply didn’t have the same opportunities in our home country due to his faith. They started over in a suburb of Washington, D.C., built careers, and created an entirely new life for us.

When it was time for college, most people in my community commuted to local schools. I was one of the very few who left. I went to Boston University because I wanted what I saw as the “typical American” college experience: leaving home, living on campus, figuring things out on my own.

I ended up majoring in Business and Management Information Systems, drawn to how companies actually run: finance, accounting, operations, and the technology that powers them.

My path hasn’t been typical, and that’s exactly why these observances matter to me. They remind me of the sacrifices my parents made and how far we’ve come.

Is there a woman, past or present, who has influenced or inspired your professional path?

I have two answers: my mother—and, somewhat unexpectedly for this question—my father. My parents divorced when I was in second grade, and I was primarily raised by my father. My mother, however, became one of my biggest inspirations later in life. She went back to school, finished her undergraduate degree, then her master’s, and slowly built a life she was proud of, eventually becoming a successful real estate investor. Her ability to reinvent herself is something I deeply admire.

My father inspired me in a different way. He didn’t have one signature saying, but he was always there for me, supportive, proud, and steady. When I got my opportunity at Focus, I called him simply to say, “Thank you. Thank you for always believing in me.” That quiet, constant belief has carried me through a lot of difficult moments.

What challenges have you faced as a woman in this industry, and how did you navigate them?

Early on in my career, I often found myself as the only woman in the room during large, in-person meetings with senior leaders. Instead of shying away from that, I found it motivating. I was the person people turned to with questions like, “Why can’t we close our financials in 10 days?” or “Why are we having this particular issue?” I was expected to own the problems and help find solutions.

One of the most important lessons I learned in that environment was this: you don’t have to know the answer to every question on the spot. People respect you when you say, “I don’t know right now, but give me an hour—or a day—and I’ll come back to you.” That honesty, paired with accountability, goes a long way.

The other major challenge was starting and growing my family while building my career. I had my first daughter, then a second child fairly quickly, and eventually a third. That wasn’t always easy for others to understand. I’d hear comments like, “Was the third one an accident?” or “Aren’t you already set with a boy and a girl? Why a third?”

My personal vision for my family didn’t always line up with assumptions about what a woman with my career “should” want. Those years were hard—juggling a demanding job and three young kids—but as they’ve grown, the balance has become more manageable.

I also didn’t do it alone. I relied on nannies when my mother wasn’t nearby, and I made an intentional choice to hire help from the same region I’m from, so my kids could grow up with our language, food, and culture.

What has been the most rewarding part of your career so far?

The most rewarding part of my career has been growing into a true bridge between technology and business. I started out thinking mainly about systems and software, but over time I realized what I really love is listening to people’s pain points, shaping the roadmap, and helping organizations change how they work.

At Focus, that’s especially true. My experience at IBM, MTV, and Blackstone means I know what “good” looks like, and my opinion genuinely matters in how we design our finance, HR, and legal systems for the future. That sense of impact and trust is what I find most rewarding.

What advice would you give to young women considering a career in finance?

I think we need to be honest: there’s no such thing as ‘you can have it all.’ You can outsource care. You can outsource cleaning. You can outsource cooking. You can outsource anything that’s required to run your house, but you can’t have it all and be 100% an A+ student in all facets of your life. Something will give, and that’s okay.

If you truly want to lean into your career, you have to own that choice, accept that someone else—your partner, a nanny, your parents or in-laws—is going to “own” more of what’s happening at home day-to-day, and trust them and let go of the guilt.

At the same time, don’t forget that it’s really an equal playing field. Men, women, wherever you’re from—really, the sky is the limit. It’s just a matter of understanding how to find that balance.

And one more thing: market yourself. Women often forget to market themselves. They just do the work. It’s not about just the work; it’s about making sure that the people who need to know what you did, know it early and often.

What does mentorship—either giving or receiving—mean to you?

Mentorship and sponsorship are incredibly powerful, and my main message is, don’t wait for someone to assign you a mentor. Seek them out.

Some companies have formal programs; many don’t. Either way, you can still look for mentors inside your organization who can help you navigate the culture and opportunities. You can also build relationships outside your company, through your broader network, with people who can offer an objective view of your path.

The value of a mentor is that they help you step back and ask:

• Where am I?
• Where did I come from?
• Where do I want to go?

Those aren’t conversations we usually have with ourselves in the middle of a busy week. Mentors and sponsors create the space—and sometimes the push—to have them.

Final Thought: Make Time for Yourself

Outside of work and family, one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to make time for myself, even in small increments.

If I wait until I have a full hour to take a walk, it won’t happen. So, I build it into my day: I walk to Focus’ office whenever I’m in, and if all I have is 15 or 20 minutes, I take it.

Self-care doesn’t have to be perfect or luxurious. It can be a walk, a coffee with a friend, or a quiet moment to yourself. What matters is giving yourself permission to take that time. When you do, you show up as a better version of yourself for your career, for your family, and for you.