My career began in a back-office role at a large firm, where I focused on developing foundational skills such as reporting, reconciliation, and advanced Excel. This experience gave me a strong technical base and a solid understanding of operational processes, but the work felt very compartmentalized. I was drawn to my current role at AAM because of the opportunity to work closely on multiple aspects of the business. Over time, I was given opportunities to expand into more client-focused and trading-related tasks, which allowed me to broaden my skill set and gain exposure to the decision-making side of the business. Most recently, I’ve been increasingly involved in trading and client-facing responsibilities, while still supporting reporting needs. This balance has enabled me to develop a well-rounded perspective—combining technical expertise with client engagement and front-office exposure—which I see as an important foundation for the next steps in my career.
What about your role excites you?
My role provides me with broad exposure across nearly every aspect of the investment business. I have the opportunity to contribute support to accounting-related issues, respond to client questions, participate in client meetings, and assist with new business development. I’m also involved in asset allocation, compliance monitoring, and performance tracking, as well as in the collaborative process of sharing and discussing investment ideas with colleagues.
The variety of responsibilities means that no two days are the same, which keeps the role both dynamic and challenging. I enjoy being able to see the bigger picture of how different functions come together, while still being deeply involved in the details that drive client outcomes. Most importantly, the role provides continuous opportunities for learning and growth, which makes the work exciting every day.
What role has the corporate culture played in your success?
We have a highly collaborative and team-oriented culture, where colleagues are always open to sharing ideas, offering support, and problem-solving together. At the same time, there is a strong sense of autonomy, which gives each individual the freedom to develop their own approach and processes. This balance has been invaluable for me. It has created an environment where I feel comfortable asking questions and learning continuously, while also giving me the independence to take ownership of my work and build solutions in my own way.
What advice would you give to other women just starting out in the industry?
Some of the most helpful advice I’ve received is simple but powerful. First, recognize that success in this industry often comes from teamwork. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Second, always be mindful of how you position yourself in the eyes of others. Building a reputation for professionalism and reliability goes a long way. Along with that, be thorough and consistent with your work; the small details matter and people notice consistency over time.
Finally, be kind and never burn bridges. This is a relationship-driven industry, and maintaining respect and professionalism—even when moving on from a role—is invaluable. In today’s terms, that also means not “ghosting” people; staying connected and considerate can leave a lasting positive impression.
What do you value most about working at AAM?
I love the people and the culture. Everyone is approachable, collaborative, and genuinely willing to help each other grow. I also value that my work is recognized and appreciated—it’s motivating to see how what I do fits into the bigger picture of the firm. As a woman in finance, I’ve always felt supported and respected for my skills and contributions. AAM’s inclusive environment allows me to thrive and succeed on merit, which makes me proud to be part of the team.
Shelby Adams
Associate Director - Institutional Sales, Principal Asset Management
How has your career evolved over time?
Fresh out of college with a Bachelor of Music degree, I joined the Des Moines Symphony as a bassoon/contrabassoon player. Needing to supplement my part-time orchestra position,
I took a temporary administrative role at Principal that quickly transformed into a permanent position managing executive meetings and external sponsorships. Over the next two decades, my role in conferences and events continuously
evolved. I progressed from managing global sponsorships to producing virtual client events during COVID-19, ultimately culminating in the launch of Principal Asset Management's first institutional global summit tour across four Asian
countries.
After 20 years with Principal, I transitioned to the International Segment Marketing Team, where I developed and executed marketing strategies for our U.S. Offshore business. This role deepened my institutional product knowledge
and strengthened my relationships with our sales teams. In 2023, I leveraged my wide-ranging experience with institutional clients to join the U.S. Institutional Sales team. Today, I lead a team of four institutional sales analysts
while covering plans across the United States – maybe the most rewarding curve in my career path yet!
How has your educational background helped you in your career?
While my music background may not directly relate to asset management, the core skills I developed as a musician created an incredible
foundation. The discipline of practicing for hours taught me the importance of thorough preparation. Performing on stage honed my ability to excel under pressure. Chamber ensemble work cultivated essential teamwork and collaboration
skills.
What have been some notable successes and/or challenges in your career?
In 2022, I had the privilege of contributing to a transformative milestone in our company's history as part of the team
that launched the Principal Asset Management brand. This complex initiative required seamless coordination across multiple departments - from operations and client services to marketing and technology. Working alongside dedicated colleagues,
we orchestrated a seamless transition that reinforced client and partner trust while positioning our brand for future growth. It was an extremely rewarding experience for me. A recent personal triumph was passing my FINRA exams (Series
7, 63, and 24). Learning to study again was an enormous challenge but beyond achieving this professional milestone, I demonstrated to my two sons that determination and hard work know no age limits!
What do you value most about working at Principal?
My long tenure at Principal is testament to a great company, wonderful people and abundant opportunities to grow professionally. While we are a global organization, the “Iowa-Nice” culture that stems from our roots in Des Moines,
Iowa, is something you don’t always see in our business. Treating each other with respect, listening with intent and doing the right thing is a part of the DNA here.
My husband and I have two sons. All through the years of raising our family, I’ve felt supported with flexible work arrangements when needed, resources for both personal and professional development and leaders who have empowered
me to bring my best self to work every day.
What advice would you give to other women just starting out in the industry?
I have been fortunate to mentor some of our summer interns and the advice I give them is to learn about as many parts of the business as you can. The more you know about the interconnectedness between sales, marketing, investment
accounting, compliance, finance, product development, and other teams, the better equipped you will be to find your passion – which may not end up being what you thought it was! My business acumen grew naturally as I embraced new challenges.
The best opportunities often come when we're willing to step beyond our comfort zone, even if we don't feel completely ready.
Ashley Wiersma
Portfolio Specialist - U.S. High Yield Strategy, T. Rowe Price
What led to your current role?
I came up through the distribution side of the business, starting my career as an internal wholesaler at Claymore Securities (now Guggenheim Funds) and later at Goldman Sachs. These
roles provided a great opportunity to get my feet wet in the industry, build financial markets knowledge, and practice important communication skills. Through a business school acquaintance, I landed my next opportunity at J.P. Morgan
Private Bank, where I spent four years working with high-net-worth families/individuals on their investment, banking, lending, and trust and estate planning needs. This experience proved valuable both personally and professionally,
enhancing my personal financial management skills while providing a better appreciation for the end-client experience. After J.P. Morgan, I spent the next nine years at PPM America, where I led the firm’s U.S. business development
efforts. Through this experience, I deepened my fixed-income knowledge and developed a passion for leveraged finance. This interest led me to my current role at T. Rowe Price Investment Management, where I serve as a Portfolio Specialist
for our U.S. High Yield Strategy, which is a client-facing role on the investment team.
How has your educational background helped you in your career?
I graduated with a B.A. in Business and Economics from Wheaton College (Illinois). A few years later, earned my M.B.A. in a part-time
program at Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management. As part of a leadership development program at PPM, I had the opportunity to complete additional professional coursework at the University of Oxford, Saïd Business School.
While I gained something from each of those programs, all of them broadened my perspectives, challenged my thinking, introduce me to new types of people, and enhanced my network in a meaningful way. I’ve carried the both academic lessons
and social networks from these experiences with me throughout my career and personal life.
What about your role excites you?
In my current position, I am the conduit to our portfolio manager in current client and new prospect meetings. I’m excited every day to work alongside and learn from some of the industry’s most brilliant investment minds, while
covering a sector and investment product I enjoy and believe is truly differentiated in the marketplace. I appreciate the balance of my current role; I get to dive deep into investment and security-level analysis as I work with
my investment team (portfolio manager, credit analysts, and traders) yet maintain the “human side” that I enjoyed from my past client-facing roles. On a daily basis, I interface and act as the “glue” between investments and
a variety of internal teams (e.g., distribution, marketing, product, operations, legal, and compliance, etc.) on various projects and initiatives. These include things like new vehicle launches, client onboarding, partnering with distribution
to prospect new business, ESG integration, and supporting marketing initiatives. This, combined with constantly evolving markets, brings a lot of variety to my day-to-day work and keeps me on my toes.
What do you value most about working at T. Rowe Price?
First and foremost, the people at T. Rowe Price are great. Who you choose to spend your time with day-in and day-out has an important impact on your overall workplace experience, and I’ve been fortunate to work with wonderful
and supportive people throughout my career. Furthermore, T. Rowe Price offers an incredible culture of investment excellence, collaboration and teamwork. The firm’s brilliant investors demonstrate a strong work ethic while not taking
themselves too seriously, which creates a fun and stimulating atmosphere. T. Rowe Price is focused on consistent execution, continuous improvement, and a client-first mentality, all of which can yield big results, especially when compounded
over time. T. Rowe Price Investment Management is a investment boutique established by T. Rowe Price Group as a separate entity and I value my growth role in a small start-up organization that also has the benefits and backing of a
large, global asset management firm.
What advice would you give your younger self?
View your career as a journey of self-discovery, with every day as an opportunity to enhance your understanding of the world around you and grow your skill set.
It is okay not to know exactly what’s next in your job or career; be willing to try new things that interest you, work hard to gain new skills, and adjust/pivot as necessary and as new opportunities arise. Be grateful for the experiences
and people that teach you along the way.
Learn as much as you can in your current role; you never know when that knowledge will pay off.
Networking is all about making authentic and meaningful connections and helping others.
Show up, be confident, and always be prepared.
Stay connected and, when leaving a job, always leave on good terms as much as possible.
Setbacks are inevitable; view them as an opportunity to re-shape the path forward
Toxic people and situations tend to self-implode; focus on what you can control; recognize when to be patient and when to move on.
The benefits of compounding apply to all areas of life – your career, money, health, self, and relationships; invest a little in each area every day and watch it pay off over time in big ways.
Kelly Herd
Client Relationship Director, Dimensional
What led to your current role?
I often share the story of how I discovered my passion for investing. Growing up, my father was a devoted investor who closely followed the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA).
I had no idea what it was but knew how to look it up in the newspaper. I noticed that his mood often depended on whether this DJIA was positive or negative. When it was positive, he was open to any request; when it was down, I learned
not to ask. This early exposure piqued my intellectual curiosity, and I eventually started exploring what the DJIA represented and why it was so significant. When I finally understood it, everything clicked, sparking a lifelong interest
in capital markets.
I pursued a degree in finance and worked at a bank during college, where I gained invaluable experience and an understanding of the role of money in people’s lives. After earning my undergraduate degree, I continued working
in financial services and attended evening classes to earn my MBA. My first role in investment management came through a referral from a friend. That opportunity introduced me to the perfect blend of skills—an understanding of both
investments and with building and maintaining meaningful relationships with clients. This concept of “social finance” has defined my career, allowing me to engage intellectually while connecting with fascinating, smart individuals.
How has your career evolved over time?
I feel incredibly fortunate to have discovered what I love early in my career. I began by working with a smaller investment management firm, which allowed
me to build a strong foundation in investments and understand what it was like working with institutional clients. Over the years, I’ve worked for three prominent firms—Mellon Capital, BGI/BlackRock, and now Dimensional. Each firm
has a unique investment philosophy and corporate culture, which equipped me with the tools to handle diverse client relationships, navigate investment challenges, and manage complex performance scenarios.
My journey has
been one of steady progress, with a focus on getting closer to working directly with decision-makers who allocate investment dollars. This evolution has required persistence, adaptability, and intellectual growth. Today, I lead a team
responsible for managing relationships with our top 100 strategic clients. It’s a role that challenges me daily, keeps me engaged, and allows me to draw on both my technical expertise and my ability to build trusted partnerships.
I feel very supported and respected by Dimensional. They really value what I bring to the table and support my continued growth within the firm. After 10 years with the firm, you are entitled to a one-month sabbatical and
I appreciated every moment of my sabbatical in Europe this summer. Being away from work for a month really makes you appreciate your role, company, and your life even more.
What have been some notable successes and/or challenges in your career?
One of the most intellectually rewarding aspects of my career has been navigating the challenges of evolving market environments. A core tenet of my firm’s philosophy is investing in value stocks, which were out of favor for
an extended period. Defending this philosophy to clients required deep understanding, clear communication, and persistence. The reward came when value stocks rebounded, and clients who stayed the course reaped the benefits.
Throughout my career, I’ve relished the intellectual challenge of learning different investment strategies and understanding the ever-changing markets. Another notable milestone has been overcoming the perception of pedigree.
While I didn’t attend an Ivy League school, my degree from University of CA, Irvine and the measurable results I delivered in investment management demonstrated that success in this industry is grounded in metrics, expertise, and hard
work. My background has shaped my drive to continually prove myself, and I’m proud of the success I’ve achieved.
What about your role excites you?
The most exciting part of my role is the “social finance” aspect—engaging with clients, discussing investments, solving their unique challenges, and building long-lasting relationships. Equally fulfilling is mentoring the next
generation, particularly women entering the industry. After 24 years, I’ve accumulated invaluable insights, many of which I gained from successful mentors. Paying it forward by guiding others is a responsibility I take seriously.
Additionally, this field offers endless opportunities for continuous learning. The financial markets are dynamic, and every day presents a chance to deepen my understanding, ask questions, and stay curious. This intellectual
stimulation, coupled with the ability to empower clients, friends, teammates and family, keeps me energized and passionate about my work.
What advice would you give to women just starting out in the industry?
Always stay curious and commit to lifelong learning. Reach out to successful individuals in your organization and beyond to learn about their journeys. Don’t hesitate to ask questions—but make sure you’ve done your homework first.
Demonstrating initiative and preparedness goes a long way.
Be open to unexpected opportunities and keep moving forward, even if you’re unsure of the destination. Focus on making measured progress and trust that growth comes with persistence and adaptability. Remember that building
relationships is just as critical as honing your technical expertise. Surround yourself with mentors and allies, both within and beyond your organization. Seek out diverse perspectives from individuals at all levels—both men and women—as
they can offer unique insights and guidance. Prioritizing meaningful connections and cultivating a strong network will not only support your growth but also open doors to new opportunities throughout your career.
Jenna Friedman
Principal, Director of Marketing, Fiducient Advisors
What led to your current role?
I started my career as a performance analyst, and recognized pretty quickly that analyzing data and creating quarterly performance reports was not something I wanted to do long
term. When a marketing associate role opened up at Fiducient Advisors, I knew wanted the job! So I researched the role, met with firm decision-makers and came to the interview very prepared with ideas for how I could make a positive
impact. I was delighted when I got the job. And now, 17 years later, I lead a team of seven marketing colleagues and hold the title of principal within the firm.
What have been some notable successes and/or challenges in your career?
Over the past 13 years, our annual investor conference has grown from a small event in a Chicago restaurant to a two-day
gathering for over 300 guests in a large hotel ballroom. Although the event is my favorite day of the year, it’s also the most stressful. Despite meticulous preparation, there are always surprises, such as when a guest shorted out
the electricity by toasting a bagel or when almost all flights were canceled or delayed because a TSA tower had caught on fire. Knowing that every conference (and every success) comes with its own set of new challenges, overcoming
them becomes all the more rewarding.
What do you value most about working at Fiducient Advisors
I appreciate my organization for giving me a chance and what I value most are the people. I’m fortunate to work with colleagues who genuinely care about me and for whom I have the same regard. Despite our hectic schedules, every
day someone will ask – and sincerely want to know – how I'm doing. I have made lifelong friends during my time at the firm.
What advice would you give to women just starting out in the industry?
I'd advise any woman starting in the industry to take time to figure out what makes you happy and eager to work each day. Your current job doesn't have to be your forever career; give yourself the time to discover what truly
satisfies you. When I entered the workforce after college, having a job gave me independence. At that time, the ability to pay rent, buy groceries and have health insurance was a top priority, but eventually I began to feel unfulfilled
with my job and its growth prospects. So I sought advice from friends, mentors and recruiters, and did thorough research. Despite the fear of change and uncertainty in finding a position in marketing, I quickly discovered that people
are more likely to take a chance on you if you're willing to take the leap yourself.
Shannon Grieger
VP Institutional Business Development, Nuveen
How has your career evolved over time?
A career in finance piqued my interest in college when I took basic finance and economics courses in the business school at DePaul during my undergrad. I became fascinated
by the intricacies of financial systems and products, recognizing their profound impact on daily life and long-term goals. This curiosity fueled a vision: to empower others by teaching them how to navigate and leverage financial tools
to achieve their dreams and secure their families' futures. To gain hands-on experience, I interned at Morgan Stanley and Merrill Lynch within their financial advisory groups. While I thrived on building relationships and providing
consultancy, a seasoned financial advisor offered me advice: “You’re great at this, but come back to it in 20 years. You’re just a kid, and this is a hard place to start your career unless you know people with money or you are brought
in as a partner in a group.” I appreciated his honesty and decided to pivot my career path.
I went on to secure an internship on the trading desk at BofA Merrill Lynch, rotating amongst all the business lines in the Chicago office and also spent time on the CBOE floor. Post-graduation, I was hired full-time there
to help launch a new sales segment focused on distribution of their electronic trading platform to other broker dealers. This role was transformative – allowing me to help build a business from the ground up and drive it to generate
millions in revenue through the relentless efforts of a dedicated team. The experience was a masterclass in both personal and professional growth. During this time I also spent 2 years living in New York focusing on the east coast
client base.
After seven successful years, I found myself seeking new challenges and I shifted to a middle-market sales and trading role covering institutions and overseeing the central region business. This position was more complex
and fast-paced; blending research sales, high touch trading, and business development into one role. It was also an incredible opportunity to learn and coordinate with all of the other markets and product desks and learn about all
aspects of an institutional operation. In March 2023, BofA decided to cut their Chicago cash trading desk and I recognized it was the perfect moment to seek new horizons, especially considering the rapid evolution within the trading
industry.
What led you to your current role?
When my role at BofA was eliminated last March, it really marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Now, eight months into my position at Nuveen, I thrive
in an environment that aligns with my skills and aspirations. I am inspired daily by the opportunities to grow, learn, and make a meaningful impact in the finance industry. Reflecting on 13 years of invaluable experiences and relationships,
I knew I wanted to pivot back into a sales role—an area where my passion for networking and relationship-building truly shines. With a clear vision, my goal was to find my next dream job. My criteria were ambitious: a sales role that
leveraged my extensive experience, provided significant learning opportunities, offered career growth and longevity, and surrounded me with intelligent, kind, and driven individuals. Additionally, I was looking for flexibility and
autonomy in my next position. Through purposeful networking and engaging with industry contacts I respected, I connected with Nuveen. The alignment of their values and opportunities with my aspirations was inspiring, and it felt like
the ideal next step in my career.
What do you value most about working at Nuveen?
I hold great respect for the leadership of this institutional team. They have cultivated a culture of accountability, trust, and growth. Their dedication to building and nurturing relationships over the years is evident. As a
firm, Nuveen offers a global, multi-asset platform that allows investors and our sales team to explore different areas as markets evolve. This platform also equips us with the knowledge to adapt and shift focus wisely in response to
global changes. Lastly, the team's ambition to grow and achieve greatness is unmistakable. This firm truly exemplifies its commitment to clients and partners, and I am grateful to be a part of it.
What advice would you give to younger women professionals?
The only constant in our lives is change. Know that things will be different even as soon as tomorrow makes you appreciate today and the opportunity it presents much more.
You must choose your own path to happiness. Set goals every year for yourself and go after them!!
Know your personality and tendencies – lean into your strengths and outsource your weaknesses
Trust but verify – applies everywhere and to everyone you meet.
Do not underestimate the power of self care and your health – this begets your energy and your vibe and then your best work flows from there.
Always listen to your intuition.
Always advocate for your work, your career growth and your money. No one will do this for you.
Learn how to form an opinion and viewpoint and how to share it wisely.
Learn how to speak up; find your confidence but maintain your humility.
Always know and understand the numbers that impact you and your team.
Stay curious – ask the how and why questions
Pick up the phone and make the call!!!
Neetika Singh
Co-head of Global Consultant Relations/Head of Americas Institutional Scaled Distribution, BlackRock
What inspired you to pursue a career in the financial services industry?
I’ve always been drawn to financial services. According to my parents, one of my favorite childhood toys was a cash register! When all my
friends decided to go to liberal arts schools, I chose a business school (Babson College). Freshman year, I took a class that required us to work as a group to create, staff and run a profitable business and it taught me many valuable
lessons about business and about life. After graduation, I went into investment banking, then worked in venture capital and at a hedge fund before coming to BlackRock. In all of those roles, I deepened my understanding about clients
and the financial markets, and that further strengthened my desire to continue to learn and grow in this industry.
What aspects of your role excite you?
One core responsibility throughout my tenure at BlackRock has been speaking to clients and listening to their needs. I enjoy using that insight to create investment
strategies that align with both market dynamics and client needs, and then deliver them effectively and at scale. Of course, that doesn’t happen without great people and I find it equally gratifying to serve as a manager and mentor
team members, helping to shape and support their careers. I’m also excited to continue to grow the Chicago office. When I moved from New York to the new Chicago office, it was at an inflection point in my personal life. I had no local
roots or ties, but the city embraced me. I’m thrilled that we’ve grown the office in terms of both clients and colleagues and am looking forward to doing more in this community.
What have been some notable successes and/or challenges?
Although I’ve enjoyed the successes of winning new client mandates, getting promoted, and completing strategic projects, I am inclined to point to those
moments of complexity, uncertainty and major change that forced tough reflections and hard work. For examples, the Global Financial Crisis, navigating major mergers and acquisitions, messaging underperformance to a client’s expectations,
or even being the only female voice or presence in a room. These scary situations forced me live in the gray and unknown at times. In each case, I was able to shape and communicate longer-term plans to stabilize and grow assets, earn
trust and credibility through honesty, build consensus and partnerships around shared goals, and advocate for something that would lead to better outcomes.
What do you value most about working at BlackRock?
There are so many things I deeply value: smart people, a collaborative culture, constant learning, and true innovation. They motivate and inspire me. Over my 20 years at the firm, the mission and purpose have become even more
important to me, particularly as the generation before me prepares retire and I raise my family. I ground myself every day in the privilege and responsibility of being part of a company that works to build the financial awareness and
wellness that will enable both individuals and organizations to achieve their investment goals.
What advice would you give to women just starting out in the industry?
Be authentic and kind, and know that enthusiasm and hard work will get you most of the way – they are also easy for others to see. Always be curious, ask for and take feedback as an investment in yourself, lean in and use your
voice, craft your story and narrative as you go, build genuine relationships and networks. It’s okay to make mistakes as long as you learn from them. All of that is easier when you are doing work you enjoy in an environment that supports
you.
Emily Bennett
VP, Deputy General Counsel, Jackson National Asset Management
What led you to your current role?
I always knew I wanted to work for a company that shared my values. I attended law school in Mid-Michigan and knew people who worked at Jackson National Life Insurance Company
(Jackson), headquartered in Lansing, Michigan. They spoke positively about the company, which I found impressive and intriguing. The more I learned about the company, its values, and the business, the more attracted I was to
working there. After a couple of interviews for various roles within the company, I accepted an attorney position with Jackson National Asset Management, LLC (JNAM), a subsidiary of Jackson.
How has your career evolved over time?
As a junior attorney, I wanted to learn as much as possible, so in addition to my assigned responsibilities, I volunteered for as many opportunities to work on new projects as I could. It provided the opportunity to interact
with more associates across the company and to learn more about the business. As I was able to build on my skills and gain more responsibilities, my role evolved; I participated in more complex projects, got involved in business
initiatives, and started leading a team.
What have been some notable successes and/or challenges?
The successes and challenges I’m most proud of share two important elements: they are complex or large-scale projects (e.g., implementation of new regulations,
a launch of a new business line or a large volume of fund changes over a multiple-year rationalization), and they also involve a tremendous amount of teamwork and collaboration across many JNAM teams.
What do you value most about working at JNAM?
I value the people and being able to do meaningful work to help people feel secure in retirement.
What advice do you have for younger women professionals?
Everybody starts somewhere. Be confident in your knowledge and skillset, even if you’re just starting your career or if you’re new to the industry. There’s value in sharing new perspectives, even in the form of questions!
The flip side is true too – don’t stop learning and find ways to embrace change (which is happening at an unprecedented pace).
Erika Klauer
Managing Director, Equity Portfolio Manager and Research Analyst, Jennison Associates
How has your career evolved?
As I reflect on my career, my work has evolved over time from research assistant exclusively covering semiconductor companies to building a deeper understanding of not just technology but
how technology is utilized by all industries and consumers. This journey has afforded me the opportunity to meet so many leading thinkers around the world – a privilege I could never have imagined. Of course, there have been challenges
along the way as the industry can be insular amongst engineers. But breaking down the barriers to facilitate discussions, trust and ultimately long-lasting business relationships has been the reward for me and our team at Jennison.
How important is corporate culture, particularly within your area of expertise?
Corporate culture to me is absolutely critical in technology. Technology is constantly evolving and with it teams must be nimble
to respond. At first, compensation was the biggest variable in retaining key talent in most technology companies and stock options were especially important. However, this has evolved over time to include more lifestyle benefits. For
women and men, I see the appeal and importance of these benefits.
How has your educational background helped you in your career?
As a student, I was always interested in a variety of subjects. Creative
writing, philosophy, mathematics and literature fascinated me. As I started my career, I think this innate sense of curiosity laid the early foundation for success as my mind had no preconceived notions as to how to analyze a company
or an industry. The value of listening is something I learned early on and continues to serve me well. As one of my teachers once advised, if you listen carefully enough, you will learn everything you need to know.
Rebecca Muse-Orlinoff, CFA
SVP, Head of Marketing, Capital Advisors
Tell us about your career evolution; why did you choose to work at Harbor?
Unlike most asset management firms, our products are subadvised so Harbor can truly go anywhere to build our lineup – we scour the globe for
talent to bring institutional-caliber, boutique investment managers to the wealth management and retirement communities in cost-aware wrappers – mutual funds, CITs and ETFs. Over my tenure, I’ve had the privilege of representing a
product lineup that I truly believe in and feel passionate about, while helping to build distribution capabilities under the leadership of two visionaries in the industry – first Hugh Kelly, and now John Halaby. While there are countless
reasons I or anyone else chose to join the organization, culture has been my primary reason to stay. Collaboration, nurturing talent, and client centricity are in the firm’s DNA, and so even as the firm has evolved, those have been
at the heart of the decision to spend these last 17 years here.
There aren’t many CMOs with the CFA designation; how does your investment background inform your role today?
Over the years, I’ve been fortunate
to have four distinct careers within the same firm. The longest among those – a decade or so – was as a client-facing portfolio specialist, representing our fund lineup to fund research analysts across US intermediary channels – IBDs,
wirehouses, investment consultants, 401(k) platforms and large RIAs. At the beginning of that professional chapter, I pursued the CFA charter to better equip myself to work with this buyer type. Today, we are broadening out our distribution
focus to reach the advisor community directly, and so there are many other types of conversations Harbor needs to be able to have effectively: practice management advice, trends in the advisory market that we can see from our vantage
point as an asset manager, and portfolio construction guidance, among others. At the end of the day, we still need to position our lineup to any potential buyer with fluency, integrity, and intellectual curiosity and I am lucky to
be able to draw from my experience, and partner closely with our talented marketers and investment teams, to continue doing that in a new market.
Why is Harbor broadening its distribution focus to the advisor space and how has your team evolved as a result?
Our core philosophy remains exactly the same as it has always been - we believe deeply in the power of specialized, active investment management – but we also know that there are thousands of advisors, some who already use
our products in client portfolios(!) yet may not know who we are, or realize there is more in our lineup that is worth a look. Our brand awareness is lower than our historical AUM numbers might imply because while our products have
been used by advisors for decades, until 2020 we had limited – if any – direct engagement with advisors themselves; our inclusion in client portfolios was largely a result of model portfolio allocations or recommended list placements
at the home office level. We are on a mission to inspire people to invest better, and there’s a whole world of finance professionals and end investors for whom we believe we can do just that in a more direct manner.
There
are many examples of how Harbor has evolved to engage the advisor community – launching an active, fully transparent ETF lineup is at the top of that list! – but closest to home for me is the development of a robust marketing capability,
for which I stepped into the leadership role at the end of 2021. I now work with a team of exceptionally talented marketers that are willing to challenge each other and me to get better, smarter and more effective. My leadership team
is all female and it’s a privilege to work with and learn from these smart, savvy women every day.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self that there is no shame in
not knowing everything, and I would recommend using the word “yet” in self-talk liberally. I’d even say it’s a superpower to not know – because you can, and should, ask a million questions when you’re young and/or inexperienced in
your field. Be a sponge, but never beat yourself up for not knowing – yet. If you put in the honest, hard work to learn, you’ll get there.
Cori Trautvetter
Partner, Endowment & Foundation Segment Leader, Not-For-Profit Consulting Team, Mercer
How has your career evolved and what have been some notable successes and challenges?
I have been with the same organization (through some name and ownership changes) for over 22 years which I think is an anomaly in
this day and age of more frequent movements in one’s career. Somehow, I found a career that I was quickly passionate about and also provided the ability to evolve as I evolved as well. From the early days of wearing multiple hats with
roles on the manager research and across client consulting teams to now an exclusive focus on partnering with not-for profit clients to meld their mission with their investments and leading the firm’s endowments and foundations practice,
I have been able to choose my own path based on what I was excited about but what was also equally challenging and rewarding.
Successes in my career have been numerous and I would be remiss to not say that there have been
some huge client wins that I have been extremely proud of. But what has meant the most to me are the success stories and witnessing the real life impact through new programs, cutting edge advances in healthcare and technology, new
facilities, etc. that not-for-profits have been able to deliver as a result of my (supported by a tremendous about of resources, of course) involvement with their organization. I don’t think it gets much better than that!
Challenges are also numerous and come in varying ways but that is also what keeps me motivated each day to overcome those obstacles and figure out solutions to problems.
How important is corporate culture as it relates to women within the finance industry and what are some observations within your field/area of expertise?
Corporate culture is extremely important in order for women to be more represented in the finance industry and it’s a business imperative. I have been very lucky in that early on in my career, I had many strong female leaders
that not only set a precedent but were also tremendous mentors for me and established a strong culture base. I also had some amazingly, supportive male allies that served in the same capacity which is a critical component to re-enforcing
a successful culture that allows females to bring their whole self to work, feel supported and thrive. I think that all colleagues, regardless of gender, have a role to play in promoting a positive culture and evoking change.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? How can the WIP community help?
Spare time, ha, what spare time?! I have two very active boys, so if I am not running around to sporting activities, you will find me
working out (yes, I got a Peloton bike during the pandemic and have since doubled down and got the Peloton tread too) to compensate for the great food and wine that I like to enjoy with my friends and family.
I think of
the WIP community as a fantastic brain trust of so much priceless information. From tips and tricks for efficiency and advancing your career to intellectual capital and even book recommendations, it is so exhilarating to be around
a group of like-minded, strong women that are providing so much transparency, ideas, and recommendations to collectively further support one another regardless of what firm we work for. The industry is small and this community truly
has embraced one another and is driving the change and I feel honored to be a part of it!
Lauren Durfey
Investment Consultant, Aon
You were selected as Aon’s representative for NICSA’s Diversity Project North America’s 2022 Rising Star Program. What does this mean to you and your organization?
I very much appreciate being selected for this opportunity
by Aon. The program provides leadership coaching opportunities for each nominating firm’s representative with the goal of working towards even more diverse and inclusive work environments, which is important to me as a both a people
leader and as I further my own career. For Aon, this is symbolic of our commitment to inclusion and diversity in all aspects of the workplace and the community at large, and I’m excited to share what I learn during the program with
my colleagues.
Tell us about your career journey and goals. What were some of your most memorable successes and challenges?
I started at Aon as an investment analyst after receiving my bachelors’ and
master’s degrees from Loyola University Chicago. I was promoted to investment consultant a few years ago and now interact more closely with our clients. I didn’t always know I wanted to work in finance; my undergraduate degrees are
in political science and international studies, and I only pivoted to finance when I began my master’s. I also didn’t know I would enjoy investment consulting as much as I do, and I count myself lucky I found a career I love so early
on.
Along the way, some of my most gratifying successes have been related to the services I’ve provided clients as well as helping the careers of the analysts who report to me as well as our analyst group at large. I’ve had
the opportunity to develop great relationships with my clients and colleagues, and while COVID-19 created an interesting challenge in terms of how to grow and maintain those relationships, I believe being able to do that in either
a remote or in-person environment has helped me expand my soft skills in those areas. Hearing from one of my reports how they served a client and helping our growing analyst population find their footing in their careers is incredibly
rewarding for me.
What advice do you have for women in the finance industry?
If you can, find people you admire and borrow the qualities you most want to emulate. I was fortunate enough to attend meetings
with well-spoken colleagues early in my career, and the presentation style I’ve developed over time is a compilation of their approaches and tactics.
Any book recommendations?
I actually don’t read a
whole lot of finance-related books (so I would love suggestions). I’m a history buff and travel aficionado, and a great book I read that combines the two is Vanished Kingdoms: The Rise and Fall of States and Nations by Norman Davies.
The book provides an overview of states that existed at one point in time; it is a great example of how fluid cultures can be across modern borders and how much more diverse we all are below the surface.
Jennifer Moore
Head of Global Credit Research, Aegon Asset Management
Jennifer Moore possesses something fairly rare in today’s financial world; beginning and continually enhancing a strong career growth trajectory nearly entirely within one organization.
Jennifer began her career with Aegon as
a part-time administrative assistant while studying full-time as an undergraduate student. At the time, she was pursuing studies in the criminal justice field. After working at Aegon, she quickly discovered business and investing to
be her true passions, which influenced her change in major. Jennifer graduated with a degree in Business Administration and immediately pursued an MBA from the University of Iowa, taking every opportunity possible to learn more about
investing. This quickly developed into an exciting career path at AAM; quantitative research, credit research, trading, and portfolio management - before selecting credit research as the best fit. Over the years, Jennifer has constantly
challenged herself, and the firm has provided opportunities to grow not only within her career field of choice, but also through involvement in various other firm-wide initiatives, which have allowed her to broaden her impact and work
with great colleagues across the organization.
Similar with many companies, the investment landscape is continuously evolving at Aegon and the Credit Research team that Jennifer leads is no exception. This team globalized
in early 2020 under Jennifer’s leadership. Jennifer faced numerous challenges as she synergistically integrated teams located in several regions across the globe. After facilely managing that productive transition, Jennifer further
honed the team by specializing the researchers according to credit quality tranches. The firm was simultaneously expanding and enhancing its responsible investing efforts, with which Jennifer had been closely involved for many years.
Balancing all of this evolution was very challenging – not only due to the high level of change, but also with the onset of the global pandemic just one month after the start of the journey. The team worked closely together to streamline
and prioritize efforts while getting to know each other over a computer screen.
While there were several lessons learned along the way, such as the importance of gathering employee feedback and ensuring the engagement and
employee support of the broader effort, the team is in a much better place today – and the timing couldn’t be better given the increasing volatility in the markets and the uncertainty in the economic landscape that could lead to a
deterioration in the fundamentals for credit issuers. Jennifer highly recommends seeking opportunities to expand your career and your horizons, and look for all that your firm has to offer.
Jennifer Rosenblum, CFA
Senior Managing Director, Mesirow
Did you have a clear vision for your career when you were younger?
No, not at all. A number of what I would call “accidents” led me to where I am today. I decided to major in finance at the University of Illinois, mostly
because I liked math and my father was in the investment world. The decision made sense at the time, but it wasn’t the result of a deep dive to figure out where I really wanted to concentrate my studies. It was mostly about getting
a job! And when I graduated in 1988, I still did not have a vision for my career. I just wanted a job — any job that would allow me to move out of my parents' home and support myself. When I think back over my career path, it still
always surprises me. It seems that I fell into my dream job and I now get to pursue my passion of helping people.
What led you to join Mesirow?
The first time I looked for a job I cast a wide net, and
I found a job as a wealth advisor at a small firm. After the birth of my first son, my employer offered me a flexible work schedule for a year. Although I felt like I did the same amount of work, it was helpful to be in the office
only four days a week (there was no working from home back then). Several months into that year, the management team promoted to partner three of my peers. Although I had been at the company for longer, I was told that I had been passed
over because I was working less than full time. That’s when I decided I needed to leave that firm.
My second job search was more narrowly focused than my first. My father had worked as a stock broker for Mesirow when I was
a kid and I knew that the firm had women in some of the top management roles. A professional contact on Mesirow’s bond trading desk told me about an opening for a wealth advisor in their asset management group. I applied and got the
job. I knew right away I had made the right move — for the first time in my professional life, my colleagues and managers started asking for my opinion!
What career lessons have you learned that you think have been most valuable?
I think it’s valuable to ask for what you want. For a long time, I wanted to be on the executive committee of our department. But I thought I should wait for someone else to make it happen. I assumed someone would recognize
that my experience and perspective (and the fact that I was not a man) would be valuable assets to the committee. At the same time, it seemed to me as though asking for the position would somehow diminish the achievement. One day I
attended a women’s investment advisor conference, where a panelist spoke about how women have a tendency to wait for someone else to give them what they want, rather than asking for it. That struck a chord, and as soon as I returned
to work, I went straight to my boss and asked to be on the executive committee. He said that the idea had never crossed his mind! Two weeks after that, I officially became a member of the committee.
I had been in the work
world for many years (too many) before I realized that what I wanted was relevant! Advocating for myself completely changed my work satisfaction and personal life.
Meighan Phillips
Portfolio Manager, Principal Global Investors
How did your early career decisions lead to your first portfolio manager role? Are there any particular influences or formative experiences that you would like to share?
When I reflect back on early career experiences,
one common theme that led to my role today was saying “yes” to new development opportunities, often meaning I was at the edge of my comfort zone. It still happens now! The first of those decisions was taking an internship at Principal
Real Estate Investors (“PrinREI”). PrinREI has a nine-month co-op internship program and to participate, interns take a semester off school. It was very unconventional at the time and I was concerned about leaving school in the midst
of my junior year. That “yes” led to another “yes” in joining the firm as an acquisition analyst and was the foundation of a career in commercial real estate. Since then, there have been more roles, projects, and presentations that
stretched my comfort and skillset, but also fostered growth, development, and progression. I wouldn’t be in this role today without those opportunities and more importantly, the leaders, mentors, and advocates who helped shape my path
thus far.
What attracted you to real estate?
Real estate is such a unique facet of finance and so often the tangible manifestation of secular trends and the macroeconomic environment. It’s dynamic and
nuanced – two adjacent apartment buildings in Austin, TX may generate very different return performance because it depends on so many factors - investment strategy, site selection, physical improvements, marketing, leasing, property
management, etc. We can continuously influence performance of a building based on the decisions we make against a backdrop of evolving market fundamentals. I’ve been in real estate since 2005 and each day has provided different challenges
and learning moments. In portfolio management, I love connecting all the pieces of our organization – research, transactions, asset management, accounting, IT, marketing – with our clients, consultants, industry groups and academics.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve had to navigate in your career?
The Global Financial Crisis was the most challenging period of my career. That period of time from late 2008 through 2010 was one of the
most difficult and stressful, but was also very fertile ground for learning. Last year, at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, our portfolio management team came together and immediately recalled those lessons. We managed our core
strategy together through the GFC and in many ways, that provided a lot of clarity as we’ve addressed the new challenges and persistent uncertainty of COVID.
What is the best advice you have received and what advice do you have for young women aspiring to be portfolio managers?
Ask for growth opportunities – not just any opportunity – but the ones that align with your interests, your experience, and your firm’s needs – even when those opportunities are on the edge of your comfort zone. And maybe more
importantly, ask for often and genuinely want to hear constructive feedback on your performance. If you want to be a portfolio manager, make it known! Find out what educational background and career experience you need and get with
your leader to define a path. At the same time, find a mentor AND an advocate who are willing to help you along the way.
What are you most passionate about and why?
I’m terrible at answering “best” and
“most” questions! If you ask my kids, I don’t even like to list a single favorite color, movie, or song. That said, our family is committed to children’s philanthropy across the board. We’re interested in ways we can help at-risk kids
in our community, provide expanded access to educational opportunities, and help children that are sick. To that end, together with two other families, we started theiowawaveshirt.org to benefit the University of Iowa Stead Family
Children’s Hospital.
If you aren’t familiar, the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics completed construction on a new children’s hospital in 2017. That hospital happens to overlook Kinnick Stadium and through a grassroots social media campaign started
by an Iowa football fan, all 70,000 game attendees turn and wave to kids in the hospital after the first quarter of each home game. It’s a really incredible experience for the kids and fans alike – and particularly close to our hearts
as our daughter was treated for a life-threatening illness there in 2016. Over the last four seasons, the individuals and retailers throughout the community have shown an outpouring of support to the kids through the purchase of Iowa
Wave Shirt gear. We donate all profits to the hospital and at the same time, the kids treated there get to see tens of thousands of people out and about wearing Iowa Wave Shirts as an outward symbol of their support.
Annika Lombardi
Portfolio Manager, Lord Abbett
How did your early career decisions lead to your first portfolio manager role? Are there any particular influences or formative experiences that you would like to share?
I started my career right out of college as a
credit analyst in Philadelphia. I didn’t major in finance, so the first couple of years were definitely a learning experience! I was very fortunate to have managers that were invested in teaching me and helping me develop as an analyst.
The most influential career decision I’ve made was to move to London 2010. I had no idea how it would go and several people told me I was taking too much of a risk, but it was the best decision. I learned so much about how to evaluate
markets on a global scale, how different types of investors think, and how to integrate ESG factors into the investment process.
In terms of specific people, I worked for a portfolio manager in London (hi David!) who without
a doubt was the biggest influence in how I developed as an investor. I knew how to analyze companies and industries, but I wasn’t necessarily good at knowing how to make money investing in them – he really helped me fill in the missing
pieces and to start thinking like an investor.
What is the best advice you have received and what advice do you have for young women aspiring to be portfolio managers?
There were a couple times in my career where I wasn’t sure I was experienced enough for a new role – the best advice I received was “just go for it!” You could possibly fail, but if you are motivated to succeed then it’s more likely that
you will rise to the challenge, learn what you need to learn and do just fine.
On a similar note, the best piece of advice would be to say “Yes” to new opportunities. Job offer overseas? Take it. Opportunity to work with
a new committee or new team? Take it. New Project? Say Yes. I’ve found the most growth (personally and professionally) comes when you’re slightly uncomfortable and over your head.
What are some of the most challenging demands that a portfolio manager encounters and how do you overcome them?
For me, the most challenging part of being a portfolio manager is being confident and decisive in my investment decisions, while continually evaluating them in light of new data or other opinions. The more you learn, the more
you realize what you don’t know, so I think it’s a tricky balance between being confident in your views while being humble enough to realize when they should be changed. I don’t know if this is something you can ever “overcome,” but
time and experience definitely make it easier!
What attracted you to Lord Abbett and the Climate Focused Bond Fund?
I moved back to the US in 2017, and at the time Lord Abbett was expanding their global
investment capabilities so it really was a perfect fit for me in terms of my experience meshing very well with the firm’s existing strategies and global growth plans. I also really love the energy and culture of the firm – my colleagues
are very smart and driven, which drives me to perform better.
The Climate Focused Bond Fund was launched a
couple years after I joined the firm, and I was very fortunate to be able to be involved in the fund launch process (a new experience for me!). It’s been a great combination of working for a successful, established firm while still
having the entrepreneurial aspect of developing new products.
How is your day to day career contributing to a better world?
While my career is not nearly as impactful as those in medical or public service
sectors, being involved in the ESG space has been a wonderful way to combine investing with impact. Encouraging the issuers we invest in to become more sustainable, whether by reducing waste or treating their workforce better, will
hopefully lead to positive change.
As a portfolio manager, do you have a preferred news source that you read on a daily basis? What do you particularly like about it?
I’m on Bloomberg all day, so that’s
where I get most of my news. It’s fast and pulls in stories from many different sources. I also make sure I check international news sources like the BBC since stories can sometimes be reported differently in different countries. Since
launching the Climate Bond Fund, I also use many more thematic news sources, like Responsible Investor or Renewables Now.
What do you enjoy most about working in the financial services industry?
It’s
never boring! Every single day there are new challenges and new decisions that need to be made – it requires me to be continually learning and improving.
If you could do any other job full time, what would it be and why?
I’m a former athlete (fencer) who’s passionate about health and fitness, so I’d most likely be a coach!
Sau Mui, CFA
Portfolio Manager, PPM America
Can you tell us about the evolution of your career?
My entire career before portfolio management was in credit research. I started in high yield credit research, working as an associate covering the healthcare and telecommunications
sectors alongside a senior analyst. After I gained the skill set to evaluate credits, I became a generalist in credit research. I enjoyed being a generalist because it allowed to me look at different sectors. It was during my time
as a generalist that I knew I wanted to become a portfolio manager. As a sector specialist, you have names that you cover, and your ideas will come from those names. As a generalist, anything is fair game, so the investable universe
becomes much larger. I like looking for investment ideas across sectors, across capital structures and across ratings.
PPM America, Inc. (PPM), where I currently work as a portfolio manager of the PPM America Core Plus Fixed Income Strategy, is a great organization in that we have a team-based approach. I work with portfolio manager Mike Kennedy
on our core plus fixed income and credit strategies. We look at every investment decision together, from macro themes down to individual securities. Mike is a great mentor and I appreciate learning from his track record throughout
many cycles in his 30+ years of managing money. My goal is to have a successful career in portfolio management, and I cannot think of a better person to learn from.
What do you enjoy most about your day-to-day work?
It is rewarding to see the impact I have on the portfolios. I like the challenge of investing with imperfect information. Investors rarely have all the information they need to make decisions, but we do the best we can with
the available information and trust that we have the right framework and process in place. It requires a lot of discipline and is very intellectually stimulating.
Who has influenced you the most throughout your career?
Warren Buffett has had the biggest influence in the way I think about investments. There are many ways to generate alpha, but my core investment philosophy is value investing. I think the price an investor pays for an asset
and having the right temperament are incredibly important. Sometimes the market can overshoot and get misaligned with fundamentals, and we need to have the right temperament to capture those opportunities.
What advice do you have for young women professionals?
My advice to young women professionals is to work hard and dream big. It’s good to be ambitious and to have high expectations. Due to the lack of female role models in many senior positions, we must dream big to make it happen.
Just because there aren’t a lot of women in senior positions now does not mean it won’t happen in the future. At the same time, we have to put in the hard work and do the best in every task we are given.
Katherine Collins
Head of Sustainable Investing, Putnam Investments
What drew you to the investment industry?
I love the puzzle that investing presents – the world is constantly evolving and you never have complete information, and yet with hard work and thoughtful analysis you can
gain insights that are unique and valuable. As an active, fundamental investor who is focused on sustainability, the way that investing has the potential to help shape our world for the better is my top motivation.
How has Putnam supported women?
Putnam’s investment team has more women in leadership roles than most of our peers; though we are still a long way from gender parity, it is finally unusual for me to be the only woman in the room. As a newer member of the
Putnam team, I’ve found that the culture demands excellence, and at the same time is also very collaborative – this is a powerful combination. The premise is that you have something important to contribute, not that you need to continuously
prove your merit over and over again. This frees up a tremendous amount of time and energy to do great work on behalf of our clients and shareholders.
How did you typically achieve a promotion you were working towards?
I’m a researcher at heart, and it’s been helpful to systematically analyze my own progress and performance over the years, and to keep track of it so that it’s easier to discuss with others. Investing lends itself to both quantitative
and qualitative evaluations, which is a plus.
Can you speak to a memorable challenge and how you overcame it?
Early on in my career, I was passed over for an opportunity that I knew I deserved, and some
reference was made to the other person “wanting it more.” I had to clarify that my lack of complaining was not a lack of ambition, which is a disappointing reflection on how we assess worthiness in many professional settings. We often
reward loudness instead of merit. This experience had a big impact on how I managed large teams later in my career.
What advice do you have for other women in the industry?
One important area where I
did not focus my time and attention early in my career was in fostering relationships outside of my own team and my own company. As I’ve built out more relationships with different types of people and organizations over the years,
each professional challenge has gotten easier and more importantly, my life has been enriched.
What's your biggest professional regret?
When I started in this profession, there was a prevalent culture
that was competitive in all the wrong ways – a culture that still exists in some pockets of finance. I wish I had been more confident earlier in personally demonstrating how the root words of “compete” mean “to strive together” – totally
different from the zero-sum thinking that pervades much of finance.
Emma Rodriguez-Ayala
General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, Legal & General Investment Management America
What drew you to the investment industry?
The sheer creativity of investment professionals. Anyone who thinks left-brained folks are not creative has not seen an investment strategist, a product specialist, and an investment
attorney make magic with synthetic products. Also, a lot of free lunches (what can I say, I joined this industry when I was a broke student).
How did you typically achieve a promotion you were working towards?
The cliff notes are a lot of hard work on my part, support from at least one strong advocate, and a good amount of “perfect timing”. The reality is that you don’t get a promotion because you work hard for it. Hard work and
dedication is table stakes. You need the support of a strong advocate that can help you maneuver the nuances of internal politics (particularly if, like me, you hate internal politics and steer clear of the water cooler!), so that
ultimately things fall in place due to what everyone calls “perfect timing”, which is just waiting for the moment when you are ready, the business is ready and your advocate is ready to make the ask. But don’t forget the ask! You can’t
complain about being passed over for a promotion that you never told anyone you wanted.
Can you speak to a memorable challenge and how you overcame it?
Being in financial services, particularly investment
management, is not for the faint of heart. Change is constant, and businesses go up and down all the time. The hardest challenge I’ve had career-wise was leading my team through a corporate reorganization, not knowing if and how our
team would survive at the end. Since I couldn’t control the ending, I focused on doing everything in my power to ensure my teammates had the skills and internal visibility needed to land safely on the other side (for those who wanted
that outcome). My team did land safely, but I still chose to leave that organization at the end and took almost a year off to travel throughout the U.S. with my newborn son, husband, and dog. Which takes me to my answer on how to overcome
challenges – always remember that you are the driver, and not the passenger, in your career so, no matter what is happening, it’s in your power to choose where to go and what to do.
How has LGIMA supported women?
At the core of Legal & General Group (the LGIMA parent company) is a commitment to inclusive capitalism – the idea that we can make capitalism work for all of us. I can see that translated at LGIMA in many ways. From a
market facing perspective, you can see inclusive capitalism in how we help clients with pension stabilization (helping pension plans keep their promises to all participants), lifetime income generation for retirees, and investment
sustainability/stewardship. But it may be even more evident from an internal facing perspective, where our leadership strives to create an inclusive environment for our professionals. From our general employee resource group (the Culture
Working Group), to our women’s affinity group (The Women’s Collective), which focuses on engaging and encouraging the advancement of our women professionals, to our ongoing efforts to seek out input from employees at all levels, to
our active recruiting of diverse professionals (including that now 3 out of the 7 executive committee members are women), in how we invest to how we run our business, LGIMA lives its commitment to inclusive capitalism. That’s what
attracted me to LGIMA and why I love working here. (Did I mention that my commute is also a 4 minute walk? Because that is probably what I love the most about working here...)
What advice do you have for other women in the industry?
An old boss once gave me one of those demotivational posters that said “Get to work; you aren’t getting paid to believe in the power of your dreams.” I’ve carried it with me to every job as a reminder that some people underestimate
the power of having goals and a vision. I kill it at my job because I know it is helping me build the life that I dream for myself and my family. So my advice is always this – “Get to work; you are getting paid to power your dreams.”
What's your biggest professional regret?
Not getting professional makeup and hair done for every professional headshot taken. The internet remembers your first headshot from your first job. Forever.
