Women in Data®’s Post

My career in Finance officially started at HSBC back in 2005. Before that I had interned at Vanguard & UBS Global Wealth Management. The best advice I received at Vanguard was from current Vanguard CEO Tim Buckley. Tim was still a Principal running their Information & Technology Group back then. He had recently graduated from Harvard Business School & somehow I had scored an in-person interview. Tim gave me a presentation on the concept of core competency when charting one’s career. This was the moment I learned about my ability to orchestrate value-added gatherings. I would later score in-person meetings with Gus Sauter, Jack Brennan & Bill McNaab in my internship at Vanguard When I started at HSBC; It was easy to get lost in an international banking giant. Back then, there were clear demarcations between Management, Front Office Traders, Middle Office, and Back office professionals. It was tribal, and it was easy to almost never interact with other groups unless it was over email and phones. But I remembered Tim Buckley’s advice. In the fall of 2006, I orchestrated a gathering that turned out to be a success: An indoor Soccer tournament between Front office staff and Back office staff in the Foreign Exchange group. For one evening, the event broke down the assumed barriers between front office and back office. I also learned that night that Hockey players are very fast runners and can do some serious scoring in soccer. It turned out to be a great evening. I have always pursued this approach in my career. Gathering people of different backgrounds, and interests to produce great performance and opportunities for everyone. I highly recommend this approach. Matthew Malakoff Samer Oweida Tom O'Hara Barry McCarraher Bill Sebring Nancy Riyad

Straight after graduating, I got a job at a British investment bank, Barclays Capital - it wasn't working out so I made a random application to Morgan Stanley's HR department who connected me to their Securitised Products Group (SPG) team. After several interviews, I became SPG's 15th(ish) hire in London. When I left 6 years later the team was over 100. During those years I felt first-hand the incredible benefits of being part of a fast-growing team. There was an energy, an influx of talent, it was really easy to get insane bonuses. My colleagues were on another level to those I met in my other years in IB. My annual compensation went up 5-fold in 5 years - ok, my performance played a role - but, trust me, so did my team's. So, when you're looking for your next role find out to how quickly the team or group you're going into is growing, and understand the plan and its viability. Interview the team as much they interview you. That's because your team's success is possibly a bigger influence in your career success than your own personal performance, it’s that important. But joining a dream team is often about being at the right place at the right time. I mean, I didn't choose SPG - it chose me - and no-one expected its spectacular growth. Sure, that's not meritocratic, it's unfair. But, then again, so is life.

Firstly, sorry for the darker photo - as we all know, days are getting shorter and to put it straight, I’m just enjoying the peace and calmness, especially before a very busy and intense few weeks approaches! So, next week is the start of my new career, in the banking sector (with Barclays UK)! 👌🙏😍 The next few weeks are going to be very intense with the training period and an awful lot for me to take in, and adapt to. I am looking incredibly forward to a new chapter in employment, which I haven’t ever worked in and even more so a well deserved working life balance and flexibility, taking into account my job is also a Hybrid role, too. I can’t wait to develop myself on a more professional basis, and take my mind and testament to the next chapter, awaiting to be achieved! ANYTHING IS ACHIEVABLE! The last couple of months, if not, since February has/have been a nightmare and I’ve had to take the hit and make some decisions (which have only made me that bit stronger and open to greater level of discipline), but worth all my efforts and energy. Retail has done me proud and put me through a great deal of success and challenges. It has made me a better person, and I have naturally watched myself grow from my main career being retail based. However, retail is just no longer the same (and yes, many companies are doing the absolute best to survive), also the resources that I was once able to rely on and those training resources are just no longer there for me. Retail always used to be a great place for being yourself at work, without the stress and pressure we all go through now! Wyboston Lakes Resort has so far been a great pleasure to work at (casual contract - no intention to leave Wyboston), and more to the point, a private employer that is a fantastic local one in St Neots! An employer that prides itself on as much as it possibly can! ❤️ (P.S. Yes, I know I admire natural scenery and tranquility so much, and I know I am someone who is obsessed with the peacefulness - I find being beside the riverfront a rare luxury, and has done me good since before lockdown! It’s also so healthy for the mindset!)

Last week I returned to work after a 12 month sabbatical. 17 countries 🌍, 15 islands 🏝️ , 4 jungles 🐒, 1 volcano 🌋 later, I am home. The opportunity to travel the world, knowing that my job awaited me upon my return has been a dream come true. As I attempt to process the last 12 months and reintegrate into the world of work, here are some of my initial reflections: 🧳 Solo travel may be daunting but it is unbelievably liberating. It taught me that strength and resilience that comes from building a great relationship with yourself first and foremost, and that true freedom emerges when you discover your real purpose and genuine desires in life. 👯♀️ While I learned to cherish solitude, you are really never alone when you travel and the opportunity to meet so many amazing people from vastly different cultures and communities is invaluable. Every interaction, big and small, provides the opportunity to learn and see the world from a different perspective. 🦋 The ability and freedom to travel safely is a privilege most people across the world don’t have. Remember that next time you decide not to use all your holiday allowance! 🌱Letting go of places and people you love can be challenging, but it paves the way for new experiences and growth. Leave before the party is over, always. There’s always something better waiting for you. 🗣️Learning a new language offered insights into different facets of my personality and gave me a microscopic insight into how it feels to feel isolated due to language barriers - as a native English speaker I was humbled to remember what a privilege this is. 👣 Fear is not a valid reason to avoid new challenges. Embrace the fear and do it anyway, I promise you will return with a perspective you could never have imagined. And finally, returning to Lloyds Banking Group has been a heartwarming experience filled with hugs, catch-ups, and a fantastic hand-over. I work for a fantastic company and I am truly grateful for this opportunity. Here’s to new beginnings and a fresh chapter — bring it on! #ReturnToWork #Sabbatical #HR #LloydsBankingGroup

A few weeks ago I took part in an enriching 4-day virtual work experience with the Bank of England! Over the 4 days, I had the incredible opportunity to dive deep into the workings of one of the most influential institutions in the world. This experience not only broadened my understanding of the Bank of England's pivotal role in the economy but also equipped me with invaluable skills and insights. Understanding the Bank of England: We started by exploring the Bank's primary functions, including maintaining monetary and financial stability. This foundational knowledge was crucial in appreciating the broader impact of the Bank's work on the economy and society. Collaborative Project Work: I was placed in a group with other bright minds, where we collaborated on a project that challenged us to think critically and creatively. Presenting our findings at the end of the experience was a rewarding way to apply what we had learned. Skills Builders: Throughout the program, we engaged in skills-building sessions that helped hone our abilities in areas such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving—skills that are not only essential in a banking environment but also in any professional setting. Recruitment Insights: We had a chance to delve into the Bank’s recruitment process, gaining a better understanding of what they look for in candidates. This session was particularly enlightening, providing practical tips and guidance on how to stand out in such a competitive field. Speed Networking: One of the most exciting parts of the experience was the speed networking session, where we connected with various professionals from the Bank. It was a fantastic opportunity to ask questions, exchange ideas, and learn from their experiences. Career Stories: Hearing the career journeys of Bank of England employees was truly inspiring. Their diverse paths and the passion they have for their work reminded me of the importance of perseverance, continuous learning, and staying open to new opportunities. I’m incredibly grateful to the Bank of England for organizing this virtual experience and for the chance to learn from such esteemed professionals. This experience has undoubtedly strengthened my interest in the financial sector, and I look forward to applying the skills and knowledge I’ve gained in my future endeavors. #BankofEngland #VirtualWorkExperience #Finance #CareerDevelopment #Networking #LearningJourney #Teamwork

Sharing a Wiser Academy visit of Fidelity International's London office. Some key takeaways from the office visit: - Fidelity wants people from all academic backgrounds. - Showing your interest in the industry is important. Fidelity has a free Investment Management Virtual Work Experience on Forage. It lets you experience what work at Fidelity can look like and boost your understanding when applying. Let me know if you would like to know more. #FidelityInternationalWiserAcademy

🏦 J.P. Morgan vs. Morgan Stanley: A Young Professional's Guide to Bank Culture in London 🇬🇧 Thinking about starting your finance career in London? Here's an insider's look at the cultural differences between J.P. Morgan and Morgan Stanley. As someone who's interacted with both, here are 5 key distinctions I've observed: 1. Work-Life Balance: JPM tends to have a more relaxed atmosphere, with people generally leaving earlier. At MS, you might find yourself burning the midnight oil more often. Choose your preferred intensity! 2. Office Vibe: JPM's impressive Canary Wharf building offers great facilities and a bustling environment. MS's office, while smaller, has its own charm. Consider where you'd feel most at home. 3. Team Dynamics: JPM often staffs more people on projects, potentially offering more learning opportunities but less individual responsibility. MS teams are leaner, meaning you might get thrown in the deep end sooner. 4. Global Exposure: Both have diverse teams, but I've noticed more continental European and Asian colleagues at MS. If you're multilingual, you might find more chances to use those skills here. 5. Development Focus: JPM seems to emphasize breadth, especially in coverage roles. MS is known for its attention to detail - great if you're a perfectionist! Remember, these are general observations. Your experience may vary depending on your team and role. The most important thing is finding the culture that resonates with you. What's your take? Any experiences to share? Let's discuss in the comments! #FinanceCareers #CultureMatters #JPMorgan #MorganStanley #LondonFinance

Have you lived through a mass redundancy during your career? Perhaps you got the chop? Or managed to survive & got lumped with 25% more work for 0% more pay. I’ve been through a couple myself: > Multiplex as an intern (before the Brookfield takeover) > EY (during the 07-08 Financial Crisis) Middle management were often the first to get the chop. The ones who did the least billable work, but had the highest pay. Those closest to the revenue & delivery were the most protected. Like us junior auditors churning out 10 hr days in windowless rooms. Now I am helping Agencies scale to $5 million and beyond The timing of when we bring on this middle layer is critical PLUS need to have the right cash reserves, and margins to do it Now it’s your turn 🎤 Have you got any redundancy survival stories? What lessons did you learn from them?

In a recent interview, Lazard’s Peter Orszag said junior bankers are willing to work 80-hour weeks because they feel their work gives them greater meaning and a sense of purpose. Going as far as you can as fast as you can, he added, is more alluring than a 9-5 office job full of boring, busy work. While I agree that meaningful, purpose-driven work is motivating, the implication that the extreme hours junior bankers put in stem primarily from passion misses the mark. Let's be clear: these grueling schedules often result from entrenched expectations – from workplace culture - not an abundance of purpose-driven tasks. In these cultures, the cost is severe - 77% of professionals report burnout, and productivity plummets beyond 50 weekly hours. The tragic death of Leo Lukenas after 100-hour weeks serves as a stark reminder of the risks. I also take issue with Orszag's characterization of 9-5 office jobs as "boring" and filled with "busy work" and the insinuation that these roles don’t give people a greater meaning and a sense of purpose. If you have a 9-5 (ish) office job, please share what you do when you are not burdened by boring, busy work. 🤪 🤔 Spoiler alert - a lot of incredible, powerful, important, fun, meaningful, purposeful ... work. #leadership #culture

At Goldman Sachs, I said yes to everything. And then I snapped. I was working on 11 projects at once and was asked to take on one more. I snapped and worst of all, I said “No” in a way that burnt the relationship. That experience taught me a lot. I went from burning bridges to mastering the art of saying no. Here is my playbook. I’m focusing specifically on saying no at work because it is harder than saying no to outside of work commitments. First of all, here is my “Saying No Checklist”. Ask yourself these 5 questions when you’re asked to take on something new: 1/ Is it aligned with your goals (e.g. learning)? 2/ Do you have the time and energy? 3/ What will you have to deprioritize if you take this on? 4/ Does it align with your values? 5/ Is it crossing any boundaries? A big mistake I see is waiting until you are at your limit before starting to say no! To actually say no at work, my trick is to be nice, thank them for the opportunity, and align your reason with the team’s goals. Ideally, offer an alternative solution too. Here are my 6 elegant ways to say no at work: 1/ You’re at capacity ↳ “I’m currently at capacity and don’t want to overcommit, as it could lead to underperformance.” 2/ Ask a prioritization question ↳ “I’ve already got [x], [y] and [z] on my plate and I don’t have much bandwidth. How should I prioritize between them and this new request?” ↳ Good for tricky situations. Usually leads to no. 3/ You want to bring your best to work ↳ “To ensure I can bring my best to work, I can’t take on any new projects right now.” 4/ Discuss your existing commitments ↳ “I can’t take on anything else until I’m done with [x].” 5/ Highlight how it might compromise your work quality ↳ “Taking on more projects right now could compromise the quality of my work.” 6/ Mention the Team Priorities: ↳ "To achieve our team’s objectives, I need to prioritize [x] and can’t take on new projects right now.” Let 2024 be the year you start saying No. It can be difficult. But you won’t achieve your dreams without it. P.S. what is your top tip for saying no? --- ♻️ Repost this to help your network become top performers. 📌 Want a high-resolution PDF of this? 1. Just follow me Will McTighe 2. Sign up for my free Level Up Community at lnkd.in/gKzZUq-b