Eden Simmer (PIMCO), Cathy Gibson (RLAM) and Vernita Exum (Vanguard) at the 7 th annual ATF Global Summit 2019
flexible schedules and working
arrangements has not advanced as
much. Perception around maternity
leave and parental leave has definitely
improved but often not to an extent
that it offers women the optimal
balance of work and raising children.
time or do not bring a sense of purpose through supporting each other and
not pushing each other down are we
or fulfilment. I try to focus on the big
things and each year when I'm
setting my career objectives, I also
When success starts coming your way,
set personal objectives that I want
make sure to reach back and pull other
to accomplish. Most importantly, I
talented women up with you
practice self-care. I often find that
women tend to put everyone first
before taking care of themselves, but to going to be able to drive and promote
operate at an optimal productivity level, true equality in our industry, both in
How do you optimise work/life
representation as a percentage of the
mental and physical health are of the
balance?
workforce as well as in compensation
utmost importance.
and promotion.
I don't think there really is one way
Can you share any personal
to optimize work/life balance but for
What advice would you give to the
experiences that have either helped
me, it's more of an understanding that
next generation of women who aspire
you in your career in buy-side trading?
prioritization is paramount and that
to become successful buy-side traders
some things are going to fall through
like yourselves?
I have had experiences of having very
the cracks and you can't beat yourself
strong relationships with other women
up for that. Accept help from others,
Raise your hand for new opportunities
in the trading industry and we have
learn to delegate and release control,
for advancement and although you
supported each other and helped each
pick the right team if you are in a
may not check off all the qualities
other to advance and I have
on the job description, have the
also
experienced
the
flip
to operate at an optimal productivity
confidence in yourself to put your
side
of
that,
just
as
I
have
level, mental and physical health are of
hand up and learn what you need to
with my male counterparts.
the utmost importance
know. Surround yourself with people
I believe that negative
that offer support and honesty and
experiences are just as
that will hold up a mirror to you.
important as positive ones to help in
managerial position and really focus on
Support other women, this is critical
career progression and development.
what motivates individual teammates.
to break the mindset that because of
Because of both experiences, I have
It's ok to say no to non-value add
the scarcity of women, only a few can
been able to make conscious decisions
meetings if they aren't the best use of
along the way of the examples I want to succeed. When success starts coming
your time.
your way, make sure to reach back and
follow, keeping in mind the managers
and colleagues that I respected and still pull other talented women up with
At home, I try to outsource elements of
you.
keep in contact with to this day. Only
my life that are not the best use of my
Spring 2019
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