|
How has the industry changed in the time that you have been part of it?
I have witnessed many changes over the last 30 years, from decimalization, penny spreads, reg NMS, electronic access, algorithms, dark pools, thousands of people on the floor of the NYSE, numerous Nasdaq traders upstairs at various firms, and the list goes on. Your ears and mouth would hurt from talking on the phone all day with traders and clients to receiving orders now electronically or via Bloomberg IBs. The world has changed now, trading floors are quieter and there are less phone calls. However, the relationship side of this business is still alive and even more important. Having the old school approach to business has served me well and continues to do so.
What are you most proud of in your career and why?
The day I became the President of STANY was one the biggest highlights of my career because it is an organization of my peers that has meant so much to me personally and professionally. I joined STANY the year I joined the Nasdaq trading desk at Dominick & Dominick in 1995 and have been an active member ever since. The friends and contacts I have made throughout my career have helped me to have longevity in this industry.
How has working at a small broker dealer shaped your career?
The benefit of working at a firm of roughly 150 people is the much broader scope of my responsibilities and the impact I can individually have on the overall performance of our team. I perform multiple trading functions and cover a broad array of clients. I provide execution services for many of our firm’s key large and small asset managers. I have the opportunity to meet with treasury teams of Fortune 100 to Russell 2000 corporations to discuss our share repurchase capabilities, where I offer solutions that compete directly against bulge bracket firms on performance. I am frequently tasked with representing the firm and our trading desk. I am driven to help our clients be successful and help our desk “punch above its weight”.
Do you have any words of wisdom for the next generation of women in finance?
The one piece of advice that I would share to the next generation of both women and men in this industry is to constantly add to your skillset and never stop learning. For me that has meant many things. First, taking my background trading on a principal basis and pivoting to trade directly for clients in an agency capacity. Next, embracing and understanding electronic trading capabilities and algorithms to trade more efficiently for multiple clients. Then, adding more FINRA licenses so that I could hedge programs with futures, a skill needed at a prior firm, to eventually trading directly for corporations, a skill I have used at several firms including my current firm. Always continue to ask questions and keep learning. I heard someone recently say that everyone should try to excel at something that makes them a true specialist in that skill - for me that area is share repurchase for corporations, for someone else, it might be market structure. Find that one area and own it - make yourself invaluable.
Networking and getting involved in industry organizations is essential. Join your local STA affiliate and connect with others outside your firm. Find time for charitable organizations and get involved, the dedication of time means so much to others and makes you a better person as well.
Finally, mentor and give back to younger professionals. I am forever grateful to those who took me under their wing at events and encouraged me to get involved. Additionally, continue to pay it forward with others that are looking for new opportunities. There is no better feeling than helping someone with gain a new role or their first one.
| 
