How does your usual day look like?

I start my day at 8am and check emails and Slack messages for anything urgent and make sure I respond straight away. I read the latest news from several media while I am having breakfast (FT, The Economist, BBC, Reuters, etc.) to get up to speed on what is going on in the world and in my sector in particular. I check my calendar to remind myself of all commitments and see if I have to add or reschedule something for the day ahead. 

Currently, I work for a Tech platform which has a “remote first” policy, so I can work from home unless I have in person meetings (internal or with clients). This makes it easier and more efficient as I can avoid the commute and can concentrate 100% on what I am doing. It also doesn’t feel lonely as I spend most of my day on video calls with my colleagues. I have colleagues all around the world, so depending on what projects I am working on I will have a busy morning, a busy afternoon/evening when working with my US colleagues or both!

On a good day I will finish around 19.00 or 20.00 and get ready for dinner and a bit of relaxing time.

Before I go to sleep I always check my emails and Slack messages and my plans for the next day to make sure I am ready for all upcoming meetings the next day.

What are the things you like the most about your job?

Several things:

• I am 100% aligned with the mission of the company I work for - to bring social impact to capital markets. That resonated so much with me when I first came across this company, that I decided I had to work there

• The team is excellent, it is amazing to interact with extremely intelligent people with a very impressive background and experience, who are 100% focused on doing their job well

• The content of my job requires me to change to different projects - while challenging to get up to speed quickly in a new area I enjoy that challenge and how dynamic this is

• I love to see how people I have recruited or I am managing do really well (I am really proud of them!!!)

• Catch-up meetings with external parties are extremely interesting - I really enjoy being exposed to others’ personalities and being able to learn from their views and experiences

What are some of the skills you utilise the most in your day-to-day?

Communication is the key skill in my opinion. It determines how you come across within your company at all levels, as well as externally. 

For example, when I was in investment banking advising energy companies, everything was about communication - with the team and with our clients. I had to understand what the clients wanted to do and reflect it in our plans, presentations and into the communication with them and any other parties (eg a buyer of their assets), including a commercial spin in the right way (ie, if buyers, negotiation of an adequate position from the start; if sellers, adequate positioning of their assets in the best light possible).

Active listening to others and their aims and adjusting plans accordingly.

At my level, of course leadership skills, which include a lot of communication and active listening, as well as an ability to motivate individuals and bring them along in a journey with a common vision.

What was one of your happiest days in your career and why?

I have had many. My happiest days are when I or my team accomplish what I consider a significant milestone in whichever project I/we are working on and I am proud to have done this and to have done this well :) 

What has been your greatest challenge on your career path and how did you overcome it?

A change of industry (from investment banking to a tech company) was more challenging than I would have ever expected…

Lots of hours focused on learning as much as possible to come across as credible in the new job. Over time it has more than paid off, however initially it was tough! Always persevere and you will get there ;) 

What is something you had to learn to become better at your job?

To be self-confident and trust my instincts. If you are doubtful you won’t be able to convince others to join you in your journey. Also flexibility to understand the value of others’ ideas and to incorporate them in a common plan.

How did you get to become a VP Strategy?

Many (15!) years of experience in the financial sector and a move to a new sector in a company that had a different activity but closely interlinked with that sector. My understanding of the sector and its players is what got me the job and what I believe has led to my success in this company.

Empathy with the people I come across even if they have a completely different background or ways of doing things. Obviously a lot of hard work too…

What are the top three pieces of advice you would give to other women aiming to achieve long-term success in their careers?

Work hard, believe in yourself, stand up for yourself when needed

Professional networking for women matters because…

It is fundamental to know great people in different sectors to share experiences and knowledge