Managing Director/Senior Portfolio Manage - Baird

Q: What unique qualities do you believe sets you apart as a leader and woman of influence?
A: I think my experiences in life have developed some unique qualities/traits. I learned early on from my father about the importance of connections and relationships. He loved to meet people, connect with people and help people – and have fun too. He had a tremendous influence on the experiences and paths I followed in my life. I have qualities of creating strong relationships, connecting people and sharing my experiences so others can learn. I’m a good listener, thoughtful, and like to help solve problems. And I’ve learned to be really patient which is a skill I developed during my days of being a mother with young children. In 2005, our family expanded from 4 to 7 when we welcomed triplets! We had the unique experience of having 4 of our 5 children under the age of 2 years old! Boy oh boy, do you learn to be patient 😊!

Q: Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that shaped your path?
A: I made the decision to leave a job without having another job secured. The culture had shifted, and I really wasn’t happy with work I was doing or the environment. It was really scary to leave a job, a steady income, and it was a risk, but I wanted to take the risk and work in a better environment and with people I respected. I really had no idea if everything would work out, but I took a leap of faith. I’ve also had many small pivots throughout my career that shaped my path. I learned to raise my hand and volunteer for opportunities to take on new projects or to find other ways to contribute to the team. I focused on making sure I did my “day job” well and took extra care in the details of the project or task I was given. I think my mentality of doing a great job, no matter what the task, allowed me to grow as a leader on our team. I wanted my colleagues and clients to have confidence in my work.

Q: How do you define leadership, and how do you embody those qualities in your own life?
A: I embody a collaborative and supportive leadership style. I encourage associates to take on additional responsibilities so they can continue to grow. I also provide honest feedback as I believe that’s crucial to growing and learning. Sometimes those honest conversations can be difficult but that is usually when associates grow the most. Overall, I think being honest and having integrity are very important and I try to have those qualities as a foundation in all areas of my life - at work, in the community and as a mother and wife.

Other thoughts on this topic – important at work and at home too 😊:
-Be a good listener – truly listen, sometimes individuals just want to be heard, they aren’t necessarily looking for a solution just want their voice to be heard.
-Communication – communicate to your team and explain the “why” – it helps everyone to rally behind a project.
-Be approachable – create an environment so all feel welcome to approach you for guidance, advice, or direction.
-Be kind and provide flexibility – you want to retain top talent on your team, and everyone needs some flexibility during different stages of life – invest in your team for the long run.

Q: How do you pay it forward and support the next generation of leaders?
A: I think it’s important to develop associates so they can learn and be successful for years to come, they are the future of our team so it’s important to support them and guide their development. I actively participate in Baird’s formal mentor program. The program pairs rising female talent with senior women in the firm. It’s one of my favorite things to do, I love developing the relationship, sharing my path and stories so these young women can grow and thrive at Baird and at home. Informally, I enjoy connecting with my colleagues and provide guidance and direction on a day-to-day basis. I absolutely love watching colleagues grow and gain new skills and confidence! I also encourage associates to participate in one of our Associate Resource Groups as they can really learn and grow as a leader in a safe space.

Finally, I express gratitude to associates, it’s really easy to say “thank you” and let people know you appreciate them.

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