Celebrating Leadership: The Most Powerful Women in Finance 2024

Celebrating Leadership: The Most Powerful Women in Finance 2024

Rock The Street, Wall Street is proud to celebrate our incredible partners featured in American Banker’s Most Powerful Women in Finance 2024.

Special recognition to Jenny Johnson (Franklin Templeton), Anu Aiyengar (JPMorgan Chase), Thasunda Brown Duckett (TIAA), Lynn Martin (NYSE), and Adena Friedman (Nasdaq).

Their leadership and dedication continue to inspire and pave the way for the next generation of young women entering the financial industry.

https://www.americanbanker.com/list/the-most-powerful-women-in-finance-2024

Breaking Barriers: “She-Wolves” Sheds Light on Women in Finance

Breaking Barriers: “She-Wolves” Sheds Light on Women in Finance

Paulina Bren’s She-Wolves: The Untold History of Women on Wall Street traces the untold history of women fighting to break into the male-dominated finance industry. From Tennessee Claflin and Victoria Woodhull opening a brokerage firm in the 1800s, to Muriel Siebert becoming the first woman to buy a seat on the NYSE, the book highlights progress and ongoing challenges.

Despite gains in business school enrollment and entry-level jobs, women still face underrepresentation in leadership — a narrative we at Rock The Street, Wall Street aim to change.

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/16/books/review/she-wolves-paulina-bren.html

TIAA CEO Thasunda Brown Duckett on Living Life Like a “Diversified Portfolio”

TIAA CEO Thasunda Brown Duckett on Living Life Like a “Diversified Portfolio”

In a recent episode of the This is Working podcast, TIAA CEO Thasunda Brown Duckett shared her unique perspective on work-life balance, which she believes is a “lie.” Instead, she approaches her life as a “diversified portfolio,” constantly recalibrating to ensure she outperforms over time.

Duckett emphasizes the importance of gratitude in maintaining productivity and highlights the value of being open to feedback and inspiration from diverse sources. This philosophy reflects a broader commitment to adaptability and inclusion, values that are essential in both personal and professional growth. Her insights are a powerful reminder of the importance of diverse perspectives in achieving long-term success.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/advice-ceo-financial-giant-always-gives-take-some-paths-daniel-roth-ubvme/

Denver Foundation Highlights the Impact of Diverse Asset Managers

Denver Foundation Highlights the Impact of Diverse Asset Managers

In a recent article, the Denver Foundation delves into the importance of investing with diverse asset managers. The piece emphasizes how diversity in asset management not only enhances investment performance but also aligns with broader goals of equity and inclusion.

By prioritizing diverse asset managers, organizations can achieve stronger financial outcomes while promoting a more inclusive financial industry. The article underscores the significant role that diverse perspectives play in driving innovation and resilience in investment strategies.

https://denverfoundation.org/2024/08/investing-with-diverse-asset-managers-for-stronger-performance/

Dramatic Increase in All-Male Boards Among Aim-Listed Companies

Dramatic Increase in All-Male Boards Among Aim-Listed Companies

According to a recent analysis by WB Directors reported by The Times, smaller Aim-listed companies are experiencing a troubling rise in the number of all-male boards. Despite the disappearance of all-male boards in FTSE 100 companies, smaller companies on the Alternative Investment Market (Aim) have seen a significant increase in gender imbalance. The count of Aim-listed companies with no female board members escalated from 108 to 187, marking 35% of the junior market’s companies as male-only boards, up from 18% in the previous year.

This rise is attributed to two main factors: the replacement of female directors by men and the listing of new companies that were previously private and had all-male boards. Fiona Hathorn, CEO of WB Directors, expressed concern over this development, emphasizing the danger of losing focus on the critical issue of gender diversity in the boardroom.

For more details, read the full article by Patrick Hosking on The Times. https://www.thetimes.com/business-money/companies/article/number-of-aim-listed-companies-with-all-male-boards-rises-by-73-percent-5brqgxvlp#:~:text=The%20number%20of%20companies%20listed,cent%20from%20108%20to%20187

Challenges for New College Graduates in the Job Market

Challenges for New College Graduates in the Job Market

A recent New York Times article by Peter Coy, Opinion Writer, highlights the difficulties many new college graduates face in securing employment, despite a low unemployment rate of 3.9 percent in April. Anecdotal evidence and a detailed report from Goldman Sachs economist Elsie Peng reveal that the job-finding rate for new entrants, particularly fresh college graduates, has declined. Key insights from this analysis and additional expert opinions include:

  1. COVID-19 Impact: Remote learning during the pandemic may have hindered graduates’ training, networking, and social capital accumulation.
  2. Job Market Balance: The labor market is stabilizing, allowing employers to be more selective.
  3. Increased Competition: Some graduates with student loan debt are re-entering the job market, intensifying competition.
  4. Employer Caution: Economic uncertainties, such as fluctuating interest rates and consumer demand, make employers cautious about hiring.

The article suggests that traditional job application methods, like submitting resumes through job portals, have a low success rate. Personal connections and targeted applications are recommended strategies. Additionally, college work experience and internships significantly enhance job prospects.

Efforts are being made to address these challenges, emphasizing the importance of employer responsibility in improving the college-to-job transition, especially for underrepresented groups like single mothers.

At Rock The Street, Wall Street (RTSWS), we recognize the importance of equipping young women with the skills and confidence needed to navigate these challenging job markets. Our programs focus on Financial & Investment literacy, mentoring, and early career support to bridge the gap between education and employment. By providing diverse high school girls with the tools they need to succeed in the financial industry, we help ensure that more graduates are prepared to secure meaningful employment and build a brighter economic future.