1-Year as President of BlackRock Speaks

March 12, 2024

Today is my 1-year anniversary as President of BlackRock Speaks London.

In addition to being promoted this year, I was also recognized for my work as President by a Managing Director who has been with BlackRock for over 25 years!

Special thanks to Stephen Carle, Deputy Global Head of Investment Platform Team, who has been a big sponsor for me here at BlackRock.

He's created numerous opportunities for me by leveraging his deep connections throughout the firm, connections he's been building since 1998 (when I was just 2 years old!).

Because of him, this past year I've been able to speak to audiences of:

  • 100+ Summer Interns
  • 200+ in BlackRock Global Markets
  • 300+ EMEA Managing Directors
  • 700+ London Vice Presidents
  • And so much more...

But that's enough about me - what has BlackRock Speaks done this past year?

BlackRock Speaks has been a champion in DEI, gaining a reputation as a safe space for practicing public speaking for colleagues all over the firm.

We've also had a new Managing Director guest speaker join us every single month for the last 7 months (except for the December holiday period).

BlackRock Speaks has not missed a single session since 2022, maintaining strong momentum. Consistency is key to growth!

We've also increased our global connectivity, warmly welcoming colleagues from all over the world, and hosting the first ever joint London, New York, and San Francisco session - which was a smash hit!

Honestly, I really wouldn't have been able to do this all without a supportive leadership committee full of rockstars (BlackRock-stars?).

I'm grateful for my team who made this possible!

One key lesson I get from all this is:

If you work in the corporate world, you need a sponsor!

How do you get a sponsor?:

By exhibiting behaviours that indicate that the sponsor's sponsorship of you will not go to waste or make your sponsor look bad.

So, show that you are highly motivated, hard working and capable; and then you will naturally align with sponsors who will WANT to sponsor you.

The marathon continues 🏃🏿‍♂️



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