The Panellists:

The discussion, titled "Taking Your Career to the Next Level," featured a distinguished panel of Morgan Stanley professionals:

Jordan Clarke - Executive Director at Morgan Stanley, responsible for the Global Projects Team within GCM.

Chantelle Nyarko - Director within the Diversity and Inclusion Team at Morgan Stanley, and a member of the African and Caribbean Business Alliance and the Black Professionals Forum.

Taiwo Abiola - Analyst and Member of the Morgan Family Inclusive Ventures Lab team, which supports underrepresented founders (female and ethnic minorities) through a startup accelerator program.

Kume Feese - Business Risk Manager in the Bank Resource Management Division at Morgan Stanley, is also actively involved in the Afro Caribbean Business Alliance and the Black Professionals Forum.

Ian Waithira - Associate in the Global Capital Markets Team at Morgan Stanley.

Being Intentional in Your Career:

The panel discussion began with the theme of "intentional steps" in one's career journey. Each panellist shared personal experiences highlighting moments when they had to be intentional to progress in their careers.

Ian Waithira, an associate in the Global Capital Markets Team, shared his journey from a degree in exterior science to qualifying as an actuary. He realised his passion lay in investment banking and took the initiative to explore opportunities. His intentional step led him to the Morgan Stanley Experience Professional Program (MSEPP), which allowed him to transition successfully into the investment banking world, despite not having a finance background. His story emphasises that it's never too late to make a career change or explore new horizons.

Chantelle Nyarko, Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Morgan Stanley, stressed the importance of thinking beyond job titles. Instead, she encouraged individuals to focus on the activities and experiences that align with their career goals. She shared her background in recruitment and how she strategically leveraged her network to broaden her knowledge and advocate for herself.

Kume Feese emphasised the significance of internal mobility within the organisation. Her career journey at Morgan Stanley involved transitioning between departments, driven by a desire to explore different facets of the firm and leverage his diverse skill set. Kume's story highlights that career growth can involve lateral moves within an organisation to gain new experiences and expand one's horizons.

Taiwo Abiola discussed the importance of requesting opportunities for growth and development. She expressed that asking for training in areas where she felt less confident, such as financials, led to personal and professional growth. Taiwo's journey underscores the value of self-advocacy and seeking out opportunities to acquire new skills.

Avoiding the Comparison Trap:

The panellists also addressed the common tendency to compare one's career progress with others. Jordan Clarke cautioned against the comparison trap, emphasising that each individual's career path is unique. He encouraged the audience to focus on running their race and setting personal benchmarks for success rather than being fixated on external comparisons.

Kume Feese echoed this sentiment, advising individuals to avoid getting caught up in the timelines and milestones set by peers. He emphasised the importance of staying true to one's career trajectory and recognising that everyone's journey unfolds differently.

Chantelle Nyarko added that comparing oneself to others can lead to overlooking personal achievements and missed opportunities for self-promotion. She urged individuals to celebrate their successes and proactively share their accomplishments with others.

The Power of Networking:

The discussion highlighted the critical role of networking in career progression. Jordan Clarke shared his initial reservations about networking but emphasised the importance of cultivating genuine relationships. Panellists stressed that networking goes beyond attending occasional events; it involves building meaningful connections and fostering reciprocity.

Chantelle Nyarko recommended Carla Harris's book, which explores the power of networking and relationship building. She emphasized that networking should focus on building relationship currency—mutually beneficial connections that extend beyond transactional exchanges.

Kume Feese underscored the significance of networking within and beyond one's immediate team. He advised individuals to expand their network to include individuals from different divisions and departments within the organisation.

Taiwo Abiola highlighted the importance of planning and intentionality in networking. She suggested defining clear goals for networking meetings and following up to show appreciation and commitment to building relationships.

Work-Life Balance and Well-Being:

Ian Waithira acknowledged the challenges of balancing intense work hours in the financial sector. He emphasised that work hours should not be the sole focus; instead, individuals should strive for work-life integration. Finding activities outside of work that bring joy and fulfilment is crucial for well-being.

Chantelle Nyarko encouraged individuals to prioritise self-care and well-being. She shared her own experiences with burnout and the lessons she learned about the importance of setting boundaries.

Jordan Clarke emphasised that well-being extends to mental health. He advocated for seeking support when needed, whether through employee assistance programs or external resources. He also stressed the value of a supportive work environment in promoting well-being.

In conclusion, the panel discussion offered valuable insights into thriving, leading, and navigating one's career journey in the financial sector. The key takeaways included being intentional, avoiding comparison, leveraging networking, and prioritising well-being. These lessons serve as a roadmap for success in a competitive and evolving industry, emphasising the importance of both personal and professional growth.