Strategy Director, Charles Schwab
Why did you decide to come to Leeds?
I chose Leeds because of its proven reputation for attracting great minds and developing influential business leaders across the country.
Could you share an experience (or two) that was particularity memorable at Leeds?
My most memorable experiences at Leeds come from the people I met and the internships that helped me launch my career. These experiences not only taught me what I wanted to do, but also helped me understand what I didn't want to do after Leeds. I encourage all students to be engaged in bridging the gap between the classroom and their future careers. Professional development can happen through networking, mentorship, and interning in the areas you want to explore. It’s important to stay open to different opinions and use your time at Leeds as your opportunity to learn and grow.
Any particular professors or mentors that influenced you while you were at Leeds?
Leeds attracts top talent students, professors, and mentors. Among the faculty, Mary Banks stood out to me as the most memorable and impactful. She was the connection between students and alumni before there was a Professional Mentorship Program (PMP). Mary introduced me to more Leeds Alumni than I can count. She helped me network with industry leaders who graciously agreed to meet based off nothing more than her recommendation. The only request she ever had in return was for me to pay it forward - a request I honor with each student I've had the privilege of mentoring through the PMP.
Where has life taken you since you graduated Leeds?
After graduation, I worked for a high-net-worth investment advisor in Denver for about a year before launching a venture capital and strategy consulting business in Boulder. After a few successful HealthTech, FinTech and Data Storage exits and eight years in the startup space, I joined Charles Schwab and am now a Director of Corporate Strategy.
What is one piece of advice/best practice that has stuck with you throughout your career?
Don't accept the status quo and always look to innovate. We are surrounded by opportunity, and complacency is the worst enemy. Stay engaged, curious and creative; find great people to work with, and amazing things will happen.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
It's never too early to give back. I recently co-funded an endowment fund in my mom's memory called the Cina C. Saliba Memorial Endowed Support Fund. The goal of the Fund is to provide financial aid every year to CU students researching cancer (with preference to pancreatic cancer research). In addition to financial contributions back to CU, I would also encourage others to join the Professional Mentorship Program as a great opportunity to pay forward all the help you received from your days at Leeds.
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October 2019