Mack International President Moderates Session for the Opal Financial Group’s Women’s Investment Management Leadership Summit in NYC, Sept 14th

Linda C. Mack of Chicago-based Mack International recently moderated a panel during the Opal Financial Group’s Women’s Investment Management Leadership Summit in NYC, Sept 14. The session explored “Cultivating the Next Generation of Women Leaders.”

CHICAGO, IL (PRWEB) NOVEMBER 06, 2017 – Linda C. Mack, founder and president of Mack International, LLC, the premier retained executive search and family office strategic management/human capital consulting firm, was invited to be a facilitator for the Opal Financial Group’s Women’s Investment Management Leadership Summit in New York City, September 14th. The session sought to uncover the challenges faced by young professionals in the investment management industry. It also identified the opportunities on the horizon and ways in which current female managers can support the next generation of leaders. Linda was joined by panelists Catherine Lee Clarke, CFA, Vice President and Senior Investment Advisor of Sentinel Trust Company; Phyllis Weiss Haserot, President & Founder, Practice Development Counsel; and Susan R. Schoenfeld, CEO and Founder of Wealth Legacy Advisors.

The panel discussed staying visible, assessing the culture, and enlisting the support of mentors as three approaches to address some key challenges women often face. “Working hard is a given, but it’s not enough,” said Linda. “If a woman is smart she will identify those who are successful and build relationships with them.” Panelists agreed about the importance of being aware of the nuances of the culture and remaining realistic, particularly if it is dominated by a gender specific or more traditional, older generation. Panel members also agreed that volunteering for any size project with the “senior executive” and making him or her look good goes a long way towards leveraging the system and engaging the support of a pivotal mentor. Linda emphasized this is a positive way to stay visible. “Forging genuine bonds with those who lead organizations and helping them succeed is the best form of self-promotion. You can’t just wait to be discovered.” Linda went on to say that women can learn a lot of positive things from the playbook men have used for years including mutual support for one another. We need to “stand up” for each other!”
Women are recognized as excelling in impact investing and philanthropy, but how can they break into other key executive leadership roles in the more traditionally “male” held positions in investment management? “Women can create opportunities for themselves through networking, volunteering and maintaining an attitude that no project is too small,” said Linda. “That’s how you attract a mentor to be your champion. Generational differences fade when there is mutual respect surrounding accomplishments.” Linda cited an interesting positive trend in the market—one that places more value and recognition on skills formerly considered “soft” or “female.” “Having a “high EQ”, being a team player, demonstrating an ability to collaborate and showing empathy are characteristics that are now being touted as important qualities for effective leadership.” Linda anticipates that this will pave the way for more women to break into executive family office roles and advisory relationships with family clients.
The panel concluded with exploring the best ways to support the next generation of female leaders. Stories and specific examples about inspiring women were shared. There was a call to successful women entrepreneurs to “pay it forward.” “The message to all women is to very consciously and intentionally identify and help mentor other women to be successful,” said Linda. “It’s not a zero sum game…there is an abundance of opportunity for all of us to be successful by supporting one another.”

About Mack International LLC
Mack International is the premier, boutique retained executive search and strategic management/human capital consulting firm serving national and international clients in the family office, family business enterprise and the wealth management industries on national and international basis. Founded in 2002, the firm has achieved an exceptional track record of success as evidenced by its unmatched industry expertise, in-depth market knowledge and unparalleled track record of success. Founder and President, Linda C. Mack has established proprietary methodologies such as the Mack 360© and is credited for having coined the term “expert generalist” in the industry.