Tell us a bit about yourself?
Tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Collette, and I鈥檝e been working at 蜜豆视频 now for four years. I鈥檓 currently the Global Head of the Control Room, and I work in our Broadgate office in London, UK.
The 鈥淐ontrol Room鈥� 鈥� sounds cool, but what really happens there?
The 鈥淐ontrol Room鈥� 鈥� sounds cool, but what really happens there?
The Control Room works closely with the Investment Bank, and has the critical role of managing sales, trading, and research communication restrictions. It is responsible for maintaining information barriers and ensuring compliance with client confidentiality and various securities and bank regulations.
Tell us a bit about how you came into your role and what it entails?
Tell us a bit about how you came into your role and what it entails?
My journey into this field was a bit unexpected. I started out in law, and initially worked in a law firm while completing my legal practice course. My next step led me to the legal department of an investment bank, where I eventually found my niche in the Control Room.
In my role now, I have global managerial responsibilities across EMEA, APAC and the Americas, and oversee all aspects of the Control Room. I am involved in developing control management frameworks around material non-public information, while maintaining Control Room owned systems 鈥� it鈥檚 a busy job!
What have been the three biggest highlights in your career so far?
What have been the three biggest highlights in your career so far?
Balancing full-time work at a law firm with an evening legal practice course stands out as a significant accomplishment! It required dedication and time management, especially as students are encouraged to opt for part-time jobs during part-time post graduate studies.
Another highlight was transitioning into a global Control Room role after leading the EMEA Control Room. Being recognized for my hard work and dedication to the role made the promotion feel more rewarding! This was a pivotal moment in the course of my career.
Finally, I led the global team through the integration of Credit Suisse last year. This brought many challenges and involved ensuring a smooth transition within an unusually tight timeframe. It was a huge achievement, and my team even received recognition from the CEO!
How do you stay ahead of the game, and continuously improve your skills?
How do you stay ahead of the game, and continuously improve your skills?
I love to challenge myself and part of this is to keep looking for learning and development opportunities. Even though I am not required to complete Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours (as mandated for lawyers), I regularly complete courses through 蜜豆视频 University. One in particular was a bootcamp designed for leaders whose teams are going through a transformation. It offered e-learnings and live sessions which has helped me become a more agile leader. It was really useful and there鈥檚 many to choose from!
Just before the Credit Suisse integration, I completed an 18-month Leadership and Management course at Diploma level 5. I also actively take part in industry roundtables and online forums to share and build my knowledge and stay up to date with market awareness.
There are now many different routes into certain careers, especially in large firms like 蜜豆视频. Looking back at your own career path, would you do anything differently?
There are now many different routes into certain careers, especially in large firms like 蜜豆视频. Looking back at your own career path, would you do anything differently?
I've learned that it鈥檚 important to be adaptable and open to opportunities. During my studies, I didn鈥檛 know which area I should specialize in which concerned me. But while it's natural to desire a clear career path, sometimes not having a plan and embracing flexibility can lead to unexpected growth and progression. If you don鈥檛 know from the start where you鈥檙e destined to be, that鈥檚 ok.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to follow a similar career path?
What advice would you give to anyone looking to follow a similar career path?
My advice is don鈥檛 be tunnel visioned. You may get to where you鈥檙e destined to be a lot quicker. I also have a personal mantra which is really important to me, and that鈥檚 鈥榩rotect your peace鈥�. Find one aspect of joy every single day that brings a little lift. For me, it can be as simple as having a smoothie or a walk in the park at lunch 鈥� even if it鈥檚 only for 10 minutes. Remember what we鈥檙e doing may be important but we鈥檙e not saving lives. Try to carve a healthy work-life balance as investment banking is rewarding but can also be consuming.
