Women on Wall Street Conference WOWS the Crowd

Last night at the Hyatt Hotel in New York, Deutsche Bank held its annual Women on Wall Street (WOWS) Conference. The theme for this year’s conference was “It’s Your Move: Driving Change in Your Career and Life.” Over 2000 women in finance packed the main ballroom to hear motivating speeches and frank advice from a panel of distinguished guests.

Brenda Barnes, Chairman and CEO of Sara Lee Corp. gave the keynote address, in which she emphasized the importance of creating a culture of diversity and inclusion where every employee is valued. She outlined five categories for how to achieve this. First, get people who do the work to know the answers, and create a culture that is conducive to encouraging people who know the answers to speak up. Second, change the representation of women in the company. Instead of just relying on “the pipeline” of female graduates from top MBA programs, companies need to do more to make sure women are represented at the highest levels. Third, create diversity and affinity groups in the workplace and put support networks in place so that those groups can thrive and flourish. Fourth, put your money where your mouth is by paying people more for engaging in behaviors that further diversity efforts. Fifth and finally, work on ways for companies to become more flexible, not just towards women, but towards all of their employees.

Natalie Morales of the Today Show moderated a panel of experts including Laurie Hodrick, MD, Global Head of Alternative Investment Strategies, Deutsche Bank, Sandra Horbach, MD, Consumer and Retail, The Carlyle Group, Cathleen Benko, Vice Chairman and Chief Talent Officer, Deloitte Touche USA LLP, Denise Menelly, MD, Global Head of GTS/Client Delivery/CMB, Citi, and Tracy Travis, Senior Vice President of Finance and CFO of Polo Ralph Lauren.

The overall theme of the panel discussion was how this diverse range of successful women adapted to change in their own careers and how they worked as change agents within their organizations.

Some of the best advice was offered by the panelists at the end of the forum, when they each offered one piece of advice that they wish they had been given early on in their careers.

Cathy Benko said, “Think why not before you think why.”

Laurie Hodrick explained, “Your first job is not your last job. It’s your first job.”

Tracy Travis advised, “Focus on building relationships, not just on your performance in your career.”

Denise Menelly offered, “Always hire people smarter than you. Make sure that your current position is tied up in a nice pretty bow so that people can move you and you will be in a position to take on other opportunities.”

Sandra Horbach stated, “Don’t be too loyal. Women are generally loyal to a fault, but you need to look out for yourself, and not stay at a place too long out of loyalty.”

Brenda Barnes said, “The way to get ahead is to do your core job and show initiative on other things.”

When asked if a woman could “have it all,” with regards to work and family life, the consensus of the panel was “Yes, but not at the same time,” and that it depended on an individual’s definition of “all.”

After the speeches, the women mingled and made connections over drinks at a networking reception.

Overall, the event was a huge success and most attendees left the event feeling inspired to act as change agents in their own careers.

But we want to hear from you, our readers. Were you there? What did you think of the panel and the speakers? Let us know!