Voice of Experience: Kate El-Hillow, Managing Director, Goldman Sachs Asset Management

“Take risks,” advised Kate El-Hillow, Managing Director, Goldman Sachs Asset Management, “because that is one of the best ways to build up your skill set.” This is one piece of advice that El-Hillow would give to her younger self starting out in her career. “Women tend to underestimate their skill set,” added El-Hillow. She encouraged women to be confident. She also emphasized just how important dedication and hard work are to career advancement, and finally she added, “Don’t over plan.”

Career Path

El-Hillow began her career at JP Morgan in the Audit division after graduating from Boston College with a degree in Accounting. However, while at JP Morgan El-Hillow found herself drawn to finance because she enjoyed the relationship aspect of the industry and finding solutions to meet the client’s financial needs. After realizing the highs and lows of the dotcom era with a private equity group that met its demise around the same time as many internet start-ups, El-Hillow found the right fit in finance at JP Morgan Asset Management concentrating on multi-asset class portfolio solutions.

While the client side of the business is what initially intrigued El-Hillow, she has since moved away from the client side at Goldman Sachs, where she now works, and focuses on managing multi asset class portfolios. “After giving birth to my first child, I really didn’t want to be on the road as much, and I very much enjoy helping clients from a portfolio management seat. It has been a very exciting area to work in.”

Since joining the industry in 1996, El-Hillow has witnessed a lot of volatility in the investment industry. “It’s a very dynamic environment which is part of the draw for me,” noted El-Hillow, “and many of the current challenges right now are around dealing with the lower yield and lower growth environment and regulatory issues.” She added, “It is important to try to recognize the opportunities to move into new investments while staying focused on not taking unintended risks. During the good times, some people can forget how painful the hard times are, but it is important to remember.”

El-Hillow indicated that she is especially proud of the work she and her team have done to continue to focus on client-centric investment solutions in this constantly shifting business landscape. “We have the right team in place and it is the right time to start taking advantage of the opportunities now as the market seems to be shifting toward multi asset class portfolios,” said El-Hillow.

Advice for Women in Asset Management

“Young women entering this industry should try to be patient and know that their hard work will pay off,” said El-Hillow. “Don’t compare yourself to others,” she added. “I spent too much time at the onset of my career comparing myself to my peers.”

The nature of the asset management industry is cyclical, and according to El-Hillow, you will build your strongest relationships with your colleagues during the hard times. For El-Hillow, building a portfolio management team and watching her team grow has been one of the most rewarding aspects of her job, and working together through difficult times is one thing she indicated has made them stronger.

Leadership is something that El-Hillow takes very seriously and she encouraged other female leaders to consider the day-to-day impact of their interactions with their colleagues. “It is imperative to treat everyone with respect and compassion,” said El-Hillow. “This is one of the most important facets of good leadership.”

According to El-Hillow, Goldman Sachs’ Returnship program has been a game changer in terms of getting women back into the workforce after a career break. “This formal program for on-ramping is critical,” said El-Hillow, “and the opportunities to network are valuable all on their own.”

Outside the Office

In her personal time outside of the office, El Hillow spends most of her free time with her young son and husband. When she can, she also enjoys cooking and exercising. “Both of these activities bring me a sense of peace outside the office,” she said.

By Michelle Hendelman