By Melissa J. Anderson (New York City)

After spending more than twenty-five years in investment banking in London, Shona Milne has taken on quite a few big roles. Now CFO for EMEA and Managing Director of EMEA Finance at Deutsche Bank’s London office, Milne is responsible for 27 countries.

But today, she’s also passionately focused on her position as a role model for women and LGBT individuals at the firm.

“I suppose I should be telling you my proudest achievements have been something like building a global finance function for equities or EMEA,” she said. “But actually what gives me more pride is my involvement in Deutsche Bank’s diversity networks, particularly being a senior sponsor of the LGBT network.”

“A few years ago I realized that I had to give something back, that I had the ability as a Managing Director to be a positive role model. There are not many people who are out at the Managing Director level, and it’s a privilege for those of us who are to be able to make a difference on this topic.”

She mentioned her involvement in Deutsche Bank’s web videos on diversity, participation in chairing diversity networks, and speaking on LGBT issues at events. “It’s incredibly rewarding. And maybe as you get older you become more comfortable about doing these things. You want to be a role model, not just for LGBT, but for senior women as well, and other diversity networks.”

“That gives me personal pride,” she added.

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By Melissa J. Anderson (New York City)

After graduating from the University of Colorado – Boulder, Melissa Butler, now partner at White & Case, went on to study law at Georgetown. In 2001, she started her career working in corporate finance at Thacher Proffitt & Wood. “Then in 2006, after a particularly horrendous transaction, I got a call asking if I’d like to move to London… and I said sure,” she recalled with a laugh.

The call came from White & Case, and shortly thereafter, she joined the firm’s London Capital Markets Group focusing on US securities. Early this year, Butler was named partner – and, she says, this is her proudest achievement. “It’s the most amazing thing I’ve accomplished in my professional career.”

Currently Butler is fascinated by her current work in Africa. “It’s so exciting to work in a places that are not tainted with this idea that everyone knows everything. My clients really appreciate my advice as counsel, and I’m really contributing to the development of the market. I love it.”

In general, she continued, “As a securities lawyer, there are a lot of interesting developments, like issues around the new JOBs Act. As the world changes, the question is how we apply security acts from nearly 100 years ago to today’s markets.”

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By Melissa J. Anderson (New York City)

Deborah Freer, U.S. Chief Operating Officer at RBC Capital Markets, began her career over three decades ago, and says she believes strongly in the importance of women helping women, and of being a mentor.

For example, looking back on her own early career, Freer said, “I wish I had a little more insight into how to deal with certain types of people. My first 10 years would have been easier. I wish I had had more insight into how things ultimately work in this business.”

It is fortunate, then, for Freer’s niece, who is beginning her own career on Wall Street. Her aunt has amassed a slew of advice to share with her. “I tell her, ‘Keep your eyes open, every single day. You can’t think for a second that you’re not going to learn or add value.’”

She continued, “The other thing is that you have to do your job really well before you start trying for the next one. You need to prove you can ace a job before you get considered for the next promotion. And always ask for feedback. Push people into telling you how you’re doing whether it’s good or bad. And don’t be afraid to try new things.”

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By Melissa J. Anderson (New York City)

Judy Wesalo Temel, Principal and Director of Credit Research at Samson Capital Advisors, believes enthusiasm about your work is crucial for a successful career.

“You have to be passionate about what you’re doing,” she explained. “You are not going to be successful unless you really care about your field. Read and absorb new developments and do not get stuck in a rut.”

“A colleague once told me, ‘If you go home at night without learning something new every day, you haven’t done your job.’ This advice applies to everyone, no matter what area you’re in,” she added.

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By Melissa J. Anderson (New York City)

According to Claire Warnes, Partner in KPMG’s Risk Consulting practice, one of the best parts of working in consultancy is that there are lots of moments which make you feel proud. “There’s not one occasion, but many. That’s why I like working for a consultancy with so many clients. My proudest moments are when we work as a team with a client, bringing diversity of thought to bear and really making a difference in how our clients implement change,” she explained.

Warnes spent nine years in three roles in the UK public sector before being headhunted into KPMG’s Public Sector practice. “At KPMG, I’ve done eight years work as a management consultant, implementing and designing change in the public sector, for universities, defense, and increasingly in healthcare,” she said.

In addition to those eight years, Warnes cited a valuable assignment in Frankfurt that propelled her career forward. “In 2009, I was asked to take on a strategic secondment to be the Executive Assistant to the Joint Chairman of KPMG Europe. It was a fantastic experience and one of the highlights of my career.”

Then, last year, after ten years with the firm, she was promoted to partner. “Now I’m back to consulting, working with lots of clients and helping them think about the future and plan for the significant changes they are facing, and what that could mean for their business.”

Currently Warnes’ work is mainly around the regulation of healthcare. “I’m passionate about that, and the role of regulation in enhancing the quality, efficiency, and patient safety of healthcare. I think it makes a difference.”

She added that she is also interested in how the economy will impact consultancies moving forward. “In austere times which many mature economies are facing now, the role of consultancy is extremely important. Even when money is tight there is an important role for consultants to play and add value to organizations.”

Finally, Warnes added, she is involved in a number of projects at the firm, including serving as a sponsor for its women’s development program and participating in a forward-thinking project involving a group of young partners. “It’s thinking about the future and it’s very exciting,” she said.

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