Social Dynamics is a Key Success Principle for the WSE Interns

July 20, 2023

In the Week 5 session, held on July 18, 2023, the Brighthouse Financial team introduced the WSE interns to the broad topic of social dynamics in the workplace. The contexts were shifting your mindset, navigating a new environment effectively, communicating appropriately, and intentionally building good relationships. Jackie Royce, Learning & Development Specialist, moderated the session with panelists Emma Carlson, Recruiting Vendor Manager Program; Mia Koo, Portfolio Manager; and Anthony Naturale, Talent Acquisition Manager.


The session kicked off with a mentimeter exercise where the interns answered a series of questions related to their mindset, such as whether they had ever experienced imposter syndrome. Feelings of being unsure are normal and valid, as expressed by the panelists, and being confident is not a measure of competence. The panelists highlighted the differences between a growth and a fixed mindset citing growth as freedom and fixed as limiting.


In the first breakout, small groups discussed the most important aspects of navigating a new environment: culture, relationships, communication and decision-making. The teams reviewed the aspects that resonated the most with them and select teams shared their findings with the larger group.


One statistic that relates to the third aspect of social dynamics, communication and relationship management, is astounding: 86% of employees and executives cite the lack of effective collaboration and communication as the main causes of workplace failures.


The panel discussed how to build, develop and strengthen relationships and credibility, and how to maintain consistency. They cited some differences between hot and cold conflicts and how to manage both. The final breakout allowed the smaller teams to discuss the need for crucial conversations and their experiences when they have been faced with one. The session ended with some key takeaways and recommendations from the panelists.


The Co-Chairs extend their sincere thanks and appreciation to the panelists and the company sponsor, Brighthouse Financial, for their continuing support and generosity to the interns and the Wall Street Exchange Program. 

FWA Graduate School Partnership: Finance Training Program

March 27, 2025
In Fall 2024, the Financial Women’s Association (FWA) Graduate School Partnerships Committee, with support from BMO Capital Markets Equity Through Education Program, sponsored a finance training program for over 175 Baruch College Zicklin School of Business graduate students. As part of the curriculum, students attended a financial markets overview lecture by KLD Training and completed courses in applied Excel and corporate valuation with Training the Street. The Graduate School Partnerships Committee is proud to help fulfill the FWA’s mission to contribute to our communities and prepare the next generation of professionals through this multi-year initiative. As the financial services industry continues to go through technological and regulatory changes, the Committee hopes these young professionals will gain an edge as they enter the financial services industry with the additional technical skills and financial knowledge acquired from the training program. In the excerpts below, a few participants share how the course helped their corporate valuation knowledge and express their gratitude to the FWA and BMO Capital Markets. Click here to view the complete Participants Testimonial booklet . For more information about the FWA Graduate School Partnership, please contact committee chair Christine Li-Auyeung .

FWA Immediate Past President Hermina "Nina" Batson Featured in Equities.com

March 20, 2025
We're proud to celebrate our immediate past President, Hermina "Nina" Batson's recognition in Equities.com ! Her career resilience, leadership during the pandemic, and unwavering commitment to provide access, inclusion, and diversity continue to inspire. Read more here: Nina Batson: A trailblazing Black woman on Wall Street - Equities.com

Greetings From France!

March 13, 2025
This past week, we had the privilege of celebrating International Women's Day and kicking off our International Business Conference here in France. We began with a warm welcome dinner on Sunday night, followed by a series of events at businesses across central Paris. We have taken a deep dive into France’s technological advancements, energy sector, markets, and economic leadership. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity presented by the FWA International Business Conference, which has brought together delegates from around the world since 1978. It has been an absolute pleasure to experience France in such a unique and enriching way. As we approach the conclusion of this conference and prepare to head back home, I will carry with me the unforgettable experiences and knowledge gained here. La vie est belle!  Best, Annette Stewart FWA President 2023 - 2025

Spotlight on Kelsey Halloran, FWA Secretary

February 27, 2025
Supporting corporate governance through top-notch administration People who enjoy solving puzzles and problems are often detail-oriented, observant, organized, patient and analytical. These traits enable them to approach complex challenges methodically and effectively. For Kelsey Halloran, these qualities have been key to her success as a forensic accountant at a leading global advisory firm and have made her a prime choice for secretary of the FWA.  Sherree DeCovny, co-chair of the FWA’s Marketing & Strategic Communications Committee, talked with Kelsey about her career and the role the FWA has played in developing her leadership skills and shaping her professional growth.
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