In this edition, we speak with Judy Cuffaro Arnold, a long time WIN member and career marketing professional about what WIN membership means to her and the importance of young professionals to be fearless and confident
You’ve been a member of WIN for several years. What prompted you to join and why have you remained engaged?
I worked for SEI Investments for over 10 years in the 2000s as a Director of Lead Generation and leader of a new Go-to-Market team within corporate marketing. In 2019, when I started my own business as a marketing consultant, I decided to focus on what I knew best — financial services. I joined WIN to reconnect with colleagues who were members and to make new connections in the industry.
WIN is dedicated to empowering professional development in financial services. You’ve had a fabulous, diverse career not just in financial services but also in insurance, consulting and other areas…what core talents or strengths have you found to be easily transferable no matter the industry or function?
If you’ve got strong skills specific to your role, you also need to be very self-motivated and inquisitive. Ask questions to uncover the answers you need to successfully complete projects — never expect all the complete details to be delivered to you at the start. Instead, you have to become a ‘detective’ and seek out the people and information you need to move initiatives forward. Plus, you must know how to juggle — excellent project management skills are key. And lastly, learn to be a talented negotiator by avoiding saying ‘no’ yet not always saying ‘yes!’ Uncover true needs, provide value-add recommendations and propose compromise.
You are the proud Mom of two, strong, capable young women (one of whom serves in the military). If you could give one piece (or two pieces) of career advice to young female professionals, what would it be?
Remember — you are great at what you do. Always be confident yet strong and resilient when faced with bumps in the road. It can be hard to move forward when you encounter disappointment or struggles. But in the end, you will learn from those experiences and become even stronger. Be fearless. Be determined. And work hard. Those skills will take you far.
What are some topics or trends you would like to see covered at upcoming WIN events? Why?
I recently heard Jane Fonda speak at the Pennsylvania Conference for Women about figuring out her ‘third act.’ I’ve always been someone who needs lots of change in my work for continued, fresh inspiration and I’m always wondering ‘what’s next?!’ I’d love hearing from others who have made career changes later in life and how they went about it.
Finally….we know you have a beautiful singing voice (you even led a music themed virtual happy hour for WIN!). Where did your love of singing come from? And is there any chance we can book you for a future WIN event?
Wow, what a wonderful compliment! Music and singing have been a passion of mine since I was a little girl. My mom had a good voice and we always had a piano in the house. (I even struggled through a few years of piano lessons.) I was in choral groups at school and church and in all the high school musicals. Since getting married over 30 years ago to a talented sax player, my husband and I have been in several bands — some together and some separate. Right now, I occasionally sing in an acoustic duo or trio. And I’m always happy to discuss booking a gig!