For our first Member Spotlight of 2024 WIN is proud to feature Ashwini Walde, Director of Advisory Programs at Janney, as she shares what WIN has meant to her on her career journey.
You’ve been a member of WIN for several years. What prompted you to join and why have you remained engaged?
In 2014, embarking on a new chapter I transitioned from a high-profile role in New York with a Fortune 100 financial services organization, teeming with potential career opportunities and a robust professional network, to a regional organization in Philadelphia following my marriage. This transition presented a unique set of challenges and opportunities and marked the beginning of my journey with WIN, driven by a multifaceted purpose. I recognized WIN as a dynamic platform to navigate Philadelphia’s vibrant financial services landscape. Janney’s sponsorship of the organization only served to amplify my choice to join.
Over the years, in addition to being a professional resource, WIN became a cornerstone for building a new community and establishing advocates in my new home, considering I had left behind a robust network in New York. I also had the good fortune of leveraging WIN’s partnership during my tenure as Janney’s WIN Chair to curate engaging and collaborative industry events tailored for members across various financial firms & enhance our collective impact and success.
I continue to stay actively engaged because, through my journey with WIN, I have not only been a grateful beneficiary of the platform’s invaluable resources but have also found immense joy in paying it forward to the community. I am deeply committed to giving back and supporting the newer generation of women in finance as they navigate their professional journeys. I consider WIN an invaluable ally in that mission.
WIN is dedicated to empowering professional development in the financial services industry. Could you describe how you came to the industry and your career journey thus far?
As a Computer Engineer, my career journey began with an internship in a Fintech organization specializing in asset management technology products. This experience fueled my passion for financial services, leading to a strategic decision to pursue an MBA in finance. Relocating to the US, I became a product manager for institutional firms, progressing from development to large-scale implementations and niche consultancy for C-suite leadership.
A pivotal turning point came during my tenure as a Quality Assurance Analyst when I was entrusted with an opportunity to expand my portfolio & build a global QA team for the asset management ecosystem. This marked my entry into people leadership, cultivating a 20-member team overseeing comprehensive quality assurance initiatives.
Marriage prompted a move to Philadelphia, where I assumed the role of a Business Technology Leader in my current organization’s Information Technology division. This transition catapulted me into the realm of broker-dealers and financial advice, leading multi-department strategic initiatives. After 3.5 years, I pivoted again to a key position in the Wealth Management unit, overseeing growing advisory programs. Every day in this role is exciting – from leading a team of program managers to driving innovation through technology and formulating business strategies – and makes me look forward to my professional journey.
Given your focus on investment technology and solutions could you speak to some career path possibilities in this area?
Investment technology and solutions offer diverse career paths, catering to individuals with expertise in investment management, financial technology, and a passion for innovative solutions. One set of opportunities is to pivot towards roles within investment management firms, taking on responsibilities such as Investment Analyst/Strategist, Portfolio Manager, or Financial Advisor. In these roles, one can dig deep into the financial markets to optimize investment strategies, conduct thorough market analyses, & help clients through their financial journey.
Another potential avenue is advancing within the realm of financial technology itself and exploring roles such as Fintech Product Manager, Software Developer, or Data Scientist. These positions involve creating and refining cutting-edge tools and platforms that drive efficiency and performance in investment processes. For those with an entrepreneurial spirit, founding or joining a startup in either space is another exciting path. This is a great way to contribute to disruptive innovations and potentially bring new solutions to market.
Regarding leadership positions, roles such as Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Chief Investment Officer, Director of Client Experience and Marketing provide opportunities to oversee and shape the direction of an organization. These involve people leadership, sales & revenue growth, aligning technology solutions with business objectives, and staying at the forefront of industry trends.
If you could give one piece of career advice to a young professional, what would it be?
An invaluable piece of career advice I would share with a young professional is cultivating a curiosity mindset. Embrace the opportunity to ask questions and engage in conversations with individuals across diverse subject areas, even if those fields might not align with your immediate interests. Doing so opens avenues for expanding your knowledge base, developing a holistic understanding of various disciplines, and building a well-rounded skill set.
Approaching each interaction with a genuine interest in others’ expertise fosters a collaborative and inclusive work environment and provides you with unique insights and perspectives. The power of this curiosity-driven approach is highlighted in my own professional journey, marked by a mid-career transition from Financial Technology to a business leader role in Wealth Management. Embracing this mindset fuels continuous learning and reveals unforeseen opportunities that can significantly contribute to personal and professional growth.
Remember, the willingness to explore beyond your immediate focus broadens your horizons and positions you for success in an ever-evolving professional landscape.
Do you have a favorite WIN event? If so, what made it so special/memorable?
It is so difficult to pick one! I enjoyed the events on Emotional Intelligence & Design Thinking hosted by SEI; however, the WIN Summer and Holiday Socials are always my favorite. They offer an opportunity to refresh, reenergize, and have in-depth conversations with other women in the community. The cherry on the cake in the 2023 Winter Social was the presence of the Founder of Mingle Mocktails, Laura Taylor, with her fabulous mocktails and inspiring story!