Leading the Way with Jennifer Scully

 

Leading from Work

 

How did your career develop?

My career has been a winding road. It started with a passion for politics, so I headed to the White House and worked on two presidential campaigns. During my political journey, I developed an interest in finance and went to work at an asset management firm, which led me to business school. All these experiences eventually led to my career at Goldman Sachs, where I have happily worked for more than 20 years.  Another interesting fact is that my husband also works at Goldman Sachs. We sit next to each other, which really brings a positive dimension to each day.

During my time at Goldman Sachs, it has also been an honor to lead the firm's Women’s Network and its Consumer and Wealth Management division..

What’s the most important career advice you’ve received? 

Former mayor Mike Bloomberg often said 99% of the game is showing up. I think that’s important to keep in mind. It's impactful to be in the room and participating. When I was younger and building my business, I would make calls on Friday afternoons. It was amazing how many prospective clients would speak with me on a Friday at 5:00 p.m. Showing up also applies to being present. To have an impact, you must be fully engaged when speaking with clients, colleagues, and friends and family. This is a challenge and ever more important as we continue to become more reliant on technology.

What is your role at Goldman Sachs, and how do you support clients?

I am a Private Wealth Advisor in New York. I work with clients and manage their investments over the long term and across multiple generations. I partner with CEOs, professors, actors and actresses, and professional athletes. One of the most gratifying aspects of my job is empowering clients who don’t have investing experience. 

How do you lead by example?

My goal is always to be a team player. I love Goldman Sachs, so I spend a great deal of time investing in our culture, primarily through recruiting and mentoring. I hope this encourages others to do the same and more. I try to think about contributing on both a macro and a micro level. This means I get involved in firm-wide initiatives that enable me to sit on committees or to work with management on a large-scale effort. I also try to make specific contributions to individuals — helping a colleague achieve success is incredibly rewarding.

What are some interesting themes and/or trends that you see in your area of expertise?

Clients want more all-encompassing services. They ask us to help them think through financial matters beyond their investment portfolio. I spend an increasing amount of time talking to clients about their family, security, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing, health (both mental and physical), and other challenges that the firm is also focusing on. 

What is your favorite thing about your job?

In more than 20 years, no two days have been alike. I don’t know many people who can say that. I look forward to Monday mornings (not every week, but often), because it is a pleasure to work with such intelligent and focused colleagues. I really missed being with my Goldman Sachs' colleagues during COVID-19. You realize that even a trip to the office coffee bar can yield an inspiring conversation with someone. 

 

Leading from Home

What advice would you give to your younger self?

It's a marathon, not a sprint.

How do you find motivation and inspiration?

Working with diverse colleagues and seeing/learning differing perspectives.

What is one thing you make time for every week?

Exercise. 

What is your favorite weekend activity?

Cooking.

How do you stay healthy – mentally, physically, or both?

Pilates.

What is your favorite book, movie, podcast, or artwork?

The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

What is one app on your phone that you can’t live without and why?

Amazon (given its support of efficiency) 

 

Leading for the Future

How do we provide more leadership opportunities to women in the workforce?

We can do this by hiring and promoting women and investing in them. We do a good job with the first element—hiring. We hire such fantastic women, and I believe many of them are equipped to be the CEO of Goldman Sachs one day. It's important for young people to see aspirational role models. This has been a challenge for Wall Street as few women have made it to the C-suite. We have yet to see a woman CEO of a major bank despite the vast talent pool of qualified and available women. The good news, I believe, is that we are making real progress. I believe we will see a woman running a bank in my lifetime. 

What are some of your professional and personal goals?

I would love to make Managing Director.

What suggestions would you give to women who are starting their career?

I would tell women to embrace the challenge and to fear nothing. Show up, speak up, and contribute.

Where do you see yourself in five to 10 years?

Same seat with a bigger business!