Valerie

Managing Director
Research, New York
Year of Hire: 2000

I manage Research Operations, which consists of a team of 75 supervisory analysts and publishing professionals, servicing more than 700 research analysts across the globe. Our team is responsible for reviewing, editing and approving hundreds of reports each day. It could be described as a mini-publishing company within a bank.

In order to have best-in-class research, we need to have best-in-class content, but we also need to have best-in-class delivery. Our clients expect us to produce timely, insightful analysis on market-moving events and deliver it to them through multiple channels. Our research is distributed via e-mail, on Barclays Capital Live (our award-winning client portal), hard copy and, lately, through our new Research App. We need to ensure it meets various branding, compliance and distribution requirements. With so many distribution channels and constantly changing market conditions, we are continuously under pressure to meet deadlines. There is never a dull moment.

Looking back on my career, I would never have expected to be in this role today. I grew up in France and received degrees from McGill University in Montreal and Balliol College, Oxford. I worked in journalism and publishing for ten years. I was part of a magazine start-up in London, which focused on political and current events. Working for such a small firm made me understand the world of publishing, from writing to actual production. We were exposed to everything.

In 2000, I was considering new opportunities and I came across an advertisement for a role in an investment bank. They were looking for someone who was creative and from a publishing background to join their economics team. I was thrilled to hear that I had been selected for the role, despite my lack of experience in economics or banking and I have never looked back. Over the next few years, I have been fortunate to change roles and increase my responsibilities. In 2003, I was promoted to head of Fixed Income Research Operations in Europe and in 2005, I was asked to relocate to New York to head the function globally.

Moving my family to New York was both exciting and challenging. I was fortunate to be given the support that I needed from Barclays Capital to make the transition. I have always benefited from informal mentors who have guided me along the way. Having exposure to different cultures has helped me succeed in my role. Our strength as a firm has a lot to do with our diverse population and talent, and our global footprint. Teams with different nationalities, educational and professional backgrounds are stronger and more productive. They encourage you to see things from a different perspective.

My move to New York and my new responsibilities are a constant reminder that you don’t have to be a “banker” to succeed in the world of finance. There are many opportunities here for people with diverse talents. Anyone who is entrepreneurial, hard working, and able to contribute good ideas can make a difference. You just need to be prepared to learn what you don’t know. And if you don’t like to adapt to change, this is not the right industry for you.

In 2010, I was promoted to Managing Director. Since then, I have been involved in the Women’s Initiatives Network (WiN). There are over 2,600 members globally and our goal is to attract, develop and recognize women at all levels. I feel it is important to help my female colleagues develop to their fullest potential.

Besides this initiative, I am on the Board of a Foundation focused on education, social entrepreneurship and intercultural dialogue. It has been extremely rewarding to have an opportunity to make a wider contribution.