Women in Wealth Awards 2017

www.wealthandfinance-news.com 6 Wealth & Finance International - September 2017 success as well as trends that will have a long-term effect on investment management as a whole. With regards to her own career, Diane outlines her future goals, but is keen to point out that she is constantly focusing on the present. She does not look too far ahead and aims to focus all of her attention on her role at Standish and how she can bring the best to the company. “One constant when it comes to my career goals is to always commit 110% to the job at hand. I made a decision early in my career that I wouldn’t look too far ahead, instead I would focus all of my attention on adding as much value as possible in the role that I had been hired to do. That way of thinking served me well through my seven promotions at Standish.” Company: Standish Mellon Asset Management Contact: Diane Vieira Contact Email: [email protected] Address: 201 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02108, USA 001 617 248 6049 Website: www.standish.com With roots as far back as 1933, Standish is able to draw on its vast experience to provide expert investment counsel to defined benefit plans, insurance companies, central banks, and investors who need sophisticated fixed income solutions. Its investment strategies span the wide range of fixed income disciplines and are complemented by a demonstrated ability to design innovative, effective solutions to satisfy its clients’ needs. Diane tells us about her role within the company and how long she has been there, before going on to discuss her previous roles. “As Director of Marketing I am responsible for supporting, developing and implementing marketing plans that support business development and client service efforts. In addition to those responsibilities, I have the ongoing challenge of product positioning, content management and communication and support of our investment strategies within the marketplace. “During the 13 years that I have been with Standish, I have held a number of positions during my tenure here. Prior to assuming the role of Director of Marketing I was a Product Specialist for our U.S. Municipal team which currently manages over $28 billion in assets. In that role, I was charged with communicating the team’s value proposition to prospective clients and strengthening client relationships.” Diane discusses her previous experiences and whether or not this experience has helped her in her current role, before commenting on what challenges she has encountered as woman working in the finance industry. Diane tells us how she has managed to overcome any challenges she finds in her way. “The bulk of my career has been at Standish. I started in the Accounting Department as a Portfolio Accountant. After less than a year in that role I was asked to move to a client servicing role where I had direct contact with our clients and ensured that all of their expectations were met. “The challenges that I have encountered in my career have less to do with being a woman and more to do with the finance industry being a very demanding one as a whole. A nine to five 40-hour work week is not a typical day for someone who has aspirations to build a career in this industry. It is quite common that I am found in my home office late into the night and on weekends. And when I am not in an office, I am regularly checking my email for any items that require immediate attention…something that has become a source of amusement with my friends and family.” Regarding what advice she would give to other women looking to succeed in the finance space, Diane believes in never letting someone take away an opportunity that you feel you deserve. Confidence is a wonderful attribute for anyone to have, especially if they are trying to make it to the very top. “My advice to someone looking to succeed in the finance industry would be the same as any other industry, never let someone take an opportunity away from you that you have worked hard for. Many times, people struggle with the uncertainty of if they deserve a promotion or if their work adds value. Confidence is an attribute that can either hinder a person’s growth or help them succeed, finding the right balance is key.” Interestingly, Diane predicts what the future holds for Standish, sharing some insights into how the company will look to grow and expand. The firm analyses trends that may affect the company in the long and short-term, as Diane details below. “At Standish, we are constantly analysing the investment landscape to ensure we are well positioned to compete with other investment managers in the market. We analyse trends that may have an impact on our short- to medium-term Headquartered in Boston, Standish is a leading investment management firm dedicated to serving sophisticated fixed income investors. We chatted to Diane Vieira to find out a bit more about the firm and the services it provides. Financial Services Marketing Director of the Year – New England WFB17001