(American Businessperson) Born: 1969
Adena Friedman
Play well with others.
The best thing we can do with rejection is to make it a learning experience – rejection is a great teacher.
Every time you feel entitled, you’re making a mistake.
Even the mundane task may have something to teach you – especially if it’s a task you haven’t performed before.
By definition, risk exposes businesses to danger.
I’ve always been on the business side – running P&L and working with clients.
If it’s a cliche to say that intellectual curiosity keeps your mind sharp, your senses alert, and your capabilities cutting-edge, that’s because it’s true.
I would like to be known as a great leader, not as a great woman leader.
Entry-level jobs are excellent opportunities to educate young women about the realities of the financial world and can prepare them for the next move up within the firm or another area of the financial industry.
Starting a new job can be nerve-racking, but it’s also exciting. You’re embarking on a new future, positioning yourself to write a fresh story on a clean slate.
A leader who listens is one who is malleable and willing to refine her views and actions as she learns new information or hears a better idea.
Be the optimist in the room.
Don’t assume that opportunity will come to you. Put yourself forward when there is an opportunity.
I was always first in, last out, but not inefficiently.
Empowering those around you to be heard and valued makes the difference between a leader who simply instructs and one who inspires.
If you’re not making use of even the most routine assignment to learn something, realize that many of your colleagues and coworkers are.
I like the idea of using all this science and technology to allow our clients to have a deeper insight into the market.
Listen to clients, employees, and peers and stay open to their ideas, feedback, and answers. Doing so is vital to the success of any leader.
There are a lot of jobs in the financial industry that do need a math major.
Always be listening and learning.
You can’t be successful in business without taking risks. It’s really that simple.
Some companies have a very well-defined program that they bring young people into to help them figure out what they really like to do to get them exposure to senior management early.
The best thing we can do with rejection is to make it a learning experience – rejection is a great teacher.
The ability to have influence and create change and drive the strategy of an organization is really what excites me.
Nobody gets through life without experiencing some form of rejection, which is why everybody knows how awful it feels.
The financial service industry has an image issue.
Regardless of how or where you enter Wall Street, use your inherent skills and strengths to succeed.
You need to have a lot of human judgment involved in the financial industry in terms of risk management, in terms of investment decisions, and things that really allow us to blend the best of technology and the human brain.
Ideas are only as good as your ability to communicate them.
If someone gives you an opportunity, you better maximize it so that he wants to give you the next one.
Nasdaq is investing in the technologies, talent, and capabilities that solve the complex challenges our clients face.
It’s important to experience as many parts of an organization as you can – because someday, you may have the chance to lead that organization.
Rejection should ignite soul-searching, and the soul-searching must be absolutely honest.
