We Talk Careers

Capital Markets

What does it mean to be the Global Head of Capital Markets? We have Janel Jackson and Anita Rausch here to tell us.
Anita Rausch is a Senior Vice President and Global Head of ETF Capital Markets, managing the liquidity and trading education of AB’s suite of exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Before joining the firm in 2022, she was head of Capital Markets for WisdomTree, a global ETF-only asset manager. She holds a BA in international business, with a minor in German, from the George Washington University. Anita is married with 2 kids (8 years and 12 years) and resides in Bergen County, NJ.  She regularly enjoys time with the family skiing in the winter, and driving fast cars in the summer.  
 
Janel Jackson is the Global Head of ETF Capital Markets at Vanguard. Janel joined Vanguard in 2012 as part of the company’s M.B.A. Leadership Development Program. She has also served as chief of staff to Vanguard’s chief investment officer and as senior investment analyst in Vanguard Institutional Advisory Services®.  Janel earned a B.A. from Ohio University and an M.B.A. from the Georgia Institute of Technology. She holds FINRA Series 7 and 66 licenses and is a member of the U.S. board of directors for Women in ETFs. Janel enjoys spending time with her family. She is also a foodie with a love for traveling to warm vacation spots. 
Kristine Delano guides the conversation about using your knowledge to become invaluable and the different skill sets necessary to navigate within the world of ETF Capital Markets. 
Listen on your favorite podcast platform. We Talk Careers Podcast.
Follow on Instagram kristine.delano.writer 
Visit www.womeninetfs.com to find additional support in the ETF industry. 
Go to www.kristinedelano.com for your Thrive Guide: a compilation of the most requested and insightful advice from our guests on Leadership and Advancement.
In partnership with https://www.etfcentral.com/
Book recommendations: 
Discipline is Destiny: The Power of Self-Control by Ryan Holiday
My Ishmael by Daniel Quinn
WE Talk Careers Podcast Episode Links:
High Performing Teams with Janel Jackson

Head of Research

Today, we are speaking to leaders who can both geek out on data and translate the big picture of our economy. They are the Head of Research. From strategic planning to market analysis to industry trends, how do their roles guide the creation and management of ETFs? 
We have Matt Dines and Carol Spain with us today. 
Carol Spain is a Managing Director and Head of Credit Research for Schwab Asset Management. Carol earned a Master of Public Policy from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Notre Dame. She is an active member of the National Federation of Municipal Analysts and is a member of the External Advisory Panel of the Government Finance Research Center. Carol lives in Chicago with her husband and two small children. 
 
Matt Dines serves as Chief Investment Officer at Build Asset Management, where he oversees portfolio management, capital allocation, and strategy for the firm and its clients. Matt holds a Master’s degree in Finance from Washington University in St. Louis, with a focus on Quantitative Finance. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Science from the University of Notre Dame. Matt earned his Chartered Financial Analyst® designation in 2017. Matt and his wife live in Seattle with their twin boys.  
Kristine Delano guides the conversation about the hard work and skills it takes to research and analyze data in the world of ETFs. 
Follow on Instagram kristine.delano.writer 
Visit www.womeninetfs.com to find additional support in the ETF industry. 
Go to www.kristinedelano.com for your Thrive Guide: a compilation of the most requested and insightful advice from our guests on Leadership and Advancement.
In partnership with https://www.etfcentral.com/
Book recommendations: 
Leading Lightly by Jody Michael
The Asian Financial Crisis 1995-98: Birth of the Age of Debt by Russell Napier

Compliance

Compliance professionals play a vital role in maintaining the integrity and transparency of the ETF industry. Now, that may sound a bit dry, but I assure you, throughout my career, compliance departments have been filled with some of the most dynamic and interesting professionals at the firm. Today, we are joined by Amy Shelton and Melanie Zimdars.
Amy Shelton is Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) for the American Century Funds, Advisor, Broker-Dealer and global operations. Amy is a member of key oversight committees including the Investment Oversight Committee and the Products & Markets Committee. Amy joined American Century Investments in 1994 and has served as CCO since 2014. In her free time, Amy enjoys cooking and hosting paella parties with her husband. 
Melanie Zimdars is Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) of Invesco Capital Management LLC. Prior to joining Invesco, Melanie served as Vice President and deputy Chief Compliance Officer at ALPS Holding, Inc. from 2009 to 2017. Melanie enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and son, hiking and snowshoeing. 
Kristine Delano guides the conversation about fostering team relationships and building strong communication skills in the fast paced world ETF Compliance.
Follow on Instagram kristine.delano.writer 
Visit www.womeninetfs.com to find additional support in the ETF industry. 
Go to www.kristinedelano.com for your Thrive Guide: a compilation of the most requested and insightful advice from our guests on Leadership and Advancement.
In partnership with https://www.etfcentral.com/
Book recommendations: 
Never Finished by David Goggins
Trust by Hernan Diaz

Marketing

What are the skills and strengths needed to create a customer base for ETFs? What does it take to know when to pivot and how to do it well?
We have Michelle DeWitt and Michael Natale with us for this episode to share their insight into the world of ETF Marketing.
Michael Natale is head of Intermediary Distribution. He is responsible for establishing Northern Trust Asset Management’s presence in the intermediary market and driving the adoption of investment expertise and strategies across North America. Michael earned his BBA and MBA from Stetson University (Deland, FL). He holds the FINRA series 7, 24, and 63 securities licenses. He is a former professional golfer and a six-time Chicago City Amateur Champion. He lives with his wife and 2 children in Chicago. 
Michelle DeWitt serves as the Head of ETF Marketing at Invesco where she’s responsible for the development and oversight of the ETF marketing strategy in the US and EMEA. Michelle earned her Bachelors’ degree in Business Administration from  Baruch College. Her commitment to professional development is evident through her possession of a CIMA® certification as well as FINRA Series 3, 7, 24, and 63 licenses. Michelle resides with her husband and 2 wonderful daughters in New York. She enjoys socializing with friends and family, going out to dinner, walking and soaking up the sun!
Kristine Delano guides the conversation about the importance of knowing which way the decision bus is going and how to know if you’re on it.
Follow on Instagram kristine.delano.writer 
Visit www.womeninetfs.com to find additional support in the ETF industry. 
Go to www.kristinedelano.com for your Thrive Guide: a compilation of the most requested and insightful advice from our guests on Leadership and Advancement.
In partnership with https://www.etfcentral.com/
Book recommendations: 
Start With Why by Simon Sinek
Atomic Habits by James Clear

Analyst

Today we are diving into the bones of Exchange-Traded Funds. Without them we’d have no form and nothing to offer investors. Who are these essential minds? ETF Analysts are scientists, detectives, and reporters all rolled up into the span of a single trading session. We have two fantastic guests to give us a peek at what they do. Anu Ganti and Rachel Liang are joining us for today’s episode.
Anu R. Ganti is Senior Director, Index Investment Strategy at S&P Dow Jones Indices. She is also a frequent contributor to both print and broadcast media outlets. Prior to joining S&P DJI, Anu worked in the asset management space, completing a post-MBA rotational program at Russell Investments within their fixed income research and trading divisions and working as a portfolio manager focusing on emerging market equities at Parametric Portfolio Associates (subsidiary of Eaton Vance). Anu is a CFA charterholder and holds an MBA in finance and economics from Columbia Business School, and a bachelor’s degree in finance and marketing from NYU’s Stern School of Business. She is married and lives with her husband in suburban New Jersey.
Rachel Liang is an experienced ETF Capital Market Research Analyst with a deep background in quantitative and data analytics field. Born and raised in northern China, she relocated to the U.S. in 2012. Rachel holds a bachelor's degree of Applied Mathematics in Beijing Institute of Technology, and a master’s degree of Financial Mathematics from Rutgers in New Jersey. She currently lives and works in New York City. Outside of work, Rachel loves Jazz music, reading, and baking in winter times. She holds Series 7 and 63, and is a CFA charterholder. 
Kristine Delano guides the conversation about how curiosity, creativity, and communication all play vital roles for Analysts as they navigate the evolving industry of ETFs. 
Follow on Instagram kristine.delano.writer 
Visit www.womeninetfs.com to find additional support in the ETF industry. 
Go to www.kristinedelano.com for your Thrive Guide: a compilation of the most requested and insightful advice from our guests on Leadership and Advancement.
In partnership with https://www.etfcentral.com/
Book recommendations: 
Rogue Trader by Nick Leeson
Trillions: How a Band of Wall Street Renegades Invented the Index Fund and Changed Finance Forever by Robert Wigglesworth
Mentor Mentions:
Craig Lazzara - S&P Dow Jones Indices
Tim Edwards - S&P Dow Jones Indices
 
WE Talk Careers Podcast Episode Link:
Indexing Your Career with Joy Yang 

Business Intelligence

Today, we’re talking about Business Intelligence. As the world of finance, investing, and ETFs gets more complex and nuanced, we need more data-driven insights that can support business decisions. Today we are joined by Montanna Saltsman and Brie Williams.
Montanna Saltsman is a Director, Investment Analysis, Active ETFs at Fidelity Investments where she supports all aspects of Fidelity’s ETF business. She earned her BA in Finance from Auburn University and an MBA & MSF from Auburn University. She serves as the Co-Head of Marketing & Communications for Women in ETFs. She currently lives in Denver, Colorado and loves hiking, yoga and reading.
Brie Williams is Vice President of State Street Global Advisors and Head of Practice Management for the GLobal SPDR Business. Brie received her MA degree from Emerson College and her bachelor’s degree from Southern Methodist University. She also is a Member of the Advisory Board for ThoughtLab and represents Women in ETFs on their Speaker Bureau. Brie lives with her husband in Massachusetts and enjoys running, helping friends with design projects, and is an avid reader. 
Kristine Delano guides the conversation about resilience, intellectual curiosity, an eagerness to learn and the impact these all have on the role of Business Intelligence.
Follow on Instagram kristine.delano.writer 
Visit www.womeninetfs.com  to find additional support in the ETF industry. 
Go to www.kristinedelano.com  for your Thrive Guide: a compilation of the most requested and insightful advice from our guests on Leadership and Advancement.
In partnership with https://www.etfcentral.com 
Other episodes referenced - 
Intellectual Curiosity - https://wetalkcareers.podbean.com/e/intellectual-curiosity-with-emily-meyer/
Impact Mentoring - https://wetalkcareers.podbean.com/e/impact-mentoring-with-jill-mavro-and-kelly-mckenna/
 
Book recommendations: 
Rise: My Story by Lindsey VonnLead to Win by Carla A. HarrisWhen Women Lead: What They Achieve, Why They Succeed, and How We Can Learn from Them  by Julia BoorstinThe Only Woman by Immy Humes

Product Manager

Today is our 50th episode of WE Talk Careers!
We are continuing our dive into Wall Street careers and into the very heart of Exchange-Traded Funds. What does it mean to be a product manager? We are joined by Sandra Testani and Greg Trinks to help us explore this role.
In her role as Head of ETF Product and Strategy, Sandra Testani drives strategic product initiatives to launch new products and oversees the existing ETF offerings across the American Century and Avantis Investors brands. Prior to joining American Century Investments in 2015, she spent 15 years as a vice president at AllianceBernstein. She has worked in the investment industry since 2000. Sandra holds a bachelor's degree in international relations with a concentration in business and economics from Boston University. She is a CFA and CAIA® charterholder. She currently serves on the Finance Committee for Women in ETFs. Sandra lives in Connecticut with her husband and 7 year old daughter. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, snowboarding and swimming. She aspires to travel to as many U.S. National Parks as possible in her lifetime.
Greg Trinks is Head of U.S. Product at Janus Henderson Investors, a position he has held since 2023. In this role, he leads the U.S. product team. Prior to joining the firm, Greg was with UBS for over twenty years where he held a variety of roles, most recently as head of portfolio advisory group. Greg began his career focused on taxable fixed income and municipal bond sales and marketing at Prudential Financial. Greg received a BA degree in business administration and finance from Western Michigan University. He holds the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) designation and has 24 years of financial industry experience. Greg lives in New Jersey with his wife, 8 year old son, and 6 year old daughter. Greg enjoys spending time with his family outdoors, especially the beach and boating, hiking, and skiing/snowboarding. He also enjoys cooking, hosting friends, and listening to Audiobooks/Podcasts on the long commutes.
Kristine Delano guides the conversation about Product Management as the intersection for the ETF industry and what it takes to build strong, collaborative, relationships.
Follow on Instagram kristine.delano.writer 
Visit www.womeninetfs.com to find additional support in the ETF industry. 
Go to www.kristinedelano.com for your Thrive Guide: a compilation of the most requested and insightful advice from our guests on Leadership and Advancement.
In partnership with https://www.etfcentral.com/
Book recommendations: 
Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams by Matthew Walker, PhD 
Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Peter Attia, MD
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

Sales and Distribution

As we've been tackling different Wall Street careers, today we are focusing on the highly sought after and complex Sales and Distribution roles. We are joined by April Reppy Suydam and Inga Rachwald. 
April Reppy Suydam is Head of Latin America Distribution at First Trust Portfolios. April has over a decade of experience in the financial services industry and spent half of her career supporting Vanguard’s International Division. April has a Global MBA from the Thunderbird School of Global Management. She is fluent in both English and Spanish. April lives in Chicago with her husband and three small children. 
Inga Rachwald is a Director and Senior Investment Portfolio Strategist supporting Schwab Asset Management. Prior to joining Schwab in 2016, she spent six years at RS Investments as a senior product manager and product specialist. Inga earned a Master of Business Administration in finance from Duke University and a Bachelor of Science in political science from the University of California, Berkeley. Inga lives in San Francisco and enjoys bike riding in her spare time. 
Kristine Delano guides the conversation about utilizing organizational skills and communication best practices to establish work/life balance.
Follow on Instagram kristine.delano.writer 
Visit www.womeninetfs.com to find additional support in the ETF industry. 
Go to www.kristinedelano.com for your Thrive Guide: a compilation of the most requested and insightful advice from our guests on Leadership and Advancement.
In partnership with https://www.etfcentral.com/
Book recommendations: 
- France: An Adventure History by Graham Robb- Battling Ward: The Life Story of a Greek Immigrant by Peter J. Douros- Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner

Portfolio Management with Linda Klingman and Shana Sissel

On today’s episode, we are talking about the quintessential role of Portfolio Manager. They oversee the management and performance of a fund. What does it take to be successful and how do you get tapped for the role? Today we have Linda Klingman and Shana Sissel joining us.
Linda Klingman is a Managing Director and Head of Money Market Strategies for Schwab AssetManagement. She leads the portfolio management teams for Schwab Money Funds and has overall responsibility for all aspects of the management of the funds. Linda earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Stephen F. Austin State University. Linda lives in the San Francisco Bay Area and is an avid gardener, growing many types of fruits and vegetables to share with family and friends throughout the year.  When she’s not managing money funds or in the garden, she is traveling to places far and wide or spending time in Key West, Florida.  
As CEO of Banríon Capital Management Shana Orczyk Sissel helps independent advisors navigate thecomplex world of alternative investing. Shana earned her nickname as “Queen of Alternatives” from her industry peers and wears the “crown” with great pride. Shana earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sport Management from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst before receiving her MBA from Bentley University’s McCallum School of Business. She is a proud holder of the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) designation. In her spare time, Shana enjoys horseback riding, traveling, and spending time at the beach, regardless of the season. 
Kristine Delano guides the conversation about the importance of making connections with clients, managing goals, and having mentors.
Follow on Instagram kristine.delano.writer 
Visit www.womeninetfs.com to find additional support in the ETF industry. 
Go to www.kristinedelano.com for your Thrive Guide: a compilation of the most requested and insightful advice from our guests on Leadership and Advancement.
In partnership with the New York Stock Exchange and  https://www.etfcentral.com/
Book recommendations: 
- Risk: The Science and Politics of Fear by Daniel Gardner- Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson, M.D.

Head of ETFs with Leah Wald and Greg Friedman

We are diving into Wall Street careers, specifically in the exciting space of Exchange-Traded Funds. Today, we are starting at the top. What is it to be the Head of ETFs? How do you oversee all the aspects of your firm’s fund business and what does it take to get there and be successful? We have Greg Friedman and Leah Wald with us today.
Leah Wald is the CEO at Valkyrie Investments, bridging the gap between traditional finance and the rapidly evolving digital asset industry. Leah is a contributing writer for Forbes and co-authored the book Hyperwave Theory: The Rogue Waves of Financial Markets. Leah has a BA in International Political Economy and a MSc in Management specialized in International Business from IE Business School. Leah lives in Nashville, TN where she enjoys horse racing, beekeeping, and hiking. 
Greg Friedman is head of ETF Management and Strategy at Fidelity Investments. In this role, Greg is responsible for the development and execution of a firm-wide comprehensive ETF strategy, including product development, management, and positioning.  Prior to joining Fidelity, Greg was chief operation officer and head of Global ETF Product at Russell Investments. Greg earned his bachelor of arts degree from the University of California at Davis. He loves spending time with his family, golfing, skiing and will always be a Parrot Head. 
Kristine Delano guides the conversation into the importance of rigorous decision-making, team dynamics, and time spent on industry news. 
Follow on Instagram kristine.delano.writer 
Visit www.womeninetfs.com to find additional support in the ETF industry. 
Go to www.kristinedelano.com for your Thrive Guide: a compilation of the most requested and insightful advice from our guests on Leadership and Advancement.
In partnership with https://www.etfcentral.com/
Book recommendations: 
24: Life Stories and Lessons from the Say Hey Kid by Willie Mays and John Shea
The Every by Dave Eggers