Describe the most memorable experience you've ever had
at Citi.
The most memorable experience that I have
had to date required that I relocate to Mexico City and manage two
large bank industry teams. I originally joined Citi 19 years
ago because of its global footprint and its corporate client
coverage model. When I was presented with my first international
assignment—I jumped at the chance. I didn’t speak a foreign
language at the time, but I felt that as long as I was committed to
learning the language, I could accept the challenge. I knew that in
part by being able to converse freely in Spanish, I would have a
better chance to replicate the success in Mexico that I had
achieved in the U.S. In addition to acquiring new language skills
it was also clear that I would need a lot of support from senior
management, colleagues, and of course my clients to make this
venture a success. Because I received wonderful support at all
levels, we were able to execute some very innovative transactions
with our client base in Mexico which stretched across other
countries in Latin America. We were able to carry that momentum
through the acquisition of Banamex in 2001. Mexico continues to
play a very important role in the company’s strategy for Latin
America.
What do you consider Citi's competitive
edge?
I believe Citi’s competitive edge is found in
the quality of the banking professionals at every level. Citi
continues to lead with a global platform but the banking business
is built on trust and relationships. Our clients across the globe
count on us to provide and execute some of the most complex and
innovative solutions in the market which allow us to serve our
clients in ways that no one else can. The quality of professionals
throughout the organization is the “Best in Class” in the market
place and our clients are in the best position to benefit from such
a partnership.
How would you describe your team and the people you work
with?
I would describe the team as a family of very
positive, individualistic and energetic professionals.
Collectively, we’ve established a standard for delivering the firm
to our client base that requires a contribution of our time, and
expertise. Our clients view certain of our core competencies as
being critical in the way that they run their business and make
decisions. We believe that every member of the team is important
and by pooling our valuable resources, we stand a clear chance to
succeed in the eyes of our clients.
What other groups do you liaise with regularly within
the Firm?
I liaise regularly with all of my product
partners from global loans, investment grade and high yield debt,
derivatives, foreign exchange, mergers and acquisitions, equity and
equity derivatives, cash management, and structured trade on
behalf of my corporate clients. I also participate in various
internal committees focused on training diversity issues and
recruitment.
What non-work related activities do you get involved in
through Citi ?
There are many non-work related
activities that I am involved with but they all have one theme in
common--children. I am a proud board member of The CityKids
Foundation. CityKids is a non-profit multicultural youth
organization located in New York City, that believes that in
order to solve the problems facing our youth today, we must empower
them with tools in order to create change. I quickly realized
that Citi, through The Citi Foundation, was also involved with the
career and college prep programs at CityKids. Citi, once again,was
playing a key role in the community. I look forward to continuing
to work with other Citi professionals to support the great work
already begun by The Citi Foundation.
How has Citi supported your career
development?
Citi has been a wonderful place to build
my career over the past 19 years. The firm has given me
opportunities and responsibilities that have allowed me to grow as
a professional and to effect change within the organization. I have
spent time in Mexico, London and Houston, and feel that I have been
able to play a leadership role in driving business momentum in
every geography with my client base.
What do you enjoy doing outside work?
I
spend a lot of time with my daughters, family, church family and
friends, but feel very passionate about the various organizations
that I support. When I have a free moment, I tend to enjoy
photography and look forward to publishing my photographs later
this year.