“Code is art,” a mentor once told me. Software engineering gives you immense creative freedom. And at Vanguard, teams have autonomy to choose how they want to build their systems and applications – from languages like Java, Typescript, and Python, to AWS Cloud features such as SageMaker, Aurora, and Lambda. You design, architect, and build infrastructure tailored to solve your problem. You fine tune the technologies with your code and make use of the conveniences and features. It’s impossible to be bored!

As a senior application engineer, my enthusiasm stems from the capable and contemporary technology we use to deliver solutions for our business, which translates to value for our clients.

A culture of engineering

Engineering culture on a diverse team, like ours, brings great collaboration and new ways of overcoming challenges.

We work in a high-energy environment with some of the aspects of a lean startup. Vanguard empowers engineers with the flexibility to pursue solutions while learning and experimenting at the same time. We’re also encouraged to explore internal tech opportunities, so you can rotate into the roles that interest you most.

Working in the cloud

Vanguard is modernizing legacy technology, migrating many applications to the public cloud. Particularly interesting are some of the AWS features used by my team, such as S3, SNS, SQS, Lambda, Step Functions, DynamoDB, ECS, Cloudformation, and Cloudwatch. Data encryption and security play major roles. Additionally, we design with high availability and disaster recovery in mind. You gain a sense of how meaningful the modernization goals are when an application can be retired, and the replacement performs better at a lower cost.

So, at Vanguard, “code is art” is a reality. When I started working at Vanguard as a junior developer, I had no experience with many of the technologies which were being used for the project I joined. I felt a little intimidated. However, the other developers and technical lead on my team got me up-to-speed and set me up for success. From my earliest days to today, my motivation to learn and navigate Vanguard’s vast technological landscape continues to fuel my passion. Vanguard strives to be the best place to work in IT – and you can feel it.

-Scott M.

Before starting my career at Vanguard as an application engineer, I had some preconceived notions that I would be siloed at a desk, head down, and coding. Much to my surprise, I could not have been more wrong about my typical day of work. While a career in software development does inherently entail screen time, it is complemented by collaboration within and across teams, which fosters an environment of endless learning, as well as interpersonal and professional growth. Despite what most people think, software development is an extremely team-oriented career. We work with a variety of mission-driven teams – gaining and sharing knowledge all along the way.

Vanguard encourages a cooperative culture by building teams of people with different backgrounds and experiences in technology and business. This diversity truly expands your knowledge base by encouraging multidimensional thinking and idea sharing – so we’re always learning from each other. The people who come from non-technical roles often lend creative solutions to the problems that had our technical team blocked. Sharing my technical knowledge with others is energizing and very fulfilling. For example, enabling business partners on the team to perform their own testing not only helps our efficiency, but lends to great comradery.

Making an Impact

As part of a product team, crew in technical roles can participate in all client-facing discussions. Offering ideas and hearing directly from our clients is rewarding as a developer. We get to see how the work we do makes a genuine impact on the clients we serve.

While developing a new feature, I sometimes find myself getting excited about an idea to improve the current design, so I will typically reach out via chat or even stop by our product owner’s desk for real-time feedback. I’ve gotten to build close relationships across Vanguard, that would not have been possible if I had been isolated from that part of the process.

I genuinely love coming to work and cannot imagine myself anywhere else. That’s due to the incredible teams I have been a part of, and Vanguard’s commitment to creating a collaborative environment for all crew – especially in the technology space!

— Laurel A.

Are you interested in Technology at Vanguard?

Hear directly from our tech crew here, and be sure to check out these opportunities.

Fresh out of college with a degree in Mathematics and Computer Science, I was ready to embark on a Vanguard career — though I would not have thought it would last 27 years. It was my first time on campus, hurrying to get to my first interview, when I realized Vanguard was the place for me. The greetings from the crew walking on campus, the welcoming atmosphere, and the authenticity of the recruiter and interviewer just felt right.

Mission Oriented

But most of all, it was Vanguard’s mission: to take a stand for all investors, to treat them fairly, and to give them the best chance for investment success. That mission has been the same and has not changed my entire career.

It’s a mission you can feel. Vanguard is investor-owned, meaning the fund shareholders own the funds, which in turn own Vanguard. We strive to ensure our efforts will lead to better outcomes for our investors. We’re helping over 30 million investors around the world save for retirement, pursue education goals, and build a future for themselves and their families.

My Vanguard Why

Along the way, family and friends have asked why I’ve stayed at Vanguard for so long. My answer has been consistent: Vanguard’s commitment to our clients, crew, and community aligns to my values – which makes it easy to stay. It is only when our clients win that we win.

I currently lead one of the client experience and digital departments focused on helping clients manage their accounts. I’ve completed many rotations in IT, including as a frontend developer, technical lead, project manager, and systems manager, spanning multiple subdivisions within our IT division. Across all of these roles and departments, one truism is clear: Vanguard is focused on clients first. My current role serving our individual investors and advice clients through technology has helped me contribute to making the mission a reality.

Vanguard has always been the best place to work for me. The way in which Vanguard cares for their crew is clear – I’ve completed my master’s degree here, raised a family here, found opportunities to pursue growth here, and much more. And for every day of my 27 years, Vanguard’s mission has inspired me to continue learning, growing, and giving investors the best chance for investment success.

– Sonya D.

Are you interested in Technology at Vanguard?
Hear directly from our tech crew here, and be sure to check out these opportunities.

From leading scrum teams that develop digital client experience technologies to overseeing the pricing and economics for all our enterprise mutual funds and ETFs. That’s not your typical career trajectory but is emblematic of Vanguard’s culture to provide unique experiences to leaders in unorthodox ways. Although many of my career experiences have seemingly little in common, each role offered learnings, insights, and perspectives that can shape how I approach decision-making in subsequent roles. Within Finance, I’ve quickly realized both the opportunity that this division provides in being able to drive significant enterprise impact as well as the unique and indirect preparedness that prior experiences have provided to help me contribute to that impact.

One part of my unique journey is that I left Vanguard for about five years. I first departed to pursue business school for two years, and then upon graduation, spent a few years as a management consultant. The consulting experience had three primary benefits for me: 1) the pace of work and the approach to problem solving developed my managerial abilities; 2) rotating to a different engagement every few months with a new client, team, and project, taught me to quickly synthesize the complex; and, 3) being away from Vanguard allowed me to fully appreciate the power of this company’s mission, purpose, and culture.

Although the first and second benefits have been instrumental in helping me add value across various parts of the organization, the last benefit is the most important. It’s easy to take for granted what this company stands for and why it is different. We hear the buzzwords often (e.g., investor-owned), but those words’ meanings resonated most powerfully for me while having the opportunity to work at and with other companies in the industry. I was able to experience first-hand how ownership conflicts can trickle down into impacting all facets of an organization – from culture to decision-making. Counterintuitively, being away from Vanguard made it apparent how special Vanguard is – the people that comprise this organization and the purpose on which it rests. As Vanguard CEO Tim Buckley has said, “helping people achieve a better financial future is not a secondary goal for us. It is the only goal.”

In my current role within Finance, I am able to directly witness how our unique ownership structure mechanically works from a fund expense and price standpoint, and in turn understand how we are able to return so much value to investors. The “Vanguard effect” did not happen by accident, and I now own this process for all of our funds. These decisions have wide-spanning implications on our enterprise revenue, investor savings, brand, competitive positioning, among other factors – it’s both an awesome and humbling responsibility. I’m excited about the opportunity that I have to help investors as a crew member within Finance, and I encourage you to reflect on how your own diverse experiences knit together in a way that makes you a more capable agent in delivering Vanguard’s mission to our investors.

– Brian D.

Starting your first job after college can seem intimidating. Jesus L. and Drew E. share their experiences joining Vanguard as part of the Advance to Financial Planning Associate (AFPA) Program. Through AFPA, they worked in Vanguard’s Advisor Support Group in a client-facing position and had opportunities to develop their financial planning acumen and relationship building skills, while networking and receiving mentorship from advisors and advisor managers over the course of roughly one year. The two detail how the program and Vanguard helped make their transition to the corporate world, and ultimately a role as a financial advisor, easier.

Why Vanguard?

Provide a brief introduction about yourself and why you chose Vanguard.

Jesus: I joined Vanguard in June of 2021 through the Advance to Financial Planning Associate Program (AFPA), after graduating from Grand Canyon University with a degree in Finance and Economics. I chose to work for Vanguard because of the investment philosophy that the company holds. Vanguard’s four principals for investment success: Goals, Balance, Cost and Discipline, represent a recipe for success that is realistic, replicable, and achievable for the broad population. As a Mexican American and first-generation college graduate, I feel compelled to share those principals with my community and begin to address financial illiteracy nationwide.

Drew: I joined Vanguard’s AFPA program in 2021 after graduating from Davidson College with an Economics degree. I chose Vanguard because their low-cost, long-term, indexing investment philosophy aligns with my core thoughts on financial markets, saving, and investing. I am grateful to work for an employer where honesty is valued, and to work with people who I know will do the right thing for all investors.

What initially interested you in the AFPA program, and an eventual career in advice?

Jesus: I’ve always been passionate about my personal financial journey, and a career in advice seemed like a logical next step. Throughout college I knew I wanted to be involved in other people’s financial journeys, but I lacked confidence and industry knowledge to begin working as an advisor at a local Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) firm. The AFPA program provided me with a steppingstone to become a successful planner. I was able to spend a year getting exposure to the industry and the various financial planning challenges that every day Americans face. This experience didn’t just prepare me for a career as a financial advisor, but it gave me immense confidence to use the skills I already had.

Drew: Vanguard was a company that I trusted with my own investments; therefore, a company I was eager to work for. My time in the program convinced me that a career in financial advice was an excellent path. I was grateful to learn how to be an advisor in a development program rather than jumping into selling products on commission.

Transition Period

What did it feel like to transition from college to corporate life?

Jesus: Transitioning into the corporate lifestyle was quite difficult for me at first. Especially as a first-generation student, I had negative preconceptions about American corporate life. During my time as a college student, I considered entrepreneurship as the only optimal path for success. Yet when I joined Vanguard’s community, I quickly realized that I was surrounded with like-minded individuals who shared similar aspirations. At Vanguard, I have access to half a century’s worth of information and real-life experiences that shaped the industry into what it is today. I network with professionals who have decades of financial planning experience. Most importantly I’m not alone, I have a clear leadership structure that aids and supports my development.

Drew: In college, you are handed opportunities to shine in the form of exams and papers. In the corporate world, those opportunities aren’t highlighted, but finding them and capitalizing on them will help you stand out. Finding success in corporate life requires discipline and self-motivation. There are opportunities to learn and make an impact, but you must seek them out. Don’t be afraid to ask your leader for time to work on projects you are passionate about.

What was your favorite part of the AFPA program?

Jesus: My favorite part of the AFPA program was being surrounded by like-minded peers. Having peers who are on the same professional track adds a unique level of collaboration that I found to be very constructive. I’ve made a lot of memories and friendships that I will be carrying with me for years to come.

Financial Advice

What did you learn throughout the development period – both in the Advisor Support Group (ASG) role and through development activities?

Drew:  In the ASG role, I learned that a well-thought question is far more persuasive and valuable than a definitive statement. You’ll often work with clients who know very little about markets, but what they value more than your knowledge is your listening ear. Through the development activities, I learned the full depth of what an advisor provides clients. I learned that advice encompasses not only investments and goals, but long-term care planning, charitable giving, disciplined coaching, and an emotional connection.

Vanguard Careers

What advice do you have for candidates interested in AFPA?

Jesus: My biggest piece of advice to any AFPA candidate is to use your time in this program wisely. Begin visualizing the financial planning process. Understand the thought process and methodology that goes behind every transaction. By the time it’s your turn to put on the advisor hat, you’ll already have the confidence and base knowledge to work from.

Drew: Ask questions. Early in the program, I was too worried to admit I didn’t know something; however, the questions you have will likely be questions your peers and eventual clients have, too. If you ask questions early and often, you’ll quickly find success in the role.

Are you interested in our Advance to Financial Planning Associate program? View our opportunities today!

Vanguard has opened a new office in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area in Texas. In alignment with the firm’s commitment to making advice more accessible and affordable for investors, the new location will be dedicated to supporting all aspects of its growing advice businesses. Recently, we spoke with some of the crew members at the new site and had a chance to ask them questions about what they are most excited about. In this final installment of a three-part series, we hear from Javier H.

What makes Vanguard stand out in the financial services industry?

What makes Vanguard unique is its ownership structure, which removes the friction caused by competing elements in serving owners versus investors. At Vanguard, they are truly one and the same and this results in all decisions being grounded in doing the right thing for our clients. Vanguard’s client-first mission is embedded in our approach to investing, decision-making, and company culture. I have peace of mind knowing that the work I do every day is creating value ethically and with integrity for our clients.

What are you looking forward to most with Vanguard’s new footprint in Dallas?

I am looking forward to building a team of advisors from all walks of life who are dedicated to helping investors achieve their best financial futures. Texas has such a rich and diverse culture that is full of pride. I believe these elements will be a great addition to Vanguard. I’m also excited to hold team gatherings at BBQ and Tex-Mex joints, where we can connect outside of the workplace and enjoy local cuisine, too!

What skills and competencies make a financial advisor at Vanguard successful?

The best financial advisors that I have seen demonstrate a high degree of emotional intelligence with clients. They are able to build authentic connections and establish trust with clients quickly. As a financial advisor, trust is critical to uncovering sensitive financial situations in a client’s life that they may be hesitant to share. I would also say that great financial advisors are also great teachers; they effectively communicate complex financial subjects in a way that is easier for a client to understand.

How will Vanguard support a financial advisor’s career growth?

Financial advisors are encouraged to pursue the CFP® exam with Vanguard’s support if they do not already hold the certification. The CFP certification is one of the most widely recognized and respected certifications within the financial services industry. There are also many opportunities to learn, shadow, and receive mentorship from senior financial advisors to help advisors grow and develop within the craft.

More about Javier: After completing his undergraduate degree in Finance, Javier joined Vanguard through an accelerated leadership training program. Javier has been a leader in several business departments and is currently a manager in Vanguard’s Personal Advisor Services, leading a team of financial advisors. Javier holds the CFP certification and is passionate about coaching advisors to meet the wide range of client needs.

Are you interested in joining our team in Dallas, Texas? View our Advice opportunities today!

Please check out our first and second installments of this series to learn more about Financial Advisor opportunities and our new Dallas site from Luke and McKenna.

¹Vanguard is investor-owned, meaning the fund shareholders own the funds, which in turn own Vanguard.

Vanguard’s Global Risk and Security (GR&S) division enables the organization’s business strategy and protects clients, Vanguard assets, and data. The teams within the group leverage enterprise-wide insights, deep expertise, and trusted advice so that across Vanguard, leaders and crew drive faster, stronger, risk-informed decisions. In this blog, Principal and Chief Information Security Officer, Manish Nagar, shares insights into his personal career experiences, Vanguard’s new footprint in Dallas, Texas, and why you might want to consider a career in Global Risk and Security.

My career journey at Vanguard
To start out, I have two pieces of advice for anyone reading this blog: 1) Take risks in your career – this means doing what may feel uncomfortable at times; and 2) Re-invest in and re-invent your skills multiple times throughout your career journey. You’ll see that throughout my career at Vanguard, I’ve been fortunate to have had various assignments and rotations across multiple departments and divisions. Taking risks and investing in my development has helped me become the business leader that I am today.

While growing up, I was always fascinated by the way things work, and I decided to pursue my undergrad in Engineering. When I launched my career at Vanguard in 2000, I started as part of the firm’s Technology Leadership Program (TLP), where I completed several rotations in IT that led to people leadership and program management opportunities. I also spent time in Vanguard’s Strategy, Product, Marketing, and Communications (SPMC) division, and the Investment Management division. In 2018, I joined the Global Risk & Security (GR&S) division as the Head of Risk for Europe in London, which my family and I thoroughly enjoyed, until I returned to the US to oversee the Global Investment Risk Management Group.

In 2021, I was asked to the take over the CISO (Chief Information Security Officer) role and head up our Enterprise Security and Fraud (ES&F) subdivision within GR&S. The CISO role has been the most exciting and rewarding role within my career thus far. In ES&F, we have the responsibility of protecting the data and assets of our over 30 million clients. Our clients place their trust in Vanguard and expect us to safeguard their dreams for the future – like saving for retirement or their children’s or grandchildren’s education or down payment on a house. And what drives our success are the over 900 incredibly talented and dedicated individuals that are passionate about protecting the enterprise and our clients day in and day out.

Vanguard’s new presence in Dallas
We are so excited to be expanding our Enterprise Security and Fraud team’s presence within GR&S to Dallas. We know that Dallas is a hub with high growth and core strategic talent; this brings a great opportunity to create a team with new people and opportunities for career development. We will be hiring critical roles in Identity and Access Management, Cyber Security Operations, Global Security and Fraud, Global Enterprise Security and Security Architecture & Engineering.

Why Global Risk and Security?
We in GR&S are the trusted advisors that protect the pride of Vanguard. We are the best in-class security and fraud organization protecting our investors by staying ahead of evolving threats. We encompass a group of highly engaged, passionate, and diverse talent who are expected to continuously learn and develop in an ever-changing security landscape. Our crew are our greatest resource – by joining our team, you will build collaborative, long-term relationships and enjoy a suite of benefits that includes comprehensive health and wellness care, work-life balance, and an investment in your future at its core.

Click here to view our Global Risk and Security opportunities in Dallas!

The Vanguard College to Corporate (C2C) Internship program offers students the opportunity to work on real-world challenges, expand their expertise in a particular discipline, and develop a broad understanding of Vanguard’s business. Our interns invest in meaningful work across the enterprise and are an essential part of building a pipeline of talent. National Intern Day is on July 28th and it’s a special day that we would like to dedicate to recognizing and celebrating our future leaders of Vanguard. In this blog, we hear from program managers who partnered closely with our interns this year. Here is what they had to say about their interns’ projects and contributions:

“We gave our intern, Taylor, two big projects this summer as part of a strategic review of the entire fixed income fund market and she created enduring reports for us to use. She has learned so much about the market and created tools that give us significant insights into our competitive position in the marketplace. Not just that, her peers love working with her, with one describing her as a “gem” to partner with.”
– Ben A., Investment Product Strategy Manager

“Interns, Abel and Kevin, spent the summer with Vanguard’s Quantitative Equity Group (QEG) where they played an instrumental role in supporting the QEG business. While they had a chance to get involved in the day-to-day work and monitor portfolios closely, they were also involved in a strategic priority for both QEG Investment Risk and QEG – calibrating constraints for Vanguard’s Global funds. It was a two-month effort that involved strong collaboration between Investment Risk, QEG, and external data vendors to pull a proposal together that will ultimately result in optimal risk taking for the portfolios and investor outcomes.”
– Denis H., Investment Risk Manager

“Our amazing IT interns, Ian, Malcolm, and Mike) have taken a cumbersome, manual process and turned it into an automated tool complete with metrics and historical data. They picked up on the new technology and ran with it. This is saving us hours of work during our disaster recovery tests.”
– Annette S., Disaster Recovery Manager

“My intern, Brittany, brings a positive attitude to work every day! She is creating insightful financial reporting that will be used across our division!”
– Korey M., Finance Manager

“Having an intern has been a true gift to the department and the team!  Our aligned intern, Mikayla, explored potential, future-state efficiency projects and made actionable recommendations to add value to our organization.  It was really a rewarding experience to not only help our intern gain exposure to our industry and organization, but also experience the fruit of that investment through the completion of quality work.  We were overjoyed to hear that our intern had decided to apply to Vanguard formally through our rotational program and we cannot wait to see her as a full-time crew member in 2023!”
– Jim A., Manager, Global Payroll

Interested in an internship with Vanguard? Click here to check out our opportunities!

Vanguard has opened a new office in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area in Texas. In alignment with the firm’s commitment to making advice more accessible and affordable for investors, the new location will be dedicated to supporting all aspects of its growing advice businesses. Recently, we spoke with some of the crew members at the new site and had a chance to ask them questions about what they are most excited about. In this installment of a three-part series, we hear from McKenna A.

What makes Vanguard stand out in the financial services industry?
As an advisor at Vanguard, no part of my compensation is based on commission. Instead, I get to partner with my clients to determine what is most valuable to them, without any competing priorities. When I meet with clients or prospects, it’s not about a pressured, sales-esque call. Instead, I feel as though I’m sitting across from them, cup of coffee in hand, talking about what is most important to them in life and how I can help them achieve their financial goals.

What are you looking forward to most with Vanguard’s new footprint in Dallas?
In addition to what you do, I think one of the most critical parts to enjoying work is who you have alongside you. At Vanguard, I’ve had the privilege of working next to some amazing people that make everyday work more enjoyable. These are individuals who challenge me, mentor me, and help me grow personally and professionally. Being able to start a new office in Dallas allows us to continue to expand our team with an amazing variety of talent, knowledge, and background, and is something I am incredibly excited for. Individually we are effective, but collectively we can be undeniable.

What skills and competencies make a financial advisor at Vanguard successful?
There are so many competencies that help make a well-rounded, successful advisor. It’s important to be detail oriented, caring, curious, passionate, timely, organized, empathetic, and more. However, I believe what is at the core of all these skills, and most crucial, is an ownership mindset. An ownership mindset is a theme that begins with the ownership structure of Vanguard and carries through to the culture and way we work, and the function of Vanguard’s Personal Advisor Services (PAS) as a department. I come to work each day with the freedom to take initiative, am empowered to make decisions, and as a result, have personal responsibility for the outcomes that follow. This drives me to engage wholeheartedly with my clients, new and existing, and work hard to help them achieve their best outcomes in all ways possible.

How will Vanguard support a financial advisor’s career growth?
Vanguard offers many opportunities for continued career growth. In fact, it’s something that initially attracted me to the company. A few things that I have taken advantage of are the mentorship programs, formal and informal, and Crew Resource Groups (CRGs). With the formal mentorship programs, I was able to work one-on-one with a mentor, going through personalized curriculum covering everything from career progression and networking, to resume skills and interviewing tips. I am also part of a CRG established to support Vanguard’s efforts to increase the representation of women in leadership at Vanguard. This provides allies and support for career progression, coaching, and networking opportunities geared towards women specifically. In addition to these, every week there is time built into my schedule by Vanguard to continue my personal development, including sessions that allow me to gain Continuing Education credits for my CFP® designation.

More about McKenna: I began my financial services career with Vanguard in 2016. I find joy in helping improve the lives of my clients every day by collaborating with them to define and achieve their versions of success. My husband and I recently moved to Frisco, TX, with our two tuxedo cats. I love traveling, being outdoors, baking, and eating said baked goods.

Are you interested in joining our team in Dallas, Texas? View our Advice opportunities today!

Please check out our first installment of this series to learn more about Financial Advisor opportunities and our new Dallas site from Luke.

Each year on March 8 we celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) to honor the achievements of women, in a variety of fields, throughout history and across nations. March also happens to be Women’s History Month in the United States.

In recognition of both International Women’s Day (IWD) and Women’s History Month, Vanguard’s Women’s Initiative for Leadership Success (WILS) hosted events and programs focusing on a bold theme: “Break the Bias.” The mission behind this year’s theme was to demystify and confront one major bias against women in corporate environments across all industries: the gap between women and men being perceived as strategic thinkers.

Through live speaker events, career progression programs, and company-wide discussions, crew engaged with each other across virtual platforms. Many also participated in a #BreakTheBias campaign by posting photos striking the IWD pose to show their commitment to calling out gender bias and stereotyping.

Lastly, WILS also took this opportunity to recognize and celebrate “women we admire” through a spotlight series. Take a moment to read the insights these crew members shared about their personal career experiences in being strategic thinkers and best practices for breaking gender biases.

Nitu G.
Product Architect in Europe

Nitu opens up about the importance of building a collective vision: “As architects, a lot of our work requires shaping the longer-term strategic architecture vision. For me, formulating a strategic vision can only happen when you take the time to talk to stakeholders and subject matter experts, and take a genuine interest in understanding what they do, what our clients do, and the challenges they face. It’s important to keep focused on understanding the bigger picture and uncovering the core challenges so that you can then collaboratively and strategically figure out what needs to be achieved. Collaboration is the key to shaping your own thinking and that of others. I always remind myself that having strategic vision is meaningless unless it can be driven forward. The best way to do that is for everyone to be part of the same journey and build the vision together.”

Danielle C.
Co-head of PAS High Net Worth Advice and Advice Support Group

Offering guidance to those interested in strengthening their strategic thinking skillset, Danielle shares, “Strategic thinking comes down to how you approach making decisions and considering trade-offs. A few tips: 1. Start with growing your experience working with data. Then, determine how to use data to tell a compelling story. 2. Frameworks, like hypothesis trees, are helpful to tell a story and show how you came to a decision. Read books and articles on decision-making and hang onto memos and presentations on the subject, as you never know when they will come in handy. 3. Think about altitude, time, and scope. 4. Finally, verbalize your thought process. Don’t keep all that great strategic thinking locked up inside your head! Communicate clearly and transparently to your peers, directs, and leaders. This helps bring your stakeholders along.

Ayana P-B.
Head of Emerging Talent and Diversity Recruiting Strategy

Touching on this year’s IWD theme, Ayana shares, “The “break” in break the bias implies interruption. To interrupt patterns of behavior takes humility, courage, and an openness to both learn and teach. For women on a path to develop strategic thinking and break the bias, I’d encourage you to speak up and shine your light to the fullest! Show your expertise, share your knowledge, actively listen, and dynamically engage. You can and will make an impact and add tremendous value by being your authentic self, not questioning your seat at the table, and showing up prepared to lean in.”

Michelle L.
Senior Portfolio Manager in Vanguard’s Investment Management Group

When speaking about women in investment management, Michelle says, “It’s no secret that investment management has long been a male-dominated profession. The first bias we need to break is that women can have and build successful careers in the investment management industry. As a representative of WILS for Vanguard’s Investment Management Group, a strategic area we continue to focus on is our outreach to young women and girls on careers in investment management, as societal biases start very early. It’s empowering to help young women and girls see opportunity in investment management among their bright futures, particularly where bias or lack of role modeling may have chartered a different path for them.

Linda A.
Head of Financial Planning and Analysis and Corporate Accounting in Australia

For women looking to become stronger strategic thinkers, Linda encourages, “Be proactive. Understand the business strategy, understand the challenges faced by your leader, peers, and crew within the organization. Apply a risk culture mindset, collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to bring different perspectives and insights, and don’t be afraid to voice your ideas.”