The Women in Fund Finance presented a panel discussion and networking event in New York City earlier this week focusing on professional development and coaching. The event had a great turnout and was well received by those in attendance.
The panel, moderated by Lisa Chaney of Paul Hastings LLP, featured three career and executive coaches – Farida Khan, Michelle Friedman and Neal Eisenstein – who provided attendees with insight into career advancement and professional development. They emphasized that engaging an executive coach at various inflection points in one's career can truly help an individual make the most out of her career.
Panelists agreed that career development begins with an element of curiosity about how to become a better version of one's self and the importance of conducting a full-360 review process whereby supervisors, peers and subordinates all have the opportunity to provide both positive and constructive feedback. This review process forces us out of our comfort zones and allows for growth and development, they said. One panelist highlighted that there is “power in vulnerability.”
Key takeaways from the panel include:
- Executive coaches are not the only ones who can provide us with guidance – our existing mentors and others in our professional and personal lives can also provide informal coaching and serve as a personal “board of directors.”
- It’s up to each of us to provide coaching and mentorship to the next generation to ensure we all have the opportunity to succeed.
Thank you to Paul Hastings LLP for hosting such a great event.