Women in Financial Services
Quick Fire Questions with E2W member Chadia Eve Zouein
Katie.Dix / 30 May 2019
We know that the E2W members are not one dimensional City working machines, but that they have lives outside of work, hobbies and top tips that they want to share. Our 'quick fire questions with...' has some serious questions about working in financial services and more fun ones so that we can demonstrate the many dimensions of a senior woman in finance.
Chadia Eve Zouein is an experienced Product Specialist - Investor Relations - Marketing Mid-Senior level professional with a demonstrated history of working in the financial services industry. Skilled in Asset Management and alternative investments.
1. What makes our mission meaningful to you?
E2W is a unique go-to place for women in financial services. It is unique in its practical, efficient and personal approach contributing to HM Treasury “Women in Finance Charter” to implement gender balance across financial services. With its dedicated and responsive team, it provides coaching and careers services, but also meaningful events for senior women. A place where the team understands women’s struggles and represents their interest at heart.
2.Tell us about your first job in the finance industry?
Based in Paris, my very first job in the finance industry was at Societe Generale CIB/Lyxor Asset Management – as a Client Relationship Manager/Product Management focusing on Hedge Fund Managed Accounts, FoHF, UCITS funds and other tailor-made investment solutions. I have interacted with an international, institutional client base (UK, Zurich, the Netherlands, Germany and Austria, GCC). Previously, I spent one year (placement year/internship) at BNP Paribas CIB working with Equity derivatives/structured products (sales-client services) and four months internship at Natixis Equity Markets as an Equity research analyst.
3. During your career, has there been a time when you thought “Yes, I’ve made it!”?
Yes, when I moved from Paris to London and then started working for a New York based hedge fund manager. The interview process was competitive. I also enjoyed working a few months in New York at the beginning.
4. What has been the biggest challenge during your career and why? It could be one incident in particular or something more common in the industry, or even something to do with you and your development.
During my career in asset management/alternative investments, the biggest challenge post Brexit vote was moving from a hedge fund background to a more focused private markets/infrastructure funds role in London. Although marketing skills and dealing with sophisticated institutional investors are similar, funds structure, investment strategy and fundraising process are different. When challenges arise, strong fundamental skills with the ability of fast learning and adaptability are key to success. In finance, every day is the rebirth of the Phoenix.
5. Holiday destination?
Corsica, Caribbean Islands, Mediterranean, but also road trip adventures.
6. What book are you currently reading?
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
7. What keeps you going?
What keeps me going are having stretching goals and aiming for a better version of myself.
8. Biggest achievement?
My biggest achievement was starting my career in finance (Paris) during the financial crisis of 2007-2008, considered by many economists the most serious financial crisis since the Great Depression of 1930. My commitment, determination and positive motivation to build a career in finance were vital in overcoming the negativity around me.
9. When you retire, what would you like to be remembered for?
In 30 years, I would like to be remembered for contributing to make finance a force for sustainability.
10. What are your thoughts on the next generation of women in finance?
I would like to see more youngsters choosing STEM as an academic discipline and learning coding so they can thrive and be prepared for future banking jobs. Giving opportunities for internships and particularly mentorships would have a positive impact.
If you would like to contribute to our 'quick fire questions with...' please get in touch with Katie.
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