SEI Women's Network

#HERSTORY | 8 What are three things that your colleagues don't know about you? 1. I don't have a middle name (probably because my first name is so long!). 2. I backpacked through South America when I was 18, starting in Peru and finishing in Brazil for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. 3. I love 'Star Wars' and rewatched all the films during lockdown ... the prequels are my favourites. How have your career goals changed since entering the workforce and progressing through your career? Although it's very much still the early days for me, I would say that I'm learning the value of taking opportunities as they arise as opposed to following a preconceived path. The more successful individuals I interact with at SEI, the more it becomes apparent there is no one 'right' path. What accomplishments (personal and/or professional) are you most proud of? Winning the Associate Pitch with my U.S. teammates in June was very rewarding, especially as we had to adapt to a new virtual environment. Engaging an audience over Webex and presenting virtually as a team is much harder than it sounds! I'm also pretty proud of finishing top of my course (economics and philosophy) at university. Looking back on this year, 2020 really brought the acronym "VUCA" to life. What is your biggest lesson learned from this year? (VUCA = Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity) Yup, 2020's not been much fun for anyone. In fact, I'm writing this from self-isolation, so the pain is real! However, through the ups and downs of the year, I think it's important to appreciate that relationships, both at work and personal, often strengthen under adversity. Thinking about our new virtual world and all that we've experienced this year, what do you think are one or two key qualities that will set leaders apart in 2021 and beyond? I think it's key in challenging times that people are able to trust and believe in their leaders. And I think part of achieving that as a leader is to show thoughtfulness and confidence when making decisions. What needs to change? On a non-COVID-19 note … individuals, organisations and governments need to take climate change more seriously if we want to preserve our living environment. I would be lying if I said I wasn't deeply concerned about what state our planet will be in 30 years from now. If someone wrote your story, what would the title be? Well, considering I can't think of anything poignant for my self-title, it will have to be an ode to the great and trashy tune by Natasha Bedingfield … 'The Rest is Still Unwritten.' Quick-fire questions Who is your role model/SHERO? I have huge admiration for what Sallie Krawcheck has built. Favorite book or podcast? 'A Little Life' by Hanya Yanagihara—an incredibly beautiful and moving book. Where you go to recharge? For a walk, where I can hear the birds. #HERSTORY I N T E R V I E W S SOPHIE-ANNE COWPER Business Analyst, Change UK, 2 years at SEI

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