VE’s first online Spring Executive Conference took place on Friday, May 8th, with a total of 70 participants, 41 of them students from 20 different schools across New York and New Jersey. These students, all Chief Executive Officers of New York Metro VE firms, were introduced to the various aspects of running a business and leading a team, covering topics such as career and college advice; leadership strategies; and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the banking industry, the economy, and businesses – both within VE and the real world.
The young executives also had the opportunity to ask questions, network, and exchange ideas with each other as well as a panel of six industry professionals who provided valuable insight and perspective into the business planning process.
A huge thank you to partners and panelists who participated in the 2020 Spring Executive Conference:
- Howard Brathwaite, Senior Vice President of Sales, Kantar
- Micah Canal, Manager, Early Career Programs, Intuit
- Justin Edelman, Senior Vice President, Corporate Partnerships, RWJBarnabas Health
- Beth Grossman, VE Advisory Board
- Paige Soltano, Director of Placement and Outreach, Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Tom Smith, Managing Director, Deloitte
- Pat Wyer, Coordinator of Placement and Outreach, Fairleigh Dickinson University
Words of Wisdom from the Panelists
“This crisis is unprecedented and it’s important to act with kindness and grace in such situations. Being kind and honest during these uncertain times goes a long way” – Micah Canal, Early Career Programs, Intuit
“It was great to see students that are still engaged in light of these challenging times” – Paige Soltano, Director of Placement and Outreach, Fairleigh Dickinson University
“In times like these sacrifice starts at the top; being a good leader will trickle down to the rest of your staff” – Tom Smith, Managing Director, Deloitte
“Even if your first semester of college is not what you expected, try your best to get involved, ask questions because chances are the hundreds of other students in your shoes have the same questions as you!” – Paige Soltano, Fairleigh Dickinson University
“It is important to show empathy towards your staff and your customers and it is never to early to start planning for the post-crisis business.” – Howard Brathwaite, Senior Vice President of Sales, Kantar
“Keeping constant communication and transparency with your staff will help ease anxiety and uncertainty that many are feeling in times like these.” – Justin Edelman, Senior Vice President, Corporate Partnerships, RWJ Barnabas Health