Take risks and never give up
One of the things that helped Susan Darroch in her career was her determination, and being unafraid of taking risks.
Darroch, who has an impressive investment career, has been praised by the judges for her deep knowledge in investing, as well as specialist knowledge in areas such as smart beta.
According to the judges, she was a great example of someone who advocated for women and made a meaningful contribution to the development of innovative environmental, social and governance (ESG) solutions for clients.
“I’ve seen the market change and being involved through some of that innovation – for instance, the smart beta innovation – and currently we are going through that ESG focus as well,” she said.
The judges also stressed that Darroch’s nomination reflected a combination of career success in investment management, as well as being a positive role model for women in the investment management industry.
However, when asked about her biggest strengths, she said: “When you are talking about your career and I [had to] think about what it was about me – [and] I guess I was determined so I did not listen when people said ‘oh you can’t do that’ or ‘you’ll never get there’ [or] ‘it’s too hard to get into,” she said.
“At the end I just did not give up and took some risks,” she said.
She also stressed that part of her success was owed to the people she had worked with. “I actually don’t feel it’s my nomination. I think it’s actually of everyone in my team, my current team and everyone I worked in the past as I’ve worked with some really amazing people.”
The awards also recognised Dawn Kanelleas from Colonial First State Global Asset Management, Felicity Cooper from Cooper Wealth Management and Elaine Stead from Blue Sky Alternative Investments.
The Judges commended Kanealleas for her investment performance and for being a leader in her field.
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