Two influential figures on Wall Street credit their early experiences in sports and performance arts with helping shape the paths of their finance careers. Lizzie Reed and Alisa Wood demonstrate how lessons in discipline, teamwork, and self-improvement can prepare an individual for key roles at major financial institutions.
Lizzie Reed built her leadership qualities on the soccer field during her college days at Notre Dame. On the field, she encountered moments that required rapid decision-making, accepting occasional setbacks, and learning from every mistake. Those challenges helped form a mindset that would later serve her well in the complex world of finance. Today, she heads the United States equity division at a prestigious global investment firm, where her team has been responsible for pricing more than half of the world’s initial public offerings in recent years. Reed’s background in sports instilled in her the determination to overcome obstacles and the ability to drive success in challenging situations.
Likewise, Alisa Wood embarked on her finance career after years spent training as a professional ballerina. In her early days as a dancer, she underwent constant evaluation and criticism that pushed her to work relentlessly to improve her performance. Before she pursued a political science degree at Columbia University, Wood devoted herself to mastering the art of ballet. The repeated dismissals she faced on stage served as constant reminders that every setback was an invitation to excel further. This rigorous mindset soon became a key component of her transition from the arts to the financial sector.
In her current role at a leading private-equity firm, Wood serves as a partner and co-chief executive officer of one of its prominent private equity divisions. The firm, which manages assets totaling $686 billion, is known for its robust business segments. Her entry into this competitive sector was marked by a bold move: she submitted an unsolicited application along with a detailed proposal. Although one senior executive initially turned down her submission, another recognized her potential and arranged a meeting, eventually opening the door to a flourishing career with the firm.
The experiences of Reed and Wood illustrate the lasting impact early pursuits in sports and the arts can have on professional achievement. Reed’s recollections of learning from missed opportunities on the field and Wood’s memories of refining her performance on stage highlight that perseverance and deliberate preparation are crucial for meeting the demanding requirements of high finance. Their stories offer a vivid illustration of how formative training in diverse fields can build the resilience and strategic insight needed to succeed in one of the most competitive environments.
Their work serves as an example for aspiring professionals seeking to excel in high finance.
