02: Betting on Yourself with Susan Cates

In this episode of Her Leading Story, I interview my dear friend, Susan Cates, about her career in finance and investment banking.  Susan’s career also had pivot - when she spent 6 years running executive education and developing the online MBA program at the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School - and then a more recent shift back to finance, operations, and venture capital.

What we talk about…..

• Susan describes her early career - including how just one class choice in college got her a position in banking after graduation
• Why she took on a position at UNC, after a very successful early career in investment banking and venture capital
• How Susan knew her value in this new position, even though in many ways she was a beginner
• How important it is to ask for what you need in any new role
• How much Susan learned about leadership from her colleagues at UNC
• Even with the best of intentions; you will make mistakes.  Susan shares how she navigated some difficult ones.
• What it is like being female in a male-dominated career like finance
• Susan’s advice to her 22-year old self about making decisions

About Susan

Susan Cates is the co-founder and managing partner of Leeds Illuminate, a growth equity fund that invests in the education and workforce development sectors. Susan previously served as CEO of the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE), chief operating officer of 2U, president of UNC Executive Development and founding executive director of MBA@UNC. Prior to her operating roles, Susan spent over a decade in private equity investing and investment banking.  Susan earned her MBA from UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School and her BA from Duke University.

You can find Susan on LinkedIn

Free resources!

Yep, free. Julie’s created a couple of free tools to help as you navigate your own leading role. Click the links below.

Quiz: Is it time to make a career change?

Feedback Scripts for Team Leaders - Five scripts that will help you deliver feedback that is supportive, motivating, AND will improve the performance and productivity of your team members.

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Feedback or questions? I’d love to hear from you!

Email: julie@julieartiscoaching.com