Alexandra McGuigan: The Inclusion Equation

Alexandra McGuigan is crafting a narrative that's both personal and influential. With over 15 years in finance and a DNA threaded with determined women, she's embodying the change she hopes to inspire.

Growing up, Alexandra absorbed lessons from powerful female role models. "I come from a long line of women who go after what they want and are not afraid to be the only woman in the room," she recalled. It's not hard to imagine her grandmother, a woman bold enough to resume her teaching career in the 1950s, a move seen as audacious during that era. And her mother was the first female radiation oncologist in New South Wales, Australia.

Alexandra's journey to finance was a fusion of ambition and serendipity. She started her career at BNY Mellon Asset Management. "I shadowed the CEO," she mentioned, reminiscing about her early days. "It taught me how to be super organized, manage a full calendar, and handle stakeholder relationships." The mentorship fast-tracked her understanding, bypassing the usual trial and error. "I would have learned these things eventually," she said, "but it would've taken much longer."

Interestingly, it was acting and fashion that honed some of her key skills. "Acting was about presentation, making eye contact, speaking slowly and clearly," Alexandra shared. Meanwhile, the world of fashion underscored the importance of first impressions. "People make judgments in the first 10 seconds they see you. Always look professional," she advised, emphasizing the need to "dress for the job I want, rather than the one I have."

By the time she reached Shed, a third-party marketing firm in the unique Australian market shaped by its $3 trillion pension scheme, Alexandra was well-equipped. Here she delved into various asset classes, from hedge funds to private equity. This stint was followed by a role at Tribeca, where she was Head of Investor Relations, managing relationships and distributing strategies both in Australia and internationally.

Yet, despite the twists and turns of her career, a constant has been her commitment to diversity and inclusion. It's this passion that led her to found Inclusive Asset Management. The goal? "To see diverse managers in every mandate line-up," she said, fervently hoping for a finance world where those managing the money mirror the diverse world they serve.

Alexandra puts her mission succinctly: "Being authentic and adding value are my modus operandi." It's a philosophy that resonates with 100 Women in Finance (100WF), now the largest organization globally for women in financial services. As the Global Development Director, her vision is crystal clear, "We want everyone in the finance industry to join us and help change the demographics. Not only are we about gender diversity, but we support all minorities."

100WF has launched initiatives like the Global Fund Women Week, which saw an impressive turnout of female portfolio managers and global allocators. Their Vision 30/40? To have 30% representation for women in investment roles and executive leadership positions by 2040. It’s an ambitious goal—and bold ambition is exactly what the world needs. But it is also a goal that shows just how deep the disparity goes, that reaching even 30% representation in almost a 20 year time frame is a noble and ambitious one.

When asked about key insights from her storied career, Alexandra notes, “consistency is the most important thing,” she began. "If you consistently show up even on bad days, things will happen for you." It’s a principle she applied, whether she was negotiating a high-stakes deal or facing a routine day at the office. And while her background in Media Communications and time spent in the drama studio might seem an unconventional foundation for a finance professional, Alexandra sees it differently. "Difference is additive," she remarked. Those hours in the drama studio, she believes, endowed her with unique skills that gave her an edge in the world of finance.

I was intrigued by Alexandra's foray into the realm of alternative investments. While many painstakingly chart their paths, Alexandra’s journey was more serendipitous. "I kind of fell into alternatives," she recalled. Starting in institutional sales, her first role in this sector was with a boutique firm specializing in representing alternative investment entities. That role became her gateway to a world of varied asset classes and strategies, although she concedes, “most of my experience would be with liquid alternatives.”

And like any professional, Alexandra has had her fair share of challenges. Recalling a particularly taxing marketing situation, she mused, “It’s hard to show up during periods of underperformance, but that’s when it’s crucial.” For Alexandra, these moments were less about the numbers and more about the approach. Confronting challenges head-on, acknowledging mistakes, and explaining them with humility were non-negotiable for her. “Investors might tolerate performance dips if they align with their expectations, but not being transparent is a definite red flag,” she stressed.

The conversation inevitably turned to the topic of integrating diverse investment philosophies with institutional investors' objectives. Alexandra's face lit up with passion. “This,” she posited, “is the biggest opportunity in the current marketplace.” For too long, she believes, skilled investors from diverse backgrounds have been on the fringes, waiting for their moment in the spotlight. Now, she sees this as an invaluable resource for investors who truly understand the worth of cognitive diversity.

You could argue that the world of finance is as much about people as it is about numbers. It's a perspective Alexandra champions, especially when recalling her collaborations with fund managers. One of her most memorable experiences was working alongside GAM during its initial phase in Australia. “We were consistent about planning, execution, and follow-up,” Alexandra reflected. It’s a simple formula, but one that's often overlooked. And it’s a testament to Alexandra’s philosophy on business relationships: “Sales is more about organization and consistency than any particular product.” While a competent product is essential, trust, authenticity, and reliability trump all. In her view, if you can continually showcase these attributes alongside a quality product, then capital raising should naturally follow.

However, establishing a local reputation is just the beginning for many fund managers. As they aim to imprint a global footprint, Alexandra offers some pointed advice: “Get your track record and bide your time. Focus on your local market or one market before expanding. Don't spread yourself too thin.” It's a grounded perspective in a world often racing towards rapid globalization.

With her role as Global Development Director at 100 Women in Finance (100WF), Alexandra's passion for gender diversity becomes evident. Her drive to reshape the gender dynamics of the financial industry finds resonance with 100WF's vision. They're aiming for a future where women hold 30% of senior investment roles by 2040. “The initiatives that 100WF implements are laser-focused on creating this demographic change,” she says, adding a tone of urgency and promise.

When it comes to future trends, Alexandra’s finger is firmly on the pulse. “Sustainability & DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) are at the forefront now,” she states. And while she acknowledges she might be at the "epicenter" of this movement, her convictions are steadfast. She believes funneling more resources and capital towards women and minority fund managers is pivotal. Why? Because diversifying the players in the finance world can potentially propel us toward more effective solutions to current global challenges, including the looming threat of climate change.

Alexandra’s eyes lit up as she reflected on her international experiences, and the lessons she garnered from them. “International experience is only additive to your skillset and perspective,” she began. Her first immersive encounter with a foreign culture was during her student exchange at Cornell University. While she had anticipated seamlessly blending into the American tapestry, the nuanced cultural differences were both "vast and surprising." An ensuing stint in France for a year of her MBA added another layer of cross-cultural insights. She mused about the distinct words in languages that lack direct translations, interpreting it as evidence of the unique ways in which different cultures perceive the world. “It’s clear that different cultures think in different ways. If there's no word for something, then it can't be important for that culture.” This insight has proven invaluable to her, especially in her interactions with multinational firms and her recent endeavors in cognitive diversity.

This insight provides a glimpse into Alexandra’s desire to uplift all voices. There are a plethora of initiatives 100WF is helming, from the 100WF Industry DEI Award to the Visibility Campaigns that champion the profiles of female investment professionals. She's also actively fostering collaborations with organizations like the GIIN (Global Impact Investing Network) and IADEI (Institutional Allocators for Diversity Equity & Inclusion). “There is a large-scale systemic problem,” she asserted. “We need to ensure the issue continues to receive the attention it deserves.”

To those eager to dive into the world of alternative investments, Alexandra offered insights woven from her experiences. “While doing your job well is essential,” she advised, “you should invest your additional time in self-promotion and networking.” The real game-changers, she believes, are the extracurricular activities that set one apart from peers. “These activities not only propel your career but also enrich your professional journey.”

While Alexandra has traveled across continents and navigated the intricate world of finance, her journey underscores the universality of certain truths. Whether it's the value of consistency she learned from her collaborations or the cultural nuances she imbibed during her international stints, Alexandra's story exemplifies the richness of diverse experiences. And in her steadfast commitment to women’s empowerment and cognitive diversity, she's helping reshape the very fabric of the financial world.

Alexandra’s guiding principle encapsulates her work: “Work hard and be nice to people.” In a world that's increasingly complex, sometimes it's the simplest tenets that hold the most profound truths. And as the financial landscape evolves, one can't help but wonder: How might our world transform if more of us embraced this philosophy? How many barriers could we dismantle, and how many bridges could we build? The answer, perhaps, lies in each of us.

Images courtesy of: Alexandra McGuigan