What are some of the things you like about working at Stout?
I greatly value the firm's dedication to fostering entrepreneurial spirit at all levels – from top to bottom. Throughout all stages of my career, I have been very vigilant for opportunities that others may overlook, which has been enabled by the open-minded and supportive spirit of my managers. At Stout, opportunities are not stifled by bureaucracy. The firm has enabled me to pursue career and professional growth through writing articles, speaking and moderating engagements at various forums, attending conferences and workshops, and serving as an advisory board member on various professional organizations, which has broadened my skills, knowledge, industry insight, and network.
What's a major trend in your practice area that you're keeping your eye on in 2023?
We continue to be recognized as one of the top providers for fairness opinions. Fairness opinions are considered a best practice and can help board members and other fiduciaries fulfill their fiduciary duties and act in the best interests of their constituencies. A significant recent trend within the fairness opinion space is private equity funds' use of continuation funds as vehicles to extend the investment horizon for high-performing investments. Many of our clients have utilized continuation funds as a means to earn further returns on their high-performing investments. In terms of industry trends, energy transition and technology innovations continue to shape the energy market with electrification and renewables showing accelerated growth. It is exciting to see more and more clients who have developed sustainable business models in that market space.
What drives you to do a good job?
At its core, my work ethic was principally influenced by my family – consistent hard work and accountability. My father's unparalleled adherence to "there is no substitute for hard work" and "your word is your contract" and my mother's resilience still, to this day, impact the way I approach my day and my career. At Stout, we make a commitment to our clients to provide a high-quality work product, deliver within the timeframe we promised, be super responsive, and meet our clients' needs. Every client is a top priority, and I work very hard to uphold to that standard and deliver on that promise.
What is one thing you are most proud of in your career so far?
I started my career as an analyst in the Business Valuation group of Stout as one of the few women in my office. Today, a decade later, I am a Director in my practice group, and I am being retained as an expert by my clients. It is rewarding to progress through the ranks of Stout and for my work product to be trusted and appreciated by many clients. I am also co-leading the Women's Resource Group ("WRG") of Stout, the first affinity group under the firm's DE&I umbrella. It is fulfilling be trusted with such an important initiative within the organization that will positively impact the careers of so many of my colleagues. Through the commitment and hard work of an outstanding group of women who volunteered their time, we were able to turn the idea of creating an all-inclusive environment to unite and empower our network of talented women with the firm into a reality – and deliver an outstanding platform.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
My "free time" really revolves around trying to stay active – I enjoy playing tennis, running, swimming, and cycling. My Saturday mornings are dedicated to kick boxing. Of course, spending time with friends and family is a top priority, too.