Episode summary
"Don't Play by the Old Rules"- Sylvia Kwan, CEO and Chief Investment Officer, Ellevest | ALTSLA 2026
Summary
Women on the ALTSLA 2026 stage argued that the finance industry is changing fast, and that younger women should prepare for it by building both technical skills and human skills. Panelists repeatedly urged students and early-career professionals to learn tools like Python, PowerBI, AI, CFA, CPA, CFP, or an MBA, while also strengthening communication, curiosity, and relationship-building.
A second theme was confidence and self-advocacy. The advice emphasized asking questions, speaking up before you feel fully ready, taking on difficult assignments, and learning your value proposition early. Several panelists said women should not shrink themselves to fit old expectations, and that authenticity, persistence, and saying yes to opportunities can create career momentum.
Mentorship and networks were presented as essential. The speakers described the value of finding champions, building peer relationships, joining women’s groups, and seeking rooms where you can see yourself. One panelist said the greatest wealth transfer in history is moving to women, and argued that finance must adapt to them rather than the other way around.
Key takeaways
- The panel said younger women should add practical tools like PowerBI, Python, AI, CFA, CPA, CFP, or an MBA to stay competitive in finance.
- Several speakers argued that networking early and finding mentors or champions is as important as technical skill.
- One panelist said women should learn their value proposition quickly and never back down on price.
- The panel emphasized authenticity, confidence, and saying yes to hard assignments as ways to build career momentum.
- A guest argued that the greatest wealth transfer in history is moving to women, so the finance industry must change to meet them.
Notable quotes
“consider adding to your resume skills that are not obviously taught at college such as PowerBI, Python or um AI”
“no robot's going to be building a relationship for you. What it's going to be is being curious, being able to listen, being able to express yourself”
“Know what you're bringing to the table. Know the value it creates and never back down on your price”
“don't play by the old rules because those rules are changing”
“if you don't have a a woman mentor, you're you're missing out on a key lens into how you should operate and move in society”
How the episode opens
In honor of Women's History Month, we're asking the women here at Altale what their advice would be for the younger generation looking to make a career in finance. I think for um somebody who is in college today or just graduating, consider adding to your resume skills that are not obviously taught at college such as PowerBI, Python or um AI. And when I mean I think specifically some of the business programs I think sometimes focus on very much technical like financial statements versus those skills that are required today.
very important to build a network and develop that group of people who will support you as your career develops. And also, as Irena said, considering what skill set you can bring that could be complimentary to your new job. Come into the industry.
We need you. That's the biggest thing I think particularly women is the fact that innate curiosity and building relationships because I think going forward in this world of AI, no robot's going to be building a relationship for you. What it's going to be is being curious, being able to listen, being able to express yourself, and having a background, I think, on financial acumen in terms of like the CFA designation.
So, I'm putting a plug in for being a C CFA charter holder. There is no end of different networks, organizations, and other clubs that you can be a part of and find your community within the finance community that may be primarily made up of women. Um, there are wonderful organizations.
And also I would say if you're looking for a career in finance, something that's benefited me in my 30 plus years of of being in finance is look for teams where you can see yourself either your personality, how you bring yourself to your work, looking for those team environments that you believe are truly welcoming for you.
From the episode’s captions: roughly the first two minutes, lightly cleaned. Keep watching on YouTube →
Topics
- women in alternatives
- mentorship
- portfolio management advice
- asset allocation
- changing investment rules
Companies and tickers mentioned
- MS
- APAM
- BMO
- Ellevest
- Albourne Partners
- K&L Gates
- Cambridge Associates
- CalALTs
- CohnReznick
- Krane Funds Advisors
- Chantico Global
- Lido Advisors
- Zurich Insurance
- BlueVal
- Board Intelligence
- Morgan Stanley Private Wealth
- Artisan Partners
- BMO Private Wealth
- Withum
- CAIA Association
Watch the episode
Summary, takeaways and quote selection by Octagon. Quotes are short excerpts; the full conversation is in the episode.
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