Brandis DeSimone: Bridging the Gap Between Military and Fintech
Brandis DeSimone, the Head of Data Sales at Nasdaq, embodies resilience and determination, particularly in her journey from military service to a prominent role in the fintech industry. In a special episode of my podcast, Humans of Fintech, recorded live at the iconic Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square, Brandis shares her inspiring story of navigating the complexities of transitioning from the armed forces to the corporate world. Her narrative not only highlights her personal triumphs but also underscores the importance of women supporting each other in their professional journeys.
A Foundation in Leadership
Brandis’s journey began at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, a prestigious institution that shaped her leadership skills and technical understanding. The academy served as a leadership laboratory, where students learned to lead while earning a Bachelor’s of Science degree. This foundational belief—that leaders must possess a fundamental understanding of the technology they work with—resonated deeply with Brandis. It laid the groundwork for her future endeavors in finance, a field that heavily relies on market structure and technology.
However, the Naval Academy was also a challenging environment, particularly for women. After graduating, Brandis quickly realized that her military background did not automatically translate into desirability on Wall Street. The finance industry felt like an impenetrable fortress, and she often felt like a solitary “female island” in a sea of male counterparts.
The Challenges of Transitioning
During our conversation on Humans of Fintech, Brandis candidly discussed the unique challenges veterans face when transitioning into civilian job searches. Military training emphasizes individualization, self-sufficiency, and a results-oriented mindset. While these qualities are invaluable, they often come at the expense of networking skills and the ability to seek help—crucial components of success in civilian employment, particularly in finance and fintech.
Brandis’s struggles to break into the finance industry were compounded by these challenges. However, she found solace and support in the organization 85 Broad, founded by Janet Hanson, who made history as the first woman to be promoted to sales management at Goldman Sachs in 1986. This organization, dedicated to women helping women, became a turning point in Brandis’s career.
A Serendipitous Connection
In a serendipitous turn of events, Janet Hanson reached out to Brandis after she sent an email to customer service at 85broad.com in the middle of the night. Recognizing Brandis’s potential, Janet imparted invaluable wisdom about the importance of relationships in the business world. She introduced Brandis to three influential women and encouraged her to meet them personally. After these initial meetings, Janet tasked Brandis with asking each woman for three more connections, creating a ripple effect that exponentially expanded her network.
This reverse funnel approach became the catalyst for Brandis’s eventual success. These women not only became her mentors but also guided her toward her first job in finance on the trading floor of Merrill Lynch. Today, Brandis attributes her achievements to the women who extended a helping hand when she needed it most.
Paying It Forward
Recognizing the significance of networking and human interaction, Brandis founded Nasdaq’s first women’s network group upon joining the organization. This initiative was her way of paying forward the support she received, fostering an environment where women uplift and empower each other. Additionally, she spearheaded the establishment of Nasdaq’s veterans’ program, addressing the specific challenges faced by veterans trying to integrate into civilian life.
Through mentoring and support, Brandis believes that individuals like her can be identified early on and given opportunities to thrive. Her commitment to fostering a supportive community is a testament to her belief in the power of connection.
Women in Leadership
Beyond Brandis’s personal journey, the Humans of Fintech episode delved into various compelling topics, including the rise of female CEOs and founders in the public markets. Companies like Rent the Runway and 23andMe serve as powerful examples of women’s increasing representation in leadership positions within the fintech industry. Brandis emphasized the importance of continuing this positive trend and creating an environment where women can flourish and contribute significantly.
The Role of Human Connection
The conversation also highlighted the vital role of human connection in business partnerships, especially in the context of the pandemic. The challenges posed by remote work and limited in-person interactions underscored the significance of fostering strong relationships to drive successful collaborations in the fintech world. Brandis stressed that establishing genuine connections and shared values before entering any partnership is crucial for long-term success.
Nasdaq’s Impact on Fintech
Of course, the episode wouldn’t be complete without exploring Nasdaq’s pivotal contributions to the fintech industry. Brandis shed light on how Nasdaq provides fintech companies with the means to go public and empowers them with essential data through their data business. Despite often flying under the radar, these capabilities significantly fuel innovation and growth within the fintech sector.
Tune In for Inspiration
For those seeking an insightful and thought-provoking experience, I encourage you to grab your headphones and tune in to this remarkable episode here. Brandis DeSimone’s story is not just one of personal triumph; it’s a powerful reminder of the importance of community, mentorship, and the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams in the ever-evolving world of fintech.