Words of Wisdom from the CFO of Liquidnet, Bill Maw

Nothing is more valuable in the business world than experience, particularly on the people side. Experience in life and lessons learned are perhaps one of the most important pieces of information that can be passed on from person to person. On December 6th, the CFO of Liquidnet, Bill Maw, gave the Princeton campus a visit to do just that.

Liquidnet operates an innovative equities trading platform that improves the ability for pension funds and mutual funds to trade equities more efficiently in bulk size. It covers trading in 38 markets and is a private company, launched in 2001, with more than 300 employees. Liquidnet’s customers manage portfolios for millions of people that total $12 trillion and trade about $2 billion of equities per day. It is fair to say that Mr. Maw plays an important role in the global market and worked his way up in the business world.

There are 10 pieces of advice that Mr. Maw shared with us on December 6th. These are a few of the lessons he learned throughout his continuing career:

1.       Never accept the status quo for yourself: Within your career and life you will hit your stride and become comfortable. If you really want to advance, remember not to get comfortable or complacent for too long. Instead, think about what you can do to constantly stretch yourself and change for the better. Put yourself in a place where you are uncomfortable and able to change for the better and remember - no pain, no gain.

2.       Understand behavioral interviewing: It is extremely important to understand interviewing – the root cause of bad hires is more likely behavioral fit, not technical competency. Interviews are also a two way street so it is an opportunity for both parties to think “is this the kind of person I want to work with”.

3.       Never stop learning: As you begin your career it is important to continue learning, no matter how successful you are. Think about who can help you learn and develop. If resources are not available to you, find them and use them to learn as much as you can, because knowledge is a powerful tool.

4.       Experience the world, don’t be US centric: Appreciate that there are other nations out there besides America. It is important that you try to get experience with a global organization and experience foreign cultures and perspectives. With time you will develop a global network that will prove to be invaluable.

5.       Dysfunction is the road to failure: Realize that dysfunction usually starts at the top and is often unstoppable. It can sink an organization, causing its ruin. It is important to look out for the warning signs and be aware of them.

6.       Don’t rule things out too quickly: If you are given an opportunity, do not rule it out at first glance. Be sure to take time to listen and think things through, there could be a life changing opportunity right in front of you for your taking.

7.       Never stop asking why? why? why?: Remember that advice you were given in elementary school? Well as you go into the real word be sure to ask questions. Dig deeper, keep asking and you will usually get a better answer.

8.       Philanthropy is cool and not just for the wealthy: In this day and age philanthropy is no longer only for the rich. Take a chance and take a look at opportunities to give back in an impactful way.

9.       Face it, Politics is everywhere: Realize that there is a tipping point and that with time, politics will start to emerge. Politics is a fact of life, so be prepared to deal with it.

Seize every opportunity: Find a good mentor and listen and learn from them. Look for the right opportunity, seize it and take a chance

Written by:Andrea Schiller