Her Story
About Sarah
Sarah Bailey brings 13 years of experience in financial services, where her early interest was sparked by her grandmother's involvement in the stock market. She holds an MBA degree, which provided a foundation for her career, and has developed expertise as a subject matter expert in the field while also engaging in AI consulting work. In her role, Bailey plans her weeks in advance, collaborates with diverse teams, hosts meetings, resolves project issues, and updates stakeholders on progress. She works with colleagues across multiple countries and time zones, emphasizing flexibility to meet varying client needs in the emerging AI space. Bailey prioritizes values such as integrity, a curious and resilient mindset, and open communication within her teams.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sarah
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I think there's two, always listen more than you talk, or be the last one to speak in a meeting, because it's important to learn from junior team members and also higher-ups. And then when you actually listen, it gives you better direction on where the meeting is going. Second advice would be, be a lifelong learner and always be willing to learn new things, and take on new opportunities even if you don't know. Just learn along the way, and be comfortable with being uncomfortable, because that's where you grow the most.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Definitely study in the STEM fields and more male-dominated industries that will get you ahead as a woman. Move where there's opportunities to, say, a bigger city, or if you apply to a job and it's out of your city, take the risk and move to a new city. Get out of your comfort zone. Speak up, don't be shy. Just because you're a woman, stand up. If you're curious, if you have a question in a meeting, don't be afraid to ask questions, and don't be afraid to volunteer for new projects with your manager to stand out. Be curious and willing to strive to be better each year.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
As far as opportunities, being an expert at SME within financial services gives an upper hand in knowledge and skill set. Doing consulting work in the AI field is very nuanced and new, so it's challenging because there's many different requirements by the clients, and every week we have to be really flexible and adjust. It could be challenging dealing with different team members in different time zones. I work with people all over the world in many different countries.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Values definitely include integrity, saying what you're gonna do and do it. Having a curious mindset, trying to fix problems that you don't know the answer to but having the resilient mindset. Having an open mindset and open communication is definitely important with my team.
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