#21. Quinntessential Questions with Pia Cooke. From Farm To Finance: Lessons in Leadership & Growth
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Join us on the Quinntessential Questions Podcast for an inspiring conversation as we trace Pia Cooke's, Head of Advisory Solutions, extraordinary journey from humble beginnings on a farm to a thriving career in global finance and private banking. This episode dives into the pivotal moments, challenges, and triumphs that shaped her career spanning continents and industries.
Discover the importance of career breaks, the power of mentorship, and key lessons about sales and leadership. Learn how to navigate cultural nuances, build lasting client relationships, and maintain a work-life balance while keeping your values intact.
Whether you're starting out, making a transition, or stepping into leadership, this episode is packed with actionable insights and career advice to help you win where you excel. Don’t miss the rapid-fire round for personal nuggets of wisdom!
Tune in for stories of growth, resilience, and inspiration—perfect for anyone looking to level up in life and career.
Guest Bio
Pia Cooke is an accomplished financial markets professional with over 22 years of experience across investment banking, private banking, and wealth management. Having worked in Australia, London, and Singapore, she has developed a deep expertise in advising high-net-worth (HNW) and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) clients. Her career spans a wide range of financial services, including capital markets, managed investments, discretionary portfolio management, global equities, structured products, derivatives, and commodities. Pia has held senior roles in renowned global banks, where she led teams in advisory, sales, and strategy.
Minutes
(00:00) Intro
(01:51) Growing Up On The Farm
(09:10) Working Before University
(12:55) Choosing a University Major
(16:55) Moving to London
(18:54) Importance of Career Breaks
(19:50) Starting in Banking & Finance
(21:00) Moving Back To Australia
(22:30) Transiting to The Trading Floor
(24:17) Seeking Mentors
(27:54) Opportunities To Travel
(30:15) Key Lessons About Sales
(35:27) Moving to Private Banking
(39:10) Global Financial Crisis
(41:14) Moving to Singapore
(44:04) Being Acquired
(51:13) Finding Your Champions
(53:09) Stepping Into Leadership
(57:24) Navigating Cultural Nuances
(58:48) What is Advisory Solutions?
(1:01:31) Win Where You Are Good At
(1:05:10) Work Life Balance
(1:12:54) Keeping In Shape
(1:14:50) Developing Yourself
(1:18:20) Building Relationships With The Front Line
(1:21:30) Non-Negotiable Values
(1:23:10) Career Advice For Young People
(1:25:09) Rapid Fire QuestionsBehind-The-Scenes
Transcript