The Girls Are Investors Podcast

Welcome to GAIN Meets… The Trustees, the first episode in our inspiring new series from GAIN, where we sit down with the trailblazers and leaders who are shaping the investment management industry. GAIN is dedicated to increasing gender diversity in the world of finance and empowering young women and non-binary individuals to explore opportunities in this exciting field. Through this series, we aim to demystify investment management, sharing stories, insights, and the invaluable lessons learned by the industry's leading lights.

In this debut episode, we are honored to meet Tilly Franklin, the visionary co-founder of GAIN and a true advocate for change. Tilly joins us to discuss her journey, her role, and her mission to make investment management more inclusive. 

Tilly takes us on a captivating tour of her career, sharing the pivotal moments, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped her professional path. From her early days in the industry to her current influential role, she provides a window into the world of investment management and the opportunities that lie within it.

In this episode, we explore not just Tilly’s impressive achievements but also her heartfelt advice for young women and non-binary students. She discusses the rewards of a career in investment management and highlights the unique value that diverse perspectives bring to the industry. We dive into the challenges women face in this traditionally male-dominated field and explore Tilly’s vision for a more equitable future.

Finally, Tilly leaves us with her best piece of career advice—a thoughtful and motivating message for aspiring investment professionals.

Whether you are considering a career in investment management or just curious about what it’s like, this episode will leave you feeling informed and inspired!

Got a question? Send us a voice note and we will try to answer it on the podcast!

For more information on our programmes, internships, events and resources visit  gainuk.org.  You can also find us on LinkedIn or Instagram. 

Inspirational Women in Investment: A Conversation with Appian Capital Advisory Leaders

In this compelling episode of the GAIN Podcast, our host Natasha Braginsky Mounier, Trustee of GAIN, engages in an inspiring and insightful dialogue with five accomplished women from Appian Capital Advisory, a leading private capital firm focused on mining investments. This episode highlights the diverse experiences and perspectives of these influential leaders as they discuss their careers, industry insights, and the challenges and triumphs that have shaped their professional journeys.

Meet our exceptional guests:

• Monica Pinto, Chief Financial Officer, who delves into how she strategically futureproofs Appian’s finances and her broader responsibilities that shape the firm's stability and growth.
• Outi Nevala, Chief of Staff, who shares her critical role in supporting Appian’s leadership team, the complexity of her position, and the unique challenges she navigates daily.
• Emma Leith, Head of Sustainability – Base Metals, who discusses the vital role of sustainability in mining and how her work drives positive impact. She also shares what makes sustainability a rewarding and dynamic field.
• Alyssa McAnney, Head of Legal – Global M&A, who offers insights into the opportunities and hurdles faced in legal roles within investment firms and valuable advice for those looking to thrive in this sector.
• Nikki Miao, Investment Associate, who reveals the skills and experiences that have been most instrumental in her career and her strategies for staying on top of industry trends.

Natasha leads a discussion that not only unveils the essence of Appian Capital Advisoryc but also takes us on a tour of these remarkable women’s careers. From candid reflections on their career trajectories and what inspired them to enter this dynamic industry, to sharing the best advice they've received and the guidance they would give to their younger selves, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for both newcomers and seasoned professionals alike.

Tune in for a blend of strategic insights, personal stories, and practical advice that will leave you inspired and better equipped to navigate the ever-evolving world of investment and finance. Don't miss this chance to learn from some of the industry's most inspiring and knowledgeable female leaders!

Got a question? Send us a voice note and we will try to answer it on the podcast!

For more information on our programmes, internships, events and resources visit  gainuk.org.  You can also find us on LinkedIn or Instagram. 

This week GAIN Co-chair & Trustee Natasha Braginsky Mounier is joined by a two special guests to look back on what happened July through to September 2024 in the investment industry and what impact this may have on the months to come.

A great listen to catch up on the latest news & investment trends and ideal to equip you with topical knowledge ahead of any upcoming internship interviews!

Many thanks to our guests:

Issie Armstrong - Director - Head of Real Estate Specialists, EMEA-X at DWS Group
Mahgul Ansari - Assistant Fund Manager at Premier Miton Investors

Views expressed are those of the individuals and not necessarily those of the firms they work for.

For more information on our programmes, internships, events and resources visit gainuk.org. You can also find us on LinkedIn or Instagram.

Got a question? Send us a voice note and we will try to answer it on the podcast!

For more information on our programmes, internships, events and resources visit  gainuk.org.  You can also find us on LinkedIn or Instagram. 

In this episode of Intern Insights, we sit down with Shivali Agrawal and Khuslen Khurelbaatar, two talented alumni of the GAIN Empower Investment Internship Programme, who share their experiences navigating the world of investment management (IM). Both Shivali and Khuslen have recently completed internships at Apollo Global, and in this conversation, they offer invaluable insights into their journey, the challenges they faced, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.

We start the episode by exploring what initially drew Shivali and Khuslen to consider careers in investment management. Their experiences shed light on the early stages of career exploration, offering inspiration for students unsure of where to start.

For those new to the world of investment management, Shivali and Khuslen offer practical advice on how to take the first steps in learning about the industry. Whether it's attending networking events or leveraging online resources, they break down actionable ways to start building knowledge, even if you’re starting from scratch.

Shivali and Khuslen discuss the diverse opportunities they’ve accessed through GAIN, from connecting with mentors to attending exclusive insight days and networking events. They reflect on the importance of these experiences in shaping their career aspirations and enhancing their understanding of the IM world. 

Listeners will also get an inside look into the prestigious Apollo Global internship, made possible through the GAIN Empower Investment Internship Programme. Shivali and Khuslen share tips for future applicants which are practical and insightful, designed to help students stand out in the competitive application pool. 

Finally, they discuss the valuable lessons they learned during their internship—from understanding how investment decisions are made to mastering the nuances of professional communication. They highlight the importance of being proactive, asking questions, and seeking feedback, offering concrete tips for making the most of any internship opportunity.

Whether you're a student exploring career options, an aspiring intern, or someone curious about the world of investment management, this episode is packed with actionable advice, real-life stories, and insider tips. Join us as we dive into the world of investment management with Shivali Agrawal and Khuslen Khurelbaatar, and get inspired to take your first steps toward a successful career in finance.

Tune in now to Intern Insights: Tips and Tales from GAIN Alumni!

Got a question? Send us a voice note and we will try to answer it on the podcast!

For more information on our programmes, internships, events and resources visit  gainuk.org.  You can also find us on LinkedIn or Instagram. 

In this insightful episode of GAIN Meets... GAIN Trustee and Co-Chair Natasha Braginsky Mounier sits down with Nk Ezepue, Senior Associate at XPS Pensions, to dive into the world of investment consulting and pensions. Nk gives listeners a guided tour of her career journey, sharing how she transitioned into her current role at XPS and the unique opportunities within the pensions space.

Together, they explore the key differences between investment consulting and investment management, whilst Nk also breaks down the basics of pension schemes - what they are, why they matter, and the types that exist - before delving into the rewarding nature of a career in pensions and how the industry has evolved since she joined XPS.

Finally, Nk shares the best career advice she’s ever received and whether it still holds true for those entering the finance world today. Tune in for practical insights, expert advice, and a fresh perspective on an often-overlooked but essential part of the financial sector.

Got a question? Send us a voice note and we will try to answer it on the podcast!

For more information on our programmes, internships, events and resources visit  gainuk.org.  You can also find us on LinkedIn or Instagram. 

In this insightful episode, our COO and Programmes Director, Laura Jones, sits down with Sara Hamid, a recent participant in the GAIN Empower Investment Internship Programme. Sara has just completed a prestigious internship in Sustainable Investing at abrdn, and she joins us to share her experiences and advice for students looking to break into the world of investment management.

Laura and Sara dive into a lively conversation about what sparked Sara’s interest in investment management and how she began exploring the industry. They discuss Sara’s journey, from navigating her first steps into the investment world to the valuable opportunities she's gained through GAIN.

Sara also offers practical, step-by-step advice for students who may feel overwhelmed about where to begin their own path into investment management. From the application process to her internship at abrdn, she shares tips on everything from preparing for interviews to handling numerical tests and delivering presentations.

During the episode, Sara opens up about her key takeaways from her internship—what she learned, the skills she developed, and how the experience has shaped her career aspirations. Plus, for aspiring interns, she offers her top tips on how to make the most out of any internship opportunity.

Tune in to hear Sara’s inspiring journey and get actionable advice for students considering a career in sustainable investing and the broader investment management industry.

Got a question? Send us a voice note and we will try to answer it on the podcast!

For more information on our programmes, internships, events and resources visit  gainuk.org.  You can also find us on LinkedIn or Instagram. 

In this episode GAIN Programmes Director and COO, Laura Jones, sits down with two GAIN Empower Investment Internship alumni, Zoë Rhoades and Maeve Mulloy, to talk about their experience of the GAIN Empower Investment Internship Programme.

Join us to hear about the application process, the support offered from GAIN, the work that Maeve & Zoë undertook during their placements and how the internship has positively shaped their career trajectory.

This episode is not just a chat, but an invitation. We're thrilled to announce that the applications for the 2025 GAIN internship programme are open from 9th September to 27th October 2024!

We warmly welcome young women and non-binary individuals, who are studying at a UK university and have an interest in investment management, to explore this opportunity.

To learn more about the programme visit the GAIN website or find us on LinkedIn or Instagram.

Got a question? Send us a voice note and we will try to answer it on the podcast!

For more information on our programmes, internships, events and resources visit  gainuk.org.  You can also find us on LinkedIn or Instagram. 

In this episode, GAIN trustee Rahul Moodgal sits down with Georgina Witter, UK Institutional & Intermediary Sales Associate at Brown Advisory, to explore the exciting world of sales and marketing within asset management.

We kick things off with a whistlestop tour of Georgina's career journey, from her early days to landing her current role. She shares what sparked her interest in the industry and how sales and marketing fit into the broader picture at Brown Advisory.

As the conversation unfolds, we dive into how the role of sales and marketing in asset management has evolved over the years, what a typical day looks like, and the key responsibilities that come with the job. Georgina breaks down the essential skills needed to succeed, from financial knowledge to the art of client engagement.

Ever wondered what it's really like to work in this field? Georgina doesn't shy away from discussing the more challenging parts of the job, including dealing with rejection and staying motivated in a competitive environment. She also offers a candid look at how sales and marketing teams build strong client relationships and keep prospects engaged.

For those considering a career in the investment management industry, Georgina shares invaluable career advice, the importance of networking, and what she's learned and enjoyed most about her journey so far. Whether you're just starting out or looking to pivot into a new role, this episode offers a real-world glimpse into the dynamic and rewarding field of sales and marketing in asset management.

Tune in to get inspired, gain insights, and maybe even find your future career path in investment!

Got a question? Send us a voice note and we will try to answer it on the podcast!

For more information on our programmes, internships, events and resources visit  gainuk.org.  You can also find us on LinkedIn or Instagram. 

This week GAIN Co-chair & Trustee Natasha Braginsky Mounier is joined by a two special guests to look back on what happened April through to June 2024 in the investment industry and what impact this may have on the next half of the year.

A great listen to catch up on the latest news & investment trends and ideal to equip you with topical knowledge ahead of any upcoming internships!

Many thanks to our guests:

Roseanna Ivory - Investment Director, UK & European Equities - abrdn
Jasmine Yeo - Fund Manager

Got a question? Send us a voice note and we will try to answer it on the podcast!

For more information on our programmes, internships, events and resources visit  gainuk.org.  You can also find us on LinkedIn or Instagram. 

A big thank you to Tiffanie Wong  from AllianceBernstein for joining us to talk about Responsible Investing & Fixed Income.

Tiffanie has vast industry experience that she shares generously in this episode. She holds dual roles at AllianceBernstein, as Senior Vice President, Director of US Investment Grade Credit and also Director of Fixed Income Responsible Investing Portfolio Management.

This is a  great introduction to the basics of Responsible Investing & Fixed Income and is super useful for students starting out in their investment careers and wanting to understand the different roles and career paths available to them.

Hosted by GAIN co-founder and trustee Natasha Braginsky Mounier.

Got a question? Send us a voice note and we will try to answer it on the podcast!

For more information on our programmes, internships, events and resources visit  gainuk.org.  You can also find us on LinkedIn or Instagram.