What on Earth is the JOBS Act? How can I get my foot in the door of the investing world? Should I take my entire maternity leave? If you’ve ever asked yourself these questions, then this SheVentures episode is for you. 

Shari Noonan, co-founder and CEO of Rialto Markets, has always had an eye for market shifts. Not only did she witness the days when Wall Street traders used actual paper to trade on the floor of the stock exchange, but Noonan was also integral in digitizing trades. Now, with Rialto Markets, she makes the investment opportunities brought on by the JOBS Act easily accessible. 

Noonan reflects on the positive changes in the workplace she’s witnessed over the years. More women are in senior positions, and creating support networks is getting easier. Going on maternity leave may still seem daunting in competitive industries, but Noonan has one thing to say about that: Take all of it. 

For Noonan, her pivot from working in large firms to entrepreneurship took eight years. Even so, it still took time to feel like a “true” entrepreneur. Learn how she conquered her imposter syndrome and immersed herself in the world of entrepreneurship.

Follow along as Noonan describes how any woman can utilize Rialto Markets to invest. Plus, learn about the benefits and risks associated with investing in early-stage companies. 

Highlights:

• How Noonan’s academic experiences shaped and influenced her fascination with finance and international studies. 
• The biggest innovations in financial services in the past 20 years, according to Noonan.
• Why so few women have a seat at the table in the finance industry and how women can take charge 
• Take your maternity leave. Period. 
• Striking out on your own can be hard, but it’s often made harder by clinging to former connections. 
• A review of the JOBS Act, its impact on the markets, and how Rialto was created to bridge the gaps between the industry and investor. 
• Noonan explains how Rialto can be utilized by the average woman and the risks and benefits that come with investing in the companies it funds. 
• What makes Rialto Markets different from any other crowd-funding platform. 
• Interested in investing? Research the companies you’re interested in and familiarize yourself with the lingua franca of finance: financial statements. 
• Noonan predicts that in five years industry staples, such as the 60-40 investing rule, will be subverted, and that Rialto will be there to ease the transition.  Artificial intelligence, its potential effects, and other looming upheavals in the finance industry, per Noonan.  Ready to learn more? Go to rialtomarkets.com