We Talk Careers

Discomfort isn’t just something to endure—it’s a powerful tool for growth. In this episode of We Talk Careers, @Kristine Delano and @Nicole Gates from @SAIC explore how embracing discomfort leads to breakthrough moments in leadership and career development. From saying yes to intimidating opportunities to learning how to seek advice rather than feedback, this conversation will challenge you to rethink the role of discomfort in your success.

Not much to be uncomfortable about these days, right? Think about a recent opportunity you hesitated to take because it felt uncomfortable. How could leaning in have led to growth?

After 30 years of friendship and through careers in high finance and government contracting, Kristine and Nicole debate and probe how tension can improve our teams and our organizations.

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Listen on your favorite podcast platform. We Talk Careers Podcast.

Follow on Instagram kristine.delano.writer

Visit www.womeninetfs.com to find additional support in the ETF industry.

Go to www.kristinedelano.com for a novella set on Wall Street.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wallstreetsuspense.substack.com

In this episode, Kristine Delano and Nicole Gates discuss how in high-performing teams, tension creates space for ideas to flourish. It’s about setting clear goals and encouraging respectful collaboration.

After 30 years of friendship and through careers in high finance and government contracting, Kristine and Nicole debate and probe how tension can improve our teams and our organizations.

This episode is a valuable resource for anyone looking to redefine and embrace the tension.

Listen on your favorite podcast platform. We Talk Careers Podcast.

Follow on Instagram kristine.delano.writer

Visit www.womeninetfs.com to find additional support in the ETF industry.

Go to www.kristinedelano.com for a novella set on Wall Street.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wallstreetsuspense.substack.com

Humble Confidence: The Dual Virtues of Leadership

In this episode, Kristine Delano and Nicole Gates discuss how confidence enables leaders to take risks, while humility ensures they learn from those risks, creating a cycle of continuous growth and impactful leadership.

Nicole Gates is the Vice President at SAIC, a Fortune 500 leader in government services and technology integration. She leads the Right Market, driving digital transformation services such as data science, cloud, cybersecurity, and training. With 24 years of experience at Raytheon (now RTX) in aerospace and defense, Nicole has held leadership roles in project management, strategy, operations, and sales. Based in New Hampshire, she enjoys winter sports and is married with two young adult children.

This episode is a valuable resource for anyone looking to refine their leadership approach by finding the sweet spot between being humble and confident.

Follow on Instagram kristine.delano.writer

Visit www.womeninetfs.com to find additional support in the ETF industry.

Go to www.kristinedelano.com to listen or read a Wall Street suspense novella.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wallstreetsuspense.substack.com

Show notes: Bridging Generational Gaps

What do generational differences look like in the workplace? How can those communication and expectation differences create stronger teams?

In this episode, we talk with Shanna Weber about the importance of communication that helps bridge generational gaps in the workplace.

Shanna Weber is the Founder and CEO of Prima Consulting, where she specializes in transforming workplace cultures to inspire teams and increase engagement. Shanna is a Certified Gallup Strengths Coach and Hogan Assessment Certified, and has facilitated hundreds of workshops for leaders and teams. Shanna holds an Executive MBA from the University of Arizona, dual Bachelor's degrees in Finance and Management from Arizona State University, and has completed programs at Wharton and Yale.

Kristine Delano guides the conversation on how to help Millennials and Gen Z succeed in the workplace by promoting an environment of mutual understanding and open communication.

Follow on Instagram kristine.delano.writer

Visit www.womeninetfs.com to find additional support in the ETF industry.

For more information about generational differences, please visit: https://www.purdueglobal.edu/education-partnerships/generational-workforce-differences-infographic/

Also visit: https://swprima.com/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wallstreetsuspense.substack.com

What is the role of AI in bringing clarity of mind? How do you know what’s noise and what’s important to move the needle of quality on your ideas?

In this episode, we talk with Deborah Yang how clarity of mind is essential for productivity and innovation, and how AI can help reduce cognitive load, enabling us to focus on what truly matters.

Deborah is the CEO of Daizy.com who are building AI agents to drive growth and scale human capital for financial services. A graduate of Harvard Business School, she has been named Financial News 100 Most Influential Women in European finance 6 consecutive years (2013-2018). She is also the Co-President of Women in ETFs EMEA. As CEO of Daizy, she is a frequent conference speaker, and has appeared extensively in financial and tech media including inForbes, Fast Company, YahooFinance, TheStreet, VentureBeat, NPR, and TechRound.

Kristine Delano guides the conversation on the tension between creativity and over-analysis, discussing practical steps to eliminate distractions, manage information, and enhance decision-making.

Listen on your favorite podcast platform. We Talk Careers Podcast.

Follow on Instagram kristine.delano.writer

Visit www.womeninetfs.com to find additional support in the ETF industry.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wallstreetsuspense.substack.com

Passion Fuels Purpose

What if the key to unlocking your potential lies in discovering your passion? 

In this episode, we chat with Stacy Francis about how discovering your passion can shape your life’s journey and the importance of staying open to opportunities, allowing you to learn, adapt, and keep moving forward.

Stacy Francis is the President and CEO of Francis Financial, a fee-only wealth management firm specializing in financial planning and divorce financial planning. With over 20 years of experience, she holds the CFP®, CDFA®, and CESTM designations. Stacy is also the founder of Savvy Ladies™, a nonprofit empowering women to take control of their finances. A nationally-recognized financial expert, she serves on CNBC’s Digital Financial Advisor Council and the Forbes Finance Council, and contributes to The Wall Street Journal. Stacy is the host of the Financially Ever After podcast and author of Financial Help for Widows and the white paper Unveiling the Unspoken Truth: The Financial Challenges Women Face During and After Divorce. In her free time, Stacy enjoys indoor skydiving with her daughter. 

Kristine Delano guides the conversation on how being intentional and brave about your passions leads to out of the box thinking and opportunities for growth. 

Follow on Instagram kristine.delano.writer 

Visit www.womeninetfs.com to find additional support in the ETF industry. 

Go to www.kristinedelano.com for your Thrive Guide: a compilation of the most requested and insightful advice from our guests on Leadership and Advancement.

Episode References:

Savvy Ladies

Money Circles

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kristinedelano.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wallstreetsuspense.substack.com

Is “multitasking” truly efficient? Does it leave you feeling unfocused and anxious?

In this episode, we’re talking with Namita Tated about how “multitasking” is often just rapidly changing tasks and more time consuming than time saving.  

Namita Tated is a Portfolio Associate at Build Asset Management in East Seattle, where she oversees Fund Accounting, Financial Reporting, and Performance Measurement. With a background in Finance and Accounting, Namita has previously worked with KPMG and BNY Mellon, gaining extensive experience in the financial industry. 

Kristine Delano guides the conversation on how taking a more mindful approach to completing tasks may enhance productivity and well-being.

Follow on Instagram kristine.delano.writer 

Visit www.womeninetfs.com to find additional support in the ETF industry. 

Go to www.kristinedelano.com for your Thrive Guide: a compilation of the most requested and insightful advice from our guests on Leadership and Advancement.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kristinedelano.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wallstreetsuspense.substack.com

Do you know your “why”? Have you wondered how to look at career transitions through the lens of your motivations? 

In this episode, we’re talking with Cathy Clay about how knowing your “why” provides the motivation and confidence to navigate career transitions and learn more about yourself and others. 

Catherine Clay is Executive Vice President, Head of Global Derivatives at Cboe Global Markets. Cathy oversees the global Derivatives business, encompassing both the U.S. and European markets. Previously, she served as Executive Vice President of Global Digital and Data Solutions. Cathy joined Cboe as part of the company's 2015 acquisition of LiveVol, where she was Chief Executive Officer. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Colorado, where she learned the art of Zamboni driving. Cathy also serves on the Greenwood Project board of directors. 

Kristine Delano guides the conversation on how exploring your passions and asking critical questions about motivations and personal drivers can play a key role in navigating transitions. Her debut suspense novel will be published in January 2026 by Tyndale House Publishers. 

Follow on Instagram kristine.delano.writer 

Visit www.womeninetfs.com to find additional support in the ETF industry. 

Go to www.kristinedelano.com for your Thrive Guide: a compilation of the most requested and insightful advice from our guests on Leadership and Advancement.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kristinedelano.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wallstreetsuspense.substack.com

Do you know your “why”? Have you wondered how to look at career transitions through the lens of your motivations? 

In this episode, we’re talking with Cathy Clay about how knowing your “why” provides the motivation and confidence to navigate career transitions and learn more about yourself and others. 

Catherine Clay is Executive Vice President, Head of Global Derivatives at Cboe Global Markets. Cathy oversees the global Derivatives business, encompassing both the U.S. and European markets. Previously, she served as Executive Vice President of Global Digital and Data Solutions. Cathy joined Cboe as part of the company's 2015 acquisition of LiveVol, where she was Chief Executive Officer. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Colorado, where she learned the art of Zamboni driving. Cathy also serves on the Greenwood Project board of directors. 

Kristine Delano guides the conversation on how exploring your passions and asking critical questions about motivations and personal drivers can play a key role in navigating transitions. Her debut suspense novel will be published in January 2026 by Tyndale House Publishers. 

Follow on Instagram kristine.delano.writer 

Visit www.womeninetfs.com to find additional support in the ETF industry. 

Go to www.kristinedelano.com for your Thrive Guide: a compilation of the most requested and insightful advice from our guests on Leadership and Advancement.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kristinedelano.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wallstreetsuspense.substack.com

Change can often feel daunting when navigating career transitions, but it can also be the beginning of great opportunities. 

In this episode, Kristine Delano and Koel Ghosh talk about the importance of embracing change and discovering fulfilling paths beyond conventional definitions of success. 

Koel Ghosh is a Senior Growth Advisor at Eminence Strategy Consulting, specializing in reputation management. She is also leading the India Chapter for Women in ETFs, a global non-profit organization for the ETF industry. With over two decades of experience in finance, Koel has held key leadership positions, including former Head of South Asia at S&P Dow Jones Indices and Managing Director and CEO of Asia Index Private Limited, significantly advancing passive investing in India. Her comprehensive expertise in asset management spans various renowned financial institutions such as Thompson Reuters, UTI Asset Management, and IL&FS Asset Management Limited. A Chartered Accountant, she was recognized by the Association of International Wealth Management of India as one of the top 100 women in finance in 2019. In addition to her professional achievements, Koel enjoys painting with various mediums and has a passion for baking sweet treats.

Follow on Instagram kristine.delano.writer 

Visit www.womeninetfs.com to find additional support in the ETF industry. 

Go to www.kristinedelano.com for your Thrive Guide: a compilation of the most requested and insightful advice from our guests on Leadership and Advancement.

Koel’s Acknowledgements:

Alex Matturri

Douglas Peterson

Martina Cheung

Lakshmi Iyer

Ashish Chauhan

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kristinedelano.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wallstreetsuspense.substack.com