As the year concludes, ten key executives from Goldman Sachs have shed light on the books, speeches, and plays that have enriched their professional and personal lives in 2024. These leaders, recognized for their acumen on Wall Street, share insights into how diverse forms of literature and thought leadership have impacted their roles within the financial giant.
Jared Cohen, President of Global Affairs, cited Barbara Tuchman’s “The Guns of August” and David Fromkin’s “A Peace to End All Peace” as pivotal in understanding World War I and its lasting influence. These works have provided Cohen with essential historical context, especially relevant after the recent political shifts in Syria.
Stephan Feldgoise, Cohead of Global M&A, praised Dr. Nate Zinsser’s “The Confident Mind.” Dr. Zinsser’s expertise in performance psychology aids military personnel in high-stress scenarios, a knowledge Feldgoise finds crucial for mentoring emerging leaders at Goldman Sachs.
Gizelle George-Joseph, COO of Global Investment Research, highlighted the Aspen Institute’s curated readings from the Finance Leaders Fellowship. These readings, including stories from the Rwandan Genocide, deeply influenced her understanding of leadership and action on both a personal and professional level.
Global Treasurer Carey Halio emphasized learning from historical financial practices through speeches by Philip Jefferson, Vice Chair at the Federal Reserve. The speeches offered fresh insights into the discount window, underscoring the importance of historical understanding in financial decision-making.
Vice Chairman Rob Kaplan noted Bob Woodward’s “War” for its exploration of leadership under pressure. Such narratives inform Kaplan’s perspective on decision-making during ambiguous and stressful times.
Ericka Leslie, COO of Global Banking & Markets, regularly revisits Alan Watts’ lecture “Trust the Universe,” which she finds inspiring for organizational leadership. Watts’ ideas on trust and delegation inform her approach to business growth and management.
Asahi Pompey, Global Head of Corporate Engagement, found the play “Good Bones” by James Ijames impactful. The play’s exploration of urban development resonates with Pompey’s work in community investment and underscores the significance of historical and community awareness in investment projects.
Padi Raphael, Global Head of Third Party Wealth Management, was inspired by Gregory Zuckerman’s biography of Jim Simons, “The Man Who Solved the Market.” The book illustrates the power of niche expertise and resilience, themes Raphael integrates into his leadership approach.
John Waldron, President & COO, drew leadership lessons from “Eisenhower: The White House Years” by Jim Newton. Waldron values Eisenhower’s ability to navigate geopolitical tensions and make lasting infrastructure decisions, seeing parallels in his own leadership challenges.
Tucker York, Global Head of Wealth Management, appreciated “Leadership by the Good Book” by David L. Steward for its practical leadership insights based on biblical themes. These insights supplement York’s approach to client service and mentorship.
The reflections of these Goldman Sachs executives demonstrate a shared commitment to lifelong learning and the application of diverse knowledge to enhance leadership and decision-making. By engaging with varied literary and philosophical works, these leaders not only enrich their personal growth but also contribute to the strategic evolution of their organization.
Source: Businessinsider
