Lunch with a Leader
Finding your passion
Marc Seidner '88, CIO of non-traditional strategies at PIMCO, gave students advice about leadership and finding their passion. Seidner indicated that his current success could be largely attributed to luck, as he found his passion for investing in an introductory economics class offered at his high school. After graduating from BC, Seidner began his career at Fidelity, but later moved on to other firms. He said his reason for moving from company to company was the desire to push the limits of his learning curve. He believes that one should always be focused on challenging oneself and keeping the learning curve at a 45-degree angle or more. Seidner also suggested that leadership is often made more complex than it really is. He said that in order to effectively lead a group of people, one must look at what they want—intellectual challenges and recognition for hard work—and work to provide them with these. Seidner also talked about balancing work and family life and investment successes and mistakes, and ended with the impact of globalization and why it needs to be supported rather than suppressed.
Kristian Grimm '19, Winston Ambassador
Navigating life post-college
Farah Bernier '02, head of Diversity & Inclusion, Global Business and Portfolio Organizations at Google, Inc., gave students full transparency on her experience as a student at Boston College and as a professional. Her road to Google was one that saw its fair share of ups and downs, losses and successes. Bernier provided students with a perspective into what it takes to get a job after college as well as how to take initiative and really dedicate to a career. One of the most interesting takeaways from her story was how she handled being laid off from her first job. Getting laid off was not something she expected, but it forced her to reevaluate her career path and her available network and opportunities. Her ability to overcome a seemingly insurmountable obstacle with such poise and a level head was inspiring. She also discussed the ability to maintain a work-life balance, especially as a woman, and how to be successful in both spheres of adult life. Bernier’s honesty, humility, and accomplishments offered students both encouraging and realistic lessons about career development.
Megan C. Healy '17, Winston Ambassador