NC State Poole College of Management’s Inaugural Finance Sector Summit

This fall, the Poole College of Management at NC State had the privilege of welcoming nearly 100 participants—including MBA and master’s students, faculty members, alumni, and esteemed industry partners—to the Park Alumni Center for its first annual Finance Sector Summit. This event created a platform for participants to engage in meaningful discussions, provide valuable insights, and foster networking connections within the finance community.

Organized by the Poole College of Management Career Center, this summit featured a distinguished panel consisting of senior leaders from diverse areas such as commercial banking, real estate, and venture capital. The discussion centered around significant shifts in the finance industry, the emergence of new trends, and effective strategies for cultivating successful careers in an evolving market landscape.

Insights from Thought Leaders

The panel was expertly moderated by Dr. Richard Warr, who serves as the associate dean for faculty and research. The esteemed panel consisted of Jennings Glenn ’96, the chief financial officer at Kane Realty; Amir Mehr ’92, the managing director of portfolio management at Barclays and a member of the Poole College Advisory Board; alongside Timothy McLoughlin, managing partner at Cofounders Capital. The summit commenced with impactful remarks from Poole College Dean Frank Buckless, and an insightful overview of finance graduate statistics and trends was presented by Summit emcee Dave Solloway, the associate director of working professional careers.

Understanding Industry Shifts

The conversation kicked off with panelists discussing the evolution of finance roles and the industry as a whole over the past decade. Glenn notably pointed out a transformative shift from traditional reporting and compliance roles to those centered on strategic partnership and analytics. He underscored the increasing integration of technology and artificial intelligence in financial decision-making. “Our finance departments are evolving from being focused on compliance to becoming strategic partners. We are now targeting the analysis—understanding what platforms we employ and how we leverage AI,” he explained.

Continuing the dialogue, McLoughlin highlighted the changing landscape in venture capital, where firms are adopting a more calculated approach to investments and risk assessment. With an emphasis on regulatory and technological shifts, Mehr remarked, “If you’re not keeping up with developments each year, you’re falling behind.”

Current Trends in Hiring and Leadership

As the panel shifted its focus to hiring and leadership dynamics, the leaders shared insights on differentiating oneself in today’s fiercely competitive environment. They emphasized that possessing technical skills is no longer sufficient in the finance sector; the ability to think critically and creatively remains paramount. The group noted how AI is drastically reshaping workflows, hiring practices, and competitive strategies. They reiterated that technology thrives when complemented by human judgment and critical thinking.

“Effective communication and presentation skills are essential,” emphasized Mehr. “You could have the best ideas, but if you can’t articulate them, they won’t gain traction. Adapting is crucial; one must always look for a Plan B and tackle problems proactively.”

Glenn cautioned against becoming overly enamored with new technology. “Innovation is accelerating,” he stated, “but critical thinking remains the bedrock of effectiveness. You must fully understand the technology at your disposal, including its limitations, to determine whether it’s the appropriate solution for the challenge at hand.”

Jennings shared his leadership approach of hiring team members who are not only technologically adept but also possess a questioning mindset. “Understanding technology involves nuances; one must conduct adequate research and ask why we are doing things in a particular manner. Hiring individuals who question the status quo brings out the true value of AI,” he remarked.

McLoughlin echoed this sentiment, explaining how the conversation around hiring is shifting due to AI’s omnipresence in finance. “We were in the midst of raising funds and initially planned to recruit two or three new analysts. However, thanks to AI, our existing team can manage effectively. Hiring managers are now inclined to ask: how can we amplify productivity with fewer resources? As we invest in technological advancements, the pressing question becomes: what differentiates our competitive advantage? AI is invaluable, but there are aspects where human capabilities shine brighter than machines,” he commented.

The panelists unanimously agreed that strong communication, curiosity, and integrity are key traits for those wishing to thrive in finance—qualifiers that resonate irrespective of ongoing technological evolution. Jennings stated emphatically, “Skill and excellence are vital, yet intellectual curiosity is equally significant. The most successful professionals ask insightful questions and display an eagerness to understand technology to enhance it.”

Navigating Industry Uncertainty

As the session progressed, the discussion revolved around leading through periods of volatility and change within the finance industry. The panelists highlighted how success in fluctuating times necessitates not only robust strategic discipline but also a willingness to adapt rapidly in response to new circumstances.

Glenn addressed some of the obstacles confronting real estate finance, particularly amid rising interest rates and evolving market demands. “We are adapting,” he said. “Our finance team is deeply engaged in nurturing relationships with investors and partners. The market is currently holding steady; however, initiating new projects is quite challenging due to funding constraints and climbing costs.”

“As we invest in tech, the question becomes: what is your competitive edge? AI can help, but some things only humans can do better.”

Despite intense pressure, he noted that his firm has successfully initiated several new projects recently, crediting tenacity and solid investor relations. “You must stay focused and work harder; that’s the nature of real estate,” he concluded.

McLoughlin underscored the necessity for adaptability, particularly when safeguarding existing assets in a volatile economy. “Risk management is crucial; you obviously don’t want to endanger your current portfolio,” he advised. “Our strategies must remain flexible. Being prepared to pivot is essential.”

Mehr added that unpredictability is inherently part of the banking sector and sound decision-making relies on continuous awareness and assessment. “We monitor health metrics, consumer behaviors, and corporate activities,” he shared. “The goal is to ensure that our lending practices are sound, minimizing potential risks. It’s all about lending judiciously and managing risk effectively.”

Across all three sectors, the panelists collectively affirmed that the ability to adapt and lead with strong communication and discipline is crucial for organizations not only to survive periods of volatility but also to thrive and emerge with greater strength.

Guidance for the Next Generation of Finance Professionals

As the panel approached its conclusion, each speaker reflected on key lessons learned throughout their careers and what they wished they had known when starting out. This portion of the discussion offered students practical insights for constructing meaningful and resilient careers in an ever-evolving finance landscape.

Mehr encouraged students to maintain a curiosity about technology while investing time in honing their communication skills. “If I were entering the workforce today, I would certainly ensure proficiency in AI and machine learning tools. However, just as crucial is nurturing personal relationships; finance is inherently about numbers, yet ultimately about people,” he advised.

In terms of long-term vision, McLoughlin encouraged graduates to think beyond immediate job opportunities, stating, “When you graduate, focus not just on your first position, but consider what you aspire to achieve five or ten years down the line. Moreover, don’t overlook the significance of your professional network. You must be proactive—reach out, even to individuals outside your industry.”

“Never underestimate the value of your network. You have to pick up the phone and call people, even outside your industry.”

For Glenn, the most impactful lesson was around the importance of courage and forging connections. “In the early stages of my career, I hesitated to voice my thoughts,” he shared. “In finance, especially in a capital-intensive sector like real estate, building trust and cultivating relationships takes time. Communication skills and self-confidence truly count.”

When reflecting on mindset, the trio echoed a central theme: the importance of asking questions, remaining humble, and embracing continuous learning. McLoughlin emphasized that not possessing all the answers is a natural aspect of professional growth and that one should always seek clarity when needed. Mehr reinforced that strong presentation skills and professionalism are essential distinguishing factors for young professionals.

In summary, their combined insights underscored that success in finance hinges on adaptability, authenticity, and a willingness to embrace technological advancements, characteristic of a balance steeped in curiosity, communication, and personal connections.

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The Sector Summit Series aims to enrich the Poole College of Management Career Center’s mission of providing comprehensive career education, transforming career development into a collaborative journey. By connecting students, employers, alumni, and faculty, the series creates an ecosystem of shared opportunities, enabling deeper insights into career paths and industry expectations.