Laura Marafetti, COO for Investment Banking & Advisory, Societe Generale, won Rising Star at Markets Media Group’s 2025 U.S. Women in Finance Awards.

What skills or qualities do you think have been key to your rapid progression in finance?

Looking back on my (short but intense) career so far, I would highlight three core qualities that have made a meaningful difference in my progression: humility paired with curiosity, hard work, and a willingness to take risks and seize opportunities.

As I started working in finance with very little technical background, I’ve never assumed I had all the answers. I joined banking via the General Inspection program of Societe Generale, being assigned to a new audit/consulting mission every 3 to 6 months, on a broad range of topics. Throughout those first years I have found tremendous value in asking questions, first the “stupid” ones, making sure I was comfortable with the simple concepts, then asking the more challenging questions, until I would get to the point of having an opinion and critical analysis of my own. I observed that the best insights I received did not come from books or e-learnings, but from talking to the experts and people with years of experience, who had seen and worked on the outlier black swan scenarios.

Then I am making a point to show up every day with focus, structure and the drive to go the extra mile. In high-performance environment, you quickly learn that talent alone isn’t enough, it’s about how you show up under pressure, how resilient you are in the face of setbacks, and how much care you put into the small details. I’ve learned to maintain a sense of purpose even during intense periods and to remind myself of the end-goal. That work ethic has helped me build trust with mentors and colleagues, and opened doors for growth over time.

Finally, I truly believe that progression often comes down to timing and how you respond when opportunity knocks. One of the biggest drivers of my career has been my openness to taking risks and getting out of my comfort zone. Whether it was changing teams, moving across continents, or stepping into roles with big shoes to fill, I’ve leaned into uncertainty, rather than shy away from it. That courage to take calculated risks, and to back myself even in unfamiliar territory, has led to some of my most meaningful professional chapters. I also acknowledge that I’ve benefited from great timing, supportive leaders, and a few bold leaps that paid off. So much of success is built not only on what you know, but on how willing you are to grow, adapt and step forward when the path ahead isn’t fully clear. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and even more excited for what’s ahead.

As a woman in finance, what challenges have you faced, and how have you navigated them?

One of the earliest challenges I encountered was walking into rooms, or calls, where I was the only woman, sometimes the youngest, often both. In those moments, imposter syndrome crept in. I would question whether I truly belonged, or whether my voice was as relevant as others around the table. That pressure led me to over-prepare, speak with extra caution, and wait to voice an idea until I was sure it was “bulletproof”. That got me to miss opportunities to speak up, participate in debates, but also got me to realize others’ ideas were not necessarily more brilliant than mine. Over time, I pushed myself to be more vocal and assertive in meetings, raising ideas even when I was not 100% sure of the outcome. It is an ongoing journey, and the more I embrace that mindset, the more I find my voice not only belongs in the room, it can shape it.

I have also been working on overcoming the conviction that I need to overperform just to prove I deserve my seat. Especially in early years of my career, there was a sense that I couldn’t afford making a mistake, because it might reinforce bias, even unconsciously, in someone’s mind. That fear can be exhausting and got me to finding my limits, and ultimately learning to set boundaries even for myself. What helped me move forward was surrounding myself with managers, mentors and peers, both male and female, who went through similar experiences and who helped me build self-confidence. I also participated in co-development groups at Societe Generale, who have been a game changer in realizing that my challenges were common, and finding that safe space to share and learn from.

Another subtle but recurring challenge has been the way communication styles are perceived. Assertiveness and decisiveness are often valued in finance, but when expressed by a woman, I found those same traits can be seen as “aggressive” or “abrasive”. I’ve had to fine-tune the way I deliver messages, balancing clarity and conviction with emotional intelligence, and sometimes translating the same message in different ways depending on the audience. It is a constant balancing act.

Finally, one of the greatest challenge and opportunity I am working on, is the need to lead by example and show up with authenticity. Representation matters. If I want the next generation of women in finance to feel that this industry welcomes them, I need to be visible, supportive and vocal, while also staying true to my personality and the values I stand for. That means mentoring others, championing more inclusive cultures, and pushing for structural change where it’s needed. It is not just about helping women “adapt” to finance, it’s also about helping culture evolve.

Outside of work, what inspires or energizes you?

What energizes me most outside of work is the constant pursuit of learning new things and expanding my horizon, especially on topics unrelated to my day-to-day job for which I feel a deep curiosity or passion. I also find meaning in setting personal challenges, as a way to grow and stay connected to who I am beyond my professional role.

A couple of years ago I got into running, primarily to get out and get fresh air after long working days. What started as a stress reliever quickly turned into a real passion, and I now train a few times a year for marathons (I just finished my 6th marathon). The discipline and mental resilience it takes to prepare for a race have taught me so much about pacing myself, accepting my limits, being kinder to myself and staying focused on the process in the name of growth.

That same mindset let me to explore my love for wine more seriously. I pursued a sommelier certificate, not as a career pivot, but as a way to deepen a personal interest and stretch myself in a completely different domain. It’s a world that blends culture, history, the uniqueness you find in a terroir and winemaking techniques. It is a fascinating never-ending world, that values patience, passion and the sense of continuity in sustainability.

Finally, I find daily inspiration through listening to podcasts and interviews with great thinkers and leaders (mostly during my runs). I’m drawn to stories of people navigating complexity, making bold choices, and sharing their insights with honesty and nuance. It’s a reminder that growth is never linear, and that learning from others is one of the best ways to evolve.