Estelle Merola, Chief of Staff to the CEO at SG Americas, won Rising Star at Markets Media’s 2019 Women in Finance Awards.

What is the ‘secret of your success’?

Rigor, self-challenge, continuous pursuit of excellence – I learned these very young, when I studied ballet at the Paris Opera School, and I have applied them every day in my financial services career.

How do you strike a work-life balance?

My husband is a general surgery resident, so we both have demanding schedules. In spite of that – and maybe because of that – we make sure to prioritize time with each other, and for things we enjoy together, like music, art, and dance.

Which award winner(s) from the event impressed you most?

I was impressed with everyone, but I was most excited for my colleague, Doris Brophy. Doris is highly-regarded as an industry data leader, and is a great asset for SG. Her work is demanding, but she always makes time to mentor others and is very active in our employee resource groups. She’s an outstanding colleague, and very deserving of the Individual Achievement award.

What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?

I speak three languages (French, English, and German), and I have had a global, multi-disciplinary career with Société Générale: Germany (Asset Management); France (Internal Audit, Energy Sales); US (Internal Audit, Chief Operating Officer for Commodity Sales and Trading, and now SG Americas Chief of Staff).

What is your advice for women considering or just starting financial careers?

Continually challenge yourself, be open to new opportunities, and ask for them. Acknowledge and celebrate the success of others, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Most people – men and women, at all stages of their careers – want to share what they know.