Carla Harris loves to mentor.
So much so that she created a program at Morgan Stanley to provide support and advice to its asset managers around the globe with $2 billion or less under management. The program, which launched in December, is meant to help those just getting started, particularly women and minorities.
"With the proper infrastructure, these managers can get access to pools of capital, which can really make the difference," Harris says.
Often her advice gets more personal than how to ramp up business, especially with harried mothers. She tells women contemplating whether to step off the career ladder not to let fatigue drive the decision and to do some planning beforehand.
"When you're starting to feel tired and overwhelmed, force yourself to take two to three days away from your job, your kids, your husband, and get some good nights' sleep before you think about the next step," she says.
Harris understands the value of allotting time for personal projects. She is an accomplished gospel singer, lecturer and author of the book, "Expect to Win: Proven Strategies for Success from a Wall Street Vet."
"Before every major professional decision I have made, I have taken a day or two to look at the opportunity in a larger strategic context," she says. "I wanted to make sure that I was never making an emotional or fatigue-influenced decision."
