The Most Powerful Woman in Finance 2024: Mary Callahan Erdoes, JPMorgan Chase

When asked what she would tell her younger self about managing her career, Mary Callahan Erdoes would go back to the basics. Work hard and play hard. Live in the now. Become a subject matter expert in your area of focus. Most importantly, always continue learning.

"Sit in the front. Take notes. Ask questions. Dress for success and always send thank-you notes," Erdoes added. "Be a great listener and understand all sides of a discussion."

This advice has served Erdoes well over the course of her career. After joining JPMorgan Chase in 1996, she became chief executive officer of asset and wealth management in 2009. She leads more than 30,000 employees with 15 direct reports and helps manage the bank's $5.4 trillion in client assets.

Erdoes said continuing JPMorgan's 225-year-old legacy has its pressures, but her hunger for growth keeps her motivated. She's especially excited for JPMorgan's future talent to explore the potential of artificial intelligence.

"JPMorgan Chase's technological prowess, especially in the age of AI, makes it an exciting time to attract, retain and empower our teams," Erdoes said.

She added that the bank is committed to providing faster and smarter ways for its employees to perform their jobs, "eliminating the 'no-joy work' and enhancing overall job satisfaction."

Earlier this summer, Erdoes brought the asset and wealth management leadership team to Harvard Business School's inaugural "Leading with AI."

"The working sessions provided deep insights into how AI is transforming various industries and reshaping the future of business and society," she said of the daylong event at her alma mater.

Erdoes also recently expanded the LLM Suite, JPMorgan's pilot program, to all employees in her department.

"The LLM Suite is like a smart research assistant operating in a secure environment, aiding in tasks ranging from writing and idea generation to solving complex Excel problems and summarizing documents," Erdoes explained. "This tool is a game-changer in streamlining processes and enhancing productivity across the board."

Erdoes' passion for cultivating new talent extends beyond her work. She serves on the board for Georgetown University, where she earned her bachelor's in mathematics, and the Global Advisory Council at Harvard University, where she earned her master's in business administration.

Among her female peers, Erdoes is involved in JPMorgan's Women on the Move program, which aims to empower women professionally through peer-to-peer exchange. Launched in 2013 with 100 women, the group now has thousands of members.

Erdoes also touts the bank's ReEntry program, created in 2013 to support women reentering the workforce after a career break.

"These initiatives are vital steps in fostering a supportive community where women can thrive, particularly during complex times when smart flexibility is essential," she said.

Erdoes noted that AI is a vital tool for professionals who must balance the demands of careers and families. It helps with calendar management, vacation planning, health and fitness tracking, and more.

"For those of us steeped in multitasking, especially parents and caregivers, AI will help to address the age-old dilemma of not having enough hours in the day to accomplish our tasks," Erdoes said.