In this episode, we explore Kristen Capuano's journey from her upbringing in Rhode Island as the daughter of a small business owner to her current role as Chief Marketing Officer. Kristen shares how a college advisor introduced her to marketing and product management, shaping her perspective on marketing beyond just creative ideas and design. She discusses her early career as an investment writer and the decision to enter the industry. Kristen emphasizes the value of active listening, resisting complaining, and focusing on improving the client's experience. Joining Van Eck during the early days of the ETF business, Kristen seized the opportunity to help establish and build the European business, gaining valuable leadership experience within the Product Management function. She reflects on the unique blend of product management and marketing at Van Eck and the evolution of marketing in investment management. Kristen also shares insights on working closely with an involved CEO and learning to trust team members while deferring to their expertise.
"From Investment Writing to C-Suite", a conversation with Kristen Capuano
• Kristen’s early experience growing up in Rhode Island as the daughter of a small business owner & entrepreneur
• Getting introduced to marketing and product management by a college advisor
• Marketing as more than just creative ideas and design
• Why the choice to work in the industry and starting out as an investment writer
• The value of building active listening skills
• Resist complaining and be part of the solution
• Focus on making the client’s experience better
• Joining a established but growing firm in Van Eck during early days of the ETF business
• Seizing the chance to help establish and build the European business for Van Eck
• Building leadership experience within the Product Management function
• Taking on the challenge of the Chief Marketing Officer role
• The unique blend of product management and marketing at Van Eck
• Working closely with a very involved CEO
• The evolution of marketing in investment management as a key component for success
• Learning to trust your team members and deferring to them when they know more