CIO Transition – Roz Hewsenian and Joshua Fenton, Helmsley Trust (EP.401)

Career Reflections

Roz Hewsenian reflects on her extensive career, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and humility. She shares that the most crucial lesson she learned was to "get out of my own head" and pursue her goals without self-imposed barriers. Roz also highlights the significance of acknowledging those who support us, often in unexpected ways, such as a colleague's small gesture that can make a big difference 1. Joshua Fenton adds that managers often hesitate to seek feedback from clients, fearing it might unsettle them, yet clients are usually eager to help guide them in the right direction 2.

   

Advice & Insights

Joshua Fenton shares a unique perspective on advice, suggesting that providing information rather than direct advice empowers individuals to make informed decisions. He believes that "the only way you're really going to make a better decision is if you have more information than what you started with" 3. Roz Hewsenian offers a light-hearted perspective, reminding us that while their work is important, it's not life-or-death, and maintaining a sense of humor is crucial. She also stresses the importance of planning for leadership transitions, having prepared for her own retirement years in advance to ensure a smooth transition for her successor 4.