Melanie Pickett – Modern Technology in the Investment Office at Northern Trust (Capital Allocators, EP.281)

Career Path

Melanie Pickett's career journey is marked by significant transitions that have shaped her current role at Northern Trust. She began her career at Morgan Stanley, where she was involved in various projects, including the merger between Morgan Stanley and Smith Barney, which was a transformative experience for her. Her move to Emory University as Chief Operating Officer was driven by personal circumstances and the opportunity to expand her expertise in operations and technology 1. Melanie's passion for creating innovative solutions led her to Northern Trust, where she was given the opportunity to build a business with creative control and capital support 2.

I wanted to make sure that I was going to do this with an investor that would take care of the business that we wanted to build.

--- Melanie Pickett

Her decision to join Northern Trust was influenced by the company's longstanding commitment to asset owners, aligning with her vision for the future of asset allocation.

   

Professional Growth

Melanie's professional growth is deeply intertwined with the people she has worked with and the lessons she has learned from them. She recalls how a manager at Morgan Stanley taught her the importance of communication and professionalism, which significantly impacted her career development 3. At Northern Trust, her management team, including Dan Houlihan and Pete Cheroch, played a crucial role in supporting her through challenging times, reinforcing her belief in the power of teamwork and mentorship 3.

It's always the people and the growth that I see in those people.

--- Melanie Pickett

Melanie emphasizes that her greatest achievements are not individual accomplishments but the growth and success of her team members, highlighting her commitment to fostering talent and leadership.

   

Adapting to Change

Embracing change has been a constant theme in Melanie's career, allowing her to navigate new challenges and environments successfully. She shares that fear often precedes significant growth, and learning to lean into that fear has been pivotal in her personal and professional development 4. At Northern Trust, Melanie has witnessed a shift in investment strategies, with clients increasingly seeking direct investments and new asset allocation methods 5.

Before great growth comes great fear.

--- Melanie Pickett

This adaptability has enabled her to lead Northern Trust's Front Office Solutions to meet the evolving needs of asset owners, demonstrating her ability to turn challenges into opportunities for innovation.