Roz Hewsenian –Helmsley Trust’s Chief of People and Process (Capital Allocators, EP.63)

Early Lessons

Roz Hewsenian's early career in special education provided her with invaluable communication skills that she later applied in finance. She emphasizes the importance of understanding where someone is coming from to communicate effectively, a lesson she learned while teaching children 1. This approach helped her navigate the male-dominated finance industry in the late 1970s, where she faced challenges such as being one of the few women in her department 2.

You have to start with where the student is... If you want to communicate effectively with an adult, you've got to understand where is that adult coming from to begin with and start there.

--- Roz Hewsenian

Her determination and love for intellectual challenges drove her to succeed despite these barriers.

   

Career Shift

Roz's transition from education to finance marked a pivotal shift in her career, leading her to significant roles at Pepsi and Wilshire Associates. At Pepsi, she was instrumental in diversifying investment portfolios and recommending the hiring of Dimensional Fund Advisors, a decision that still impacts Pepsi's portfolio today 3. Her move to Wilshire Associates allowed her to gain a broader perspective on the investment landscape, eventually leading her to become the lead investment consultant for CalPERS 4.

I saw the entire investment landscape at a money management firm. I only saw the money manager's point of view, and I saw this as a way of going back and seeing the broader landscape by working at Wilshire Associates.

--- Roz Hewsenian

These experiences honed her skills in investment consulting and strategic thinking.

   

Mentorship Impact

Mentorship played a crucial role in Roz's career, providing guidance and support through challenging environments. Her first boss at General Foods taught her the importance of humor and the fundamental rule of management: being a teacher first 5. This lesson shaped her approach to leadership, emphasizing the need to support and guide her team effectively.

The first thing he taught me about management is that when I did something wrong, the first question he asked me is, well, what didn't I do for you in terms of either direction or instruction?

--- Roz Hewsenian

Her ability to adapt and grow was further demonstrated during her time at Clay Finlay, where she successfully developed a business plan to turn the company around, showcasing her strategic acumen and resilience 6.