Our employee spotlight series highlights our people spanning many different roles, teams and geographies—each with a unique perspective to share, and each essential to our journey. In Sade's role, she's having a major impact and helping to bring in the next generation of diverse talent to MarketAxess - the ones who, in turn, will Take Us There. Read on to learn about how Sade stumbled upon this career path and what her experience with us has been like.
What is your role at MarketAxess?
I'm a Diversity and Talent Acquisition Specialist, and in this role, I support three main areas:
- Our early talent - whether that's our internship or Analyst programs, or our newly launched apprenticeship program
- Work experience placements and those who are just starting their careers
- The experienced hiring process and our diversity initiatives, ensuring that we are encouraging and providing access to diverse talent and have a diverse and inclusive working environment
What inspired you to pursue your career?
It was my own experience of going through the university system. My mom influenced me in some way - looking at her journey and what she's accomplished without having gone to university. She’s very pro-education, but I was the first person in my family to go to university and I struggled to navigate the whole university application process. I eventually chose Kingston University where I studied English Language and Communications with Creative Writing. I wanted to become a journalist at first, but I was very indecisive and thought that if I didn’t figure out my career path, I could go into teaching. After graduating, I found the experience of finding that first job or graduate scheme very challenging. That's why I went into a career in early talent. And I recognized how much social class had an impact on your career and what job you entered once you graduated, which is where the diversity piece comes in.
Why did you join MarketAxess?
It's the ability to change things - that’s what I liked most about MarketAxess. When I looked at the job spec, I immediately thought “This role is perfect for me”. I could already see myself in the role and how I could make an impact. I had around 8 interviews, which at first you might think is a lot, but it made me realize the team was invested in finding the right person. So that also made me think that MarketAxess is a company that cares about its staff and people.
And what's making you stay?
The people, the team, the variety of work, and the ability to drive different initiatives like our apprenticeship program and other diversity and talent programs. Mark, my manager, is always stretching me professionally.
How would you describe the dynamic in your team?
Very supportive and collaborative - we work very closely together and at the same time it's nice that we all have our specialist areas, and we can use each other as a sounding board. We’re a very trusting team.
What's been your biggest accomplishment since starting with MarketAxess?
The fact that this year we've had the most diverse intern cohort we've ever had at MarketAxess. I have introduced some new diversity partnerships, and they have really elevated our brand visibility among candidates from diverse backgrounds, females, and ethnic minority backgrounds. Working with them shows candidates that we are committed to diversity and inclusion, and it reassures me that I'm doing my job well.
And our new apprenticeship program…that was a lot of work. I started it from scratch and it was the first apprenticeship program I led.
How does the work that you do in your role help to Take Us There?
Working with early talent is a lot about the vision and seeing what people who are just starting their careers can accomplish. It's important to me that their experience is positive. Because I feel that everyone remembers their first job and it can have a big impact on how you look at your career. So, for me, it's important to ensure that all candidates feel that they belong where they are. It's about seeing their capabilities and what they can accomplish and instilling that belief in them, and then supporting them on their journey to flourish. It’s about taking them there to that next stage. It's always nice when I have interns or graduates that I've helped or hired in previous roles and they reach out to me and tell me what they’ve gotten up to and what roles they're in.
What is exciting about early talent is that it's changing all the time. Talent is changing the way we do things. So it's important to invest in their perspectives, the way they see things, and their vision and give them the confidence to share their unique perspectives.
How is MarketAxess different from other companies?
I like the fact that I can have an idea at 10 in the morning and I’ll speak to Mark about it tomorrow, and by the end of the day, he'll say “Yes, it's happening”. That's not the norm with other companies. You’d have to put a business case forward; then meet with two or three managers who then consult their managers and check if there’s a budget. Being able to have such a strong impact and influence on talent and diversity initiatives is something that I love about MarketAxess.
And personally, being a black woman in the corporate space, we’re not well-represented, and it’s something I have to consider when applying for roles: “Am I the only black person in my team or organization?”, “Is the culture going to be a culture that I feel comfortable with and confident being my true self?”. From the interviewing stage with MarketAxess, I had the assurance that it is a place where I can grow and thrive.
More recently, it was an honor that I was asked to lead Elevate - our employee resource group (ERG) dedicated to the experience of Black colleagues. It’s something I'm very excited to be a part of. In my last two companies, I've actively been involved in ERGs and I'm hopeful that we can grow our membership and have a space where black employees can connect, learn, educate one another, and grow and build a strong network. It's equally important that we have the support and allyship from the wider employee base, those who don't come from the same experiences and backgrounds. When you're not as reflected in the workforce and the industry, it's important to have connections that help you to navigate it all. In a way, it's just the beginning of the journey, so I want everyone to feel like we’re pulling in the same direction.
Who would you trade roles with if you had to with someone here and why?
Claire Radford, our Head of EMEA & APAC Operations. Claire’s role is interesting, and as a person, she is inspiring, strong-minded, confident, and cares about her team. It's also inspiring to see women in senior roles and Claire is an amazing example of what a (female) boss should be.