Sallie Krawcheck Visits Campus as Leader in Residence

A “Financial Feminist,”  Krawcheck is also the Chair of Ellevate Network, the global professional women’s network, and of the Pax Ellevate Global Women’s Index Fund, which invests in the top-rated companies in the world for advancing women. She is also the best-selling author of Own It:  The Power of Women at Work. Before becoming an entrepreneur, Krawcheck was CEO of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, Smith Barney, and Sanford Bernstein during her storied career on Wall Street. During her tenure at Chatham Hall, Krawcheck engaged with students and gave insights into the role and power of financial acumen in the advancement of women.  

Krawcheck’s keynote address to the community told the story of her journey from her native Charleston, South Carolina, to Wall Street in the late 1980’s, and on to becoming a powerful advocate for women’s advancement through financial freedom through her entrepreneurial work. Krawcheck has a history of turning around and growing troubled businesses, eliminating Wall Street conflicts of interest, and advocating a true client-centered business model.  Fortune Magazine called her “The Last Honest Analyst” during her tenure at Sanford Bernstein, and noted that hers was the most influential voice for research quality and integrity. Throughout her time at Chatham Hall, Krawcheck encouraged the students to break through the stigma around not talking about money and to instead embrace and direct their financial future. Rector Suzanne Buck noted the power of Krawcheck’s authentic message, “She inspired students with her message of resilience - ‘Success is fleeting. So is failure. You can always press a re-set button.’ Ms. Krawcheck went on to share her own career narrative, highlighting eras when her work was greatly lauded and, equally as impactful, when her employment was terminated.  She suggested that one should never let either experience define one's value. Ms. Krawcheck implored audience members to strive to be principled, have mastery that no-one else can offer, seek work that is meaningful, and to utilize and enrich professional networks. With such professional and personal attributes, one is fortified to transcend periods of challenge. What an empowering statement for our girls!”

Krawcheck’s visit had a deep impact on the whole school community. Of her time as Leader in Residence, Assistant Head of School for Academics, Martha Griswold remarked, “I have never heard as many questions for a leader in residence as Sallie generated. Going into her visit, I don't think the girls necessarily had the language to talk about finance - or realized how important it is that they understand money. The questions that the girls asked indicate that Sallie got them thinking about careers, failure, who has the money and what it can do for you, and forging through something difficult. She was honest, blunt, and positive about something that she clearly loves.” Krawcheck spoke of her time at Chatham Hall as invigorating, saying, “it’s energizing to be amongst all of these engaged, driven, young ladies. It’s like drinking a tonic!”