Hyatt Regency Chicago

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Take your next career step forward at the NIRI Career Development Hub. Join informal discussions with talent management and tenured IR professionals, and discover how to build on your existing strengths to maximize your potential. Executives arrive at their positions through various avenues; learn how a mentoring relationship can benefit your path forward. Stop by the Career Development Hub between conference sessions to explore different paths to career success. No appointments or invitation needed.
 

Monday

 
11:20-11:50 AM C-Suite Career Secrets: Only THIS Insider Knows
Senior level (15+ years)
Smooch Repovich Reynolds

Exchange thoughts with IRO career expert, Smooch Repovich Reynolds, and gain insights into how to be considered “an insider” and have privy to the inner-most thoughts and concerns that weigh on the minds of leadership teams and Boards in today’s complex markets. Get the “trade secrets” to today’s career positioning as you evolve your role today with your current organization, intentionally plan to advance your career long-term, and of course, learn an insider’s viewpoint about the topic of compensation. In addition, you will hear how data analytics is driving more well-informed recruiting decisions.


12:00-12:40 PM Find a Mentor Meetup
Junior level

Anyone who is building a career can use some help along the way. Having a mentor who can provide perspective, encouragement, and expertise on difficult questions can be a critical component to career success. Tap into the NIRI network of IR professionals and stop by the Hub for an informal “mentor meetup”, where several IR professionals willing to become mentors will be available for short introductory discussions. The meetups are designed to facilitate valuable interactions that will foster the initiation of enduring mentoring relationships. What happens after the meetup is entirely up to participants.

The volunteers for this meetup are listed below, along with the specific areas they are willing to mentor in. Click on their names to learn more!
  • Michele Backman, IRC – General Career Mentoring; IR Planning, Implementation and Measurement; Marketing and Outreach
  • Clay Bilby, IRC – IR Strategy Formulation; IR Planning, Implementation and Measurement; Corporate Messaging Development; Marketing and Outreach; Corporate Financial Reporting and Analysis; Business Insight; Strategic Counsel and Collaboration; Corporate Governance
  • Kelly Hernandez, IRC – IR Strategy Formulation; Corporate Messaging Development; Marketing and Outreach
  • Kathleen Till Stange, IRC – General Career Mentoring; Business Insight; Strategic Counsel and Collaboration
  • Tabitha Zane – General Career Mentoring

12:45-1:15 PM  Starting Your Own Consulting Firm
Mid-career to Senior level
David Fine

Many IR professionals may consider starting their own consulting firm at some point in their career - maybe you're looking for a change of scenery or perhaps your company has just been acquired. But what does starting a company actually look like? You might be stellar at the core functions of investor relations, but what do you need to know about the practicalities - setting up an LLC, attracting clients, marketing, etc.? Join a candid discussion of the highlights and pitfalls of starting a consulting business and what you may need to consider before diving in.


2:50-3:10 PM Career Insights from NIRI Fellows
Junior level to Mid-career
Sally Curley, IRC / David Erickson

NIRI Fellows are a select group of NIRI members that have been recognized for their leadership, integrity, involvement, and contributions to the investor relations profession. NIRI Fellows have seen it all, and they offer a depth of knowledge about both the practice of investor relations and the career opportunities within. Take advantage of this opportunity to meet with two Fellows, and ask them anything – how they got their start in IR, how their careers have progressed, what surprises and challenges they have faced. Come prepared with your questions for career tips that are relevant to you  
 

Tuesday

 
8:00-8:30 AM IR at the Crossroads — Different Paths to and from IR
All career levels
Jeffrey Goeser

IR professionals often have varied backgrounds (corporate communications, corporate finance, sell-side/buy-side analysts, financial PR, etc.) and may not have purposely targeted a career in investor relations. IR can be a springboard to a different career, a great rotational stop on the road to the C-suite, or a fulfilling final career stop. Are you at the crossroads in your IR career? How will you decide whether to pivot? There is no right answer, of course. Join a discussion with other IR professionals to share experiences and ideas to inspire your own personal reflection.


10:30-11:00 AM Meet the Recruiter
Mid-career to Senior level
Peter McDermott

Meet with Peter McDermott, Principal, Corporate Affairs with Korn Ferry, for a behind the scenes look into the executive recruiting process. Mr. McDermott is a member of Korn Ferry’s Corporate Affairs Center of Expertise and has placed numerous executive level IR and communications leaders. He will provide a primer on working with a recruiter, including tips for positioning yourself for success.


2:30-3:00 PM Find a Mentor Meetup
Junior level

Anyone who is building a career can use some help along the way. Having a mentor who can provide perspective, encouragement, and expertise on difficult questions can be a critical component to career success. Tap into the NIRI network of IR professionals and stop by the Hub for an informal “mentor meetup”, where several IR professionals willing to become mentors will be available for short introductory discussions. The meetups are designed to facilitate valuable interactions that will foster the initiation of enduring mentoring relationships. What happens after the meetup is entirely up to participants.

The volunteers for this meetup are listed below, along with the specific areas they are willing to mentor in. Click on their names to learn more!
  • Michael Ferreter – Marketing and Outreach
  • Sara Finan, IRC – Corporate Messaging Development; Corporate Financial Reporting and Analysis; Business Insight; Strategic Counsel and Collaboration; Capital Markets & Capital Structure; Corporate Governance
  • Laura Kiernan, IRC – IR Strategy Formulation; Corporate Messaging Development; Marketing and Outreach; Corporate Financial Reporting and Analysis
  • Jason McGruder – Corporate Financial Reporting and Analysis; Business Insight; Capital Markets & Capital Structure
  • Tim Sedabres, IRC – IR Strategy Formulation; IR Planning, Implementation and Measurement; Corporate Financial Reporting and Analysis; Business Insight; Strategic Counsel and Collaboration; Capital Markets & Capital Structure; Corporate Governance