This week on Beyond Barriers, Brooke Skinner Ricketts interviews Raudline Etienne, Founder and CEO of Daraja Capital, in an episode brimming with insights on leadership and personal growth. Raudline shares her captivating story, from her childhood in Brooklyn to her ascent in the investment world.
She discusses the critical moments that defined her career, the importance of self-awareness, and her mission to support diverse fund managers. Listeners will gain a deep understanding of Raudline’s guiding principles, including her policy of “no A-holes” and her dedication to pursuing what brings joy.
Tune in to learn how Raudline’s unique perspective on combining art and science in finance can inspire you to lead with integrity and purpose.
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Highlights
The key moments in this episode are:
[00:00] Introduction to Beyond Barriers
[00:32] Networking with Authenticity
[01:41] Introducing Raudline Etienne
[03:03] Raudline's Journey from Haiti to Finance
[07:41] Career Reflections and Key Decisions
[08:52] Empowering Diverse Fund Managers
[11:12] Balancing Personal and Professional Life
[20:11] Overcoming Fears and Seeking Mentorship
[23:14] Building Genuine Relationships
[29:09] Lightning Round and Final Thoughts -
Lightning Round
Q: What book has greatly influenced you?
A: The Bluest Eye, Toni MorrisonQ: What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying?
A: To thine own self be true.Q: What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself?
A: Balanced.Q: What is one change you've implemented that made your life better?
A: I hired a full time admin.Q: What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage?
A: Yes we can can by the Pointer Sisters and from an energy level, Tambourine by Eve. -
Quotes
To thine own self be true. I think the work I have done over the years is to really understand myself and do the self-reflection, the excavation work that you do yourself, but also with your peers, friends, and family who can reflect back to you what they observe in you.
Raudline Etienne
What drove me and what gave me satisfaction was the influence or the power to give a seat at the table to those who don't normally get it.
Raudline Etienne
Take chances, especially when you're young, because you have the opportunity to recraft if it doesn't work.
Raudline Etienne
I've always strived for excellence. I'm always seeking advancement and the next challenge because if I plateau I've got to have something that's driving me and motivating me.
Raudline Etienne
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About
Raudline Etienne is the Founder and CEO of Daraja Capital, an investment and advisory firm providing seed capital to new, diversely owned, private fund managers and independent sponsors.
Ms. Etienne has over 25 years of experience in institutional investing and consulting. She previously served as CIO for the New York State Common Retirement Fund, the third largest public fund in the U.S., where she managed a global multi-asset portfolio supporting the fund’s pension beneficiaries. During her tenure, she established multiple thematic investment strategies focused on climate, emerging managers, and innovation. Prior to her role as CIO, Ms. Etienne spent more than a decade advising institutional investors at RogersCasey where she developed wide expertise in multiple asset classes, investment strategies, as well as institutional investment managers. In addition to these roles, Ms. Etienne also served as a Senior Advisor/ Senior Director at global strategy firm Albright Stonebridge Group (ASG) where she focused on expanding opportunities in the investment sector both for ASG and its clients.
Currently, Ms. Etienne is a trustee of the Janus Henderson Funds Board and a member of the Board of Advisors of Brightwood Capital, a capital provider to U.S.-based middle market enterprises. She serves on the Investment Committee of The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art’s Endowment. Past board roles include Van Alen Institute, Connecticut Hedge Fund Association, and the Toigo Foundation.
Ms. Etienne earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an MBA in finance from the University of California at Berkeley where she was awarded the Toigo Foundation Fellowship.