Annie Wang, Nomura Securities International Managing Director, Shares Insights on Leadership, Strategy, and Professional Growth
Annie Wang, Nomura Securities Managing Director of Mergers and Acquisitions in New York, recently shared some insights on her professional background and career, where she specializes in originating, advising, and executing M&A transactions within the consumer industry, with a particular focus on the beverage, alcohol, beauty, and personal care sectors. At Nomura, Annie Wang is known for her exceptional ability to build and foster relationships with corporations, financial sponsors, and entrepreneurial clients.
Her expertise spans process strategy, deal structuring, valuation, and deal negotiations, making her a critical asset in the M&A landscape. With a solid foundation in investment banking from her previous roles, including her tenure at UBS Securities LLC, Annie has honed her skills in advising clients and leading internal teams. Her career reflects a blend of strategic thinking, mentoring, and a passion for continuous improvement, all of which contribute to her success in the highly competitive field of mergers and acquisitions.
What is one strategy that has helped you advance in your career?
Perseverance—maintaining a positive attitude and not giving up even when faced with extreme challenges and hardships—has been crucial to my career advancement. In order to persevere, I’ve had to keep myself motivated to continuously improve, learn from failures, and stay on the path to achieve my goals. This mindset has enabled me to navigate the complex and demanding world of mergers and acquisitions with resilience and determination.
What are some of the keys to effective decision-making?
Understanding the objective is the first step to effective decision-making. From there, becoming educated on the topic through research and considering various channels that offer contrasting views is essential. Additionally, seeking advice and guidance from people who have experience with the topic helps in evaluating the benefits and consequences of different outcomes. This comprehensive approach allows me to make informed and strategic decisions.
How do you build and maintain strong professional relationships with colleagues and mentors?
Building and maintaining strong professional relationships requires treating others with the utmost respect and valuing their perspectives and feelings. I also believe in being sympathetic to the challenges they may be experiencing and connecting with them regularly. This consistent engagement fosters trust and mutual respect, which are vital for long-lasting professional relationships.
What continuing education or training initiatives are you currently involved with to stay ahead?
I actively work with career and executive coaches who help me elevate my skills, ranging from communication and team management to self-awareness. This ongoing training is crucial for staying ahead in the fast-paced world of M&A, where continuous improvement is necessary to maintain a competitive edge.
What methods or techniques do you employ to help set achievable goals and track progress?
Setting achievable goals begins with a clear understanding of what I’m striving to achieve. From there, I think through the steps needed to reach that goal, such as taking relevant classes, attending seminars, or networking with people who can guide me. After developing a game plan and timetable, I execute each step as soon as possible. However, I’ve learned that sometimes plans or timelines don’t go as expected, so I remain flexible and adjust my approach as needed.
How do you handle difficult clients, customers, or coworkers?
When dealing with difficult clients, customers, or coworkers, I first try to understand where they’re coming from. I figure out their objectives and concerns and then work on finding a way to help them meet their objectives. This empathetic approach helps in resolving conflicts and maintaining positive working relationships.
What do you believe are the most crucial qualities or skills a leader should possess, and how do you embody these qualities?
I believe that strategic thinking, continuous improvement, communication, self-awareness, empathy, and the ability to inspire people are crucial qualities for a leader. Additionally, a leader should take ownership, demonstrate diplomacy, and possess resilience and flexibility. I strive to embody these qualities in my leadership style, always aiming to inspire my team and lead by example.
Can you share a specific example of how you helped a colleague or coworker overcome a significant challenge or obstacle?
I’ve had several colleagues who are younger than me seek my advice on where to take their careers. Although they recognize that a career in investment banking can be incredibly rewarding intellectually and financially, it requires a lot of sacrifices and can be very grueling. When I mentor them, I try to understand what is bothering them about continuing down this career path and then provide my perspectives and learnings based on my life and professional experiences. This guidance helps them navigate their career challenges with greater clarity and confidence.
How do you decide what to do for yourself and what to delegate to others
I delegate tasks to others based on my knowledge of their skills, experiences, and strengths. For tasks that align with their capabilities, I trust them to execute effectively. On the other hand, I focus on tasks that I’m expected to handle based on my role and experience. This balance ensures that both I and my team can work efficiently and deliver outstanding results.
How do you motivate your team for outstanding results?
To motivate my team, I give them the latitude to do things their way, which fosters a sense of ownership and creativity. I also make it a point to be appreciative of their efforts and understanding if things don’t work out as planned. This supportive environment encourages my team to strive for excellence while knowing that they have my backing.
We want to thank Annie Wang for taking the time to share her insights and experiences in this interview.
