Biggest Challenges Of A Head Of Emerging Market Sovereign Debt At Abrdn
Edwin, Head of Emerging Market Sovereign Debt at Abrdn, finds the "people management aspect" most challenging, citing insufficient training and the difficulty of transitioning from portfolio management to leading a team, especially during tough economic times impacting compensation. The "least favorite day of the year" is when Edwin must communicate bonus information, highlighting the added pressure of supporting younger team members facing rising living costs and potentially lower earning potential than previous generations.
People Management, Leadership, Compensation and Benefits, Financial Markets, Emerging Markets
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Edwin Gutierrez
Head of Emerging Market Sovereign Debt
Abrdn
UC Berkeley
MS Foreign Service, Georgetown University
Political Science, American Studies
Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing)
Finance
Honors Student
Video Highlights
1. People management is a significant challenge, requiring skills beyond portfolio management expertise.
2. Compensation and the rising cost of living affect employee morale and retention.
3. The current economic climate impacts bonus structures and employee financial well-being, creating challenges for team management.
Transcript
What is your biggest challenge in your current role?
I would say it's the people management aspect of my job. We don't get sufficient training for it.
Just because you're successful in managing portfolios doesn't mean you're automatically a successful manager of people. By industry, I'm sure a lot of industries are like this: if you're good at your job, you get promoted, and with promotion comes people reporting to you.
When your company's struggling and compensation hasn't been great, that's never fun. It's my least favorite day of the year when Compensation Day comes and I have to tell people their bonuses. Recent years haven't been a lot of fun.
It's tough knowing that the young people on my team will probably never have it as good as I did. Not to mention the rising cost of living. I just don't know how they're making ends meet and saving to buy a house.
So, I'd say that's definitely the least favorite part of my job.