The Women of Baird - Jennifer Grayson
Jennifer Grayson
Chief Operating Officer of Equities, Head of Global Corporate Access
Nearly 10 years at Baird
For decades, women have been building rewarding careers at Baird, with no limits on their ability to advance in the organization. In this series, some of our most successful women talk about how Baird has helped their careers and talents to flourish.
Here, Jennifer Grayson, Baird’s COO of Equities, discusses why she truly appreciates the value of a strong team and what it takes for her to feel that all is right with the world.
Why did you choose a career in financial services?
The dynamic nature of financial services drew my attention – the markets and impact of economic activity are highly relevant to our daily lives. In addition, the type of firm that Baird is drew my interest. Baird has a unique offering within the financial services industry.
Why did you choose to do what you do at Baird?
About 10 years ago, I joined Baird Equites with over a decade’s worth of sales experience outside of the industry. I was looking for a dynamic business that aligned with my client service and revenue-generating interests, as well as one that appreciated my entrepreneurial spirit. I have been fortunate in finding that within Equities by taking on various roles within the business during my tenure to date.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I really enjoy working with the great teams of people within Equities. From involvement in athletics throughout my life as well as an upbringing within a large family, I have come to appreciate the value of being a part of a strong team.
I also enjoy understanding how and why decisions are made, which aligns nicely with my COO responsibilities, which are focused on finding solutions and getting to the best client outcomes.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
“Being present” is something that my 8-year-old daughter reminds me of every day. Engaging fully and enjoying today, as opposed to anticipating tomorrow or reliving yesterday, is especially important to me.
How do you like to spend your time outside the office?
Being with my family is easily my favorite pastime. I also enjoy the outdoors and being active. Together we enjoy biking, kayaking and traveling, which often leads to a beautiful beach on the Gulf of Mexico. All is right in the world when I get great family time, a bit of outdoors and of course, get a workout in.
Tell me something about you that has surprised people.
I’m an awful joke teller. It is something I once had a boss (not at Baird) require me to do daily to “sharpen” my sales skills, and it didn’t help. To this day, I am awful at it.