Women at Baird Fixed Income Capital Markets: Lisa Voisin

Most of my day is spent meeting with school district business managers and superintendents to discuss their financing needs, be it how to balance their budget, how to fund a new elementary school facility project or how to craft a successful referendum. We’ll often discuss tax impacts, borrowing interest rates, bond ratings and much more. I also present to school boards and community groups about school finances and teach higher education courses.

Absolutely! Right out of college, I knew I wanted to become a public finance banker someday. I worked hard and reached my dream job at Baird.

One of my biggest challenges has been learning to work with different types of people. Everyone is so different – everyone has strengths and weaknesses, everyone communicates differently. One strategy I’ve learned is how to adapt my communication style to the personality of the person I’d be talking with. It takes practice, but it really helps me establish a rapport and level of trust.

I’m lucky enough to have had a few people in my life who bring out the best in me. My sister-in-law – and best friend – shows me all the time what it means to be a great parent and true friend. My mom taught me patience, compassion and how to give to those in need, and my dad taught me that what goes around comes around – that if you focus on your own job and work hard, you will be successful. That’s where I get my work ethic from.

My family has always been my priority, which is why I’m so appreciative of a company that understands and supports me. Work/life balance is the result of working on a team that picks each other up. My colleagues care for each other and understand work/life balance, and we all support each other on a daily basis. I don’t know what I’d do without them!

Take ownership of what you do. Ask questions, write everything down and understand your business. Hard work really does pay off!