POWER OF MENTORSHIP BNY MELLON
ROLE OF A LEADER
Q&A WITH BNY MELLON´S LIZ AGOSTO Interviewed by mentee Paola Vargas Paola Vargas: So, my first question is what core values and key morals have stayed with you throughout your career and have impacted your decision making? Liz Agosto: I always tend to bring this up because it is an important part of who I am. I'm from a pretty large family. I'm one of six girls. So, my family has always played a big role in my life as a source of inspiration and support. I’m a middle child, but for some reason, I've always been the one my sisters come to for help and advice, I know they are watching. It is so important to be mindful of that as you are setting an example for those coming behind you. It is imperative to set the tone, create the narrative, and make sure that you're doing things that are showing the ones coming behind you the right things to do. By that, I mean, as you grow and learn, you must be intentional - teaching, helping, learning, and showing the people that you're working with and those around you lessons in life and that it's okay to fail; it’s an important part of the growth process. PV: Can you share with us an instance or a situation that has influenced you to be the leader you are today? LA: My parents had a very humble beginning. Being a Latina woman of color, and my father being Puerto Rican, my father has always been a very proud man and always says, "Wherever you go, whatever you do, you have to make sure that you leave your mark. You have to make every interaction an experience. Every time people meet you or you go somewhere and give a presentation, it should be an experience. Make sure people know who you are and what you represent. It is essential that you leave everything better than you found it." It’s very simple, but I carry it with me everywhere. PV: What does it mean to you to be a Latina within a leadership role, specifically during this day and age? What is the key piece of advice that you can share with the young professionals looking to excel within their own careers? LA: As a Latina, it means everything to me because I have this incredible opportunity to leave a legacy. That’s one of the things I'm passionate about. With anybody I meet or socialize with through my organization, I want people to know how passionate I am about making a difference and the importance of giving back. I've been extremely fortunate to have incredible mentors and people in my life who've taught me great lessons. Some of the strongest people who I've learned from in some cases haven't been
Paola Vargas
Latinas. That's why it's even more important for me that whenever I go to an event, a speaking engagement or I'm on a panel, that I leave a mark. It fills me with so much pride to be a Latina, to be there representing and being a voice for those coming up behind me, especially in the area of technology; so prominently male-dominated. I feel strongly that, as leaders, it is our biggest responsibility to make sure that we are helping to push up and pull up those that are coming behind us, whether they are Latino or not. It's that personal responsibility. PV: What are the key learnings or key advice that someone gave to you that has stayed with you? LA: I'm going to say to stay curious. I remember my years at Lehman Brothers I worked for the Chief Risk Officer of the firm, and she would often say to me, "Look, it's hard being the only woman in the room, but it's impressive being the only woman in the room." You can't be afraid. You have to ask questions. Don't be afraid to challenge the status quo.
44 LATINO LEADERS MAY / JUNE 2019
Latinas.indd 44
9/27/19 11:59 AM