A new world full of opportunities: Q&A with Cbus' Patricia Lindenboim
Patricia Lindenboim grew up in Argentina during a time of political, social and economic turmoil, which piqued her interest in finance and her desire to help "create a strong, stable and prosperous economy." Since then she's gained an economics degree at Harvard, held roles with NAB & Macquarie Group and, as of last month, has joined the team at Cbus as head of strategy & investment innovation. She tells us a little about the new role, and reflects on the people and events that have shaped her life and career.
Patricia Lindenboim grew up in Argentina during a time of political, social and economic turmoil, which piqued her interest in finance and her desire to help "create a strong, stable and prosperous economy." Since then she's gained an economics degree at Harvard, held roles with NAB & Macquarie Group and, as of last month, has joined the team at Cbus as head of strategy & investment innovation. She tells us a little about the new role, and reflects on the people and events that have shaped her life and career.
Can you tell us what your role as Head of Strategy & Investment Innovation at Cbus entails?
I will be identifying and pursuing strategic initiatives, driving innovation and forming new strategic partnerships to improve retirement outcomes for Cbus members.
What attracted you to a career in financial services?
During my early childhood in Argentina, inflation reached over 3000% per annum. I vividly remember prices going up at the supermarket daily and my family stocking up on non-perishable items. The country's economic policy is as much of a national obsession as soccer. It seemed that everyone around me was having passionate debates about monetary and fiscal policy. This was coupled with political and social turmoil. A new president introduced a set of radical reforms, including pegging the Argentine peso to the US dollar to counter hyperinflation, privatisation of state owned enterprises, deregulation of the economy, etc. The country entered a period of economic growth and stability (but it didn't last). That experience left a big mark on me. While pursuing my university studies, I discovered that I wanted to be part of the financial system and help create a strong, stable and prosperous economy or otherwise help people navigate their way through the perils of the existing system.
You majored in Economics at Harvard University. What was the best lesson that you took from this experience?
My experience at Harvard was transformative and led to a variety of opportunities for me. I studied with some of the best economics professors in the world and with very bright students from all over the world - with varying socio-economic experiences, perspectives and values. There were many lessons, but most importantly, it provided me with an intellectual framework to ask critical questions, to challenge the status quo, and to pursue original and sometimes unconventional approaches to the resolution of problems (both in my professional and personal life).
What's the best piece of advice that you have received?
My parents instilled in me from a young age the virtue and power of perseverance.
Who has had the biggest influence on your life/career so far?
I have been fortunate to have great mentors throughout my career. However, looking back on the trajectory of my tertiary education and then career, I would have to say that my High School English teacher deserves special mention. She encouraged me to participate in an exchange program in the US to broaden my cultural and educational experience. During that summer in the US I discovered a new world full of opportunities, and when I came back to Argentina, I was excited and determined to one day go back to study in the US.
What was your very first job?
My first job was as a Business Analyst with McKinsey & Company. I worked with highly professional and dedicated teams to help clients around Latin America solve interesting strategic problems in financial services and other industries.
Where did you grow up and what was it like?
I grew up in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I had a very happy childhood surrounded by family and friends.
How do you maintain a work/life balance?
Having a young family requires me to keep my priorities in perspective. This requires making deliberate choices about which opportunities to pursue, rather than reacting to emergencies in order to engage meaningfully with work, family and the community.
