Introduction: The world of finance and stock market trading has traditionally been dominated by men. However, there is a remarkable shift taking place as women are breaking barriers, shattering glass ceilings, and making significant contributions to the finance world. In this inspiring blog post, we celebrate the achievements of influential women who are leaving an indelible mark on the stock market. These trailblazers are not only making a difference in their respective fields but also inspiring future generations of women to pursue careers in finance.
Abigail Johnson - Fidelity Investments: Abigail Johnson serves as the CEO of Fidelity Investments, a leading global asset management firm. She has been instrumental in driving innovation and expanding Fidelity's product offerings. Johnson is renowned for her strategic vision, commitment to customer service, and advocacy for diversity and inclusion in the finance industry. Her leadership has propelled Fidelity Investments to new heights while inspiring women across the globe to aspire to leadership roles.
Fidelity Investments was founded in 1946, and the granddaughter of the founder, Abigail Johnson, is the chief executive officer and chairman today. The Johnson family has been at the helm of Fidelity Investments since it was founded in Boston, Massachusetts by Edward C. Johnson III. The family still owns a 49 percent stake in the company, which manages mutual funds, 401(k)s, IRAs, and much more for 41 million customers. Its combined total of $4.23 trillion in assets under management makes Fidelity the fourth-largest investment management company in the world, per The Balance.
At the centre of the company is one Boston family who got things started during the Great Depression. Edward C. Johnson II was a Harvard graduate who became involved in stock market research in 1924. His own fund, which he named the Fidelity Fund, was approved in 1930 as an investment trust. In 1946, he founded Fidelity Management and Research and served as its chairman. The founder’s son, Edward Johnson III, entered the family business in 1957 following a stint in the US Army. Better known as Ned, he took over as chairman and chief executive officer in 1977. The company started offering 401(k) retirement products in 1982 and enjoyed dominance on Wall Street during the Reagan era, particularly thanks to the success of its Magellan Fund. Ned’s children grew up immersed in the family industry and knew that they could one day take over. His eldest, Abigail, began working for Fidelity in 1988. She even tried to oust her own father as chief executive officer in 2001 with a secret meeting of stockholders. Although it was unsuccessful, the cunning move won the respect of her father. He retired as chief executive officer in 2014 and as chairman in 2016, giving both positions to his daughter.
Abigail’s roles at Fidelity have made her one of the world’s wealthiest women, with a net worth of around $21.6 billion, according to Forbes. Having stayed in her native Boston, she is the richest person in Massachusetts, where Fidelity still holds its headquarters. Abigail has opted to maintain a low profile despite being named the second most powerful woman in finance by American Banker. The billionaire often goes unrecognized in her home city and has even joked that she doesn’t eat out much because she “can’t get a table.” She takes commercial flights and volunteers at a homeless shelter in Boston. Meanwhile, Fidelity became the first major 401(k) provider to offer cryptocurrency as an investment option in 2022. The company remains under family control, with the Johnsons owning 49 percent of shares. The other 51 percent of shares are owned by current and former employees.
Mary Callahan Erdoes - J.P. Morgan Asset Management: Mary Callahan Erdoes is the CEO of J.P. Morgan Asset Management, overseeing over $3.4 trillion in assets. With her exceptional financial acumen and strong leadership skills, Erdoes has played a pivotal role in expanding the firm's global presence. She is a staunch advocate for gender equality and has been recognized for her efforts in empowering women in the finance industry. Erdoes' remarkable journey inspires women to embrace challenges and excel in the male-dominated world of asset management.
In 2022, Erdoes’ asset and wealth management divisions had long-term flows of $47 billion, with positive flows across stocks, bonds, alternatives, and wealth management solutions. “We believe that there is nothing passive about managing money, either how you manage your individual stocks and bonds or your overall portfolio,” says Erdoes, 55. “Managing your wealth is the exact same thing as managing your health. You wouldn’t expect a doctor to give the same prescription to every single client.”
Erdoes is also closely following events in Ukraine, as J.P. Morgan is the number one issuer for Ukraine sovereign debt. In September, she hosted the first lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, in New York City for an in-person client event. “She is an inspiration,” Erdoes says. “The poise, determination, grit, and resolve that she and her husband have shown the entire world have been nothing short of amazing.”
Cathie Wood - ARK Investment Management: Cathie Wood is the founder and CEO of ARK Investment Management, a renowned investment firm known for its disruptive and innovative investment strategies. Wood has gained significant recognition for her expertise in disruptive technologies and her bold predictions in the stock market. Her unwavering conviction and groundbreaking investment approach have garnered widespread attention, inspiring both men and women to think outside the box and embrace innovative investment opportunities.
Cathie Wood’s flagship fund was into Nvidia NVDA+0.90% before the chip-maker became the hottest thing on Wall Street. Unfortunately for the head of ARK Investment Management, it was also out of the stock before its recent surge.
Mellody Hobson - Ariel Investments: Mellody Hobson is the co-CEO and president of Ariel Investments, a prominent investment management firm. Hobson is a recognized leader in the finance industry, known for her advocacy for diversity and inclusion. She actively promotes financial literacy and education, aiming to empower individuals from all walks of life to achieve financial independence. Hobson's dedication to social responsibility and her influential voice have made a profound impact on the finance world.
MasterClass, the streaming platform where anyone can learn from the world's best across a wide range of subjects, today announced that distinguished business leader Mellody Hobson, co-CEO of Ariel Investments, will teach a class on strategic decision-making. In her class, Hobson shares her guiding principles for leadership and decision-making, leveraging her experience in the C-suite and as a board member for Fortune 500 companies, including Starbucks Corp., JPMorgan Chase, the Estée Lauder Companies, DreamWorks Animation SKG, and more.
Adena Friedman - Nasdaq: Adena Friedman serves as the president and CEO of Nasdaq, one of the world's largest stock exchanges. As a visionary leader, Friedman has driven Nasdaq's transformation and expansion into diverse financial services. She is a strong proponent of innovation and technology-driven solutions in the finance industry. Friedman's accomplishments exemplify the power of determination, resilience, and embracing change.
While serving as president and CEO, Friedman managed the company through the good and the bad, culminating in a 97% stock price return over the past five years. That trounces the S&P 500’s 53% gain over that period. Friedman took on her new post in January. She is looking to continue Nasdaq’s most recent strides as a company. “The board has strong conviction in the long-term strategy we have set out for the company,” says Friedman, making her fourth appearance on the Barron’s list. “And I look forward to continuing to work… executing against that vision.”
Next on the agenda is more growth for the company. That comes as the company has been setting out to provide technological improvements to the trading world. “Our focus for 2023 is to start realizing the power of our new divisional alignment and unlocking the growth opportunities that our new structure provides us,” Friedman says.
Conclusion: These inspiring women are making a remarkable difference in the stock market and the finance industry as a whole. Through their leadership, vision, and dedication, they are breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse financial landscape. Their stories serve as a beacon of inspiration, motivating aspiring women to pursue careers in finance, seize opportunities, and make their mark on the world. Let us celebrate these trailblazers and support the continued progress toward gender equality in the finance industry. Together, we can create a future where women thrive and lead in the stock market, shaping the world of finance for generations to come.