Determine The Truth, Defy The Odds

The truth can actually save lives! A little over a year ago, a doctor told me my brother Geoffrey’s brain was deteriorating and there were no treatment options. A second doctor said the same thing. Just before Thanksgiving, my brother was walking near a Con Ed construction site when he fell. He got back up, and fell again. This happened 4 more times before the workers called for an ambulance. The ambulance team thought my brother was drunk, which really upset him. As an adult on the Autism Spectrum, my brother is extremely sensitive of society’s labels for him and their general lack of understanding of his brilliance and ability to forge solutions, before most have even figured out there’s a problem. Long before these balance problems began, my brother’s ability to speak had declined dramatically. I’m sure it was a confusing picture for all these folks who thankfully came to my brother’s aid. When Geoff came over for Thanksgiving, he could barely stand up, let alone walk. It was shocking to see such a huge progression in a very short period of time. As a consummate cheerleader, I did my very best to make this holiday great. I’m pleased to say my pork roast came out exquisite, much better than last year, and I made all of my brother’s favorite side dishes. Both passionate lovers of music, I played an eclectic list of our favorite songs on You Tube. Thanksgiving rocked!

As a veteran analyst supporting business heads to drive p&l growth, you have to start with the truth. You have to challenge the validity and relevance of all the data and information you receive. You need a solid foundation supported by key metrics that tell a believable story. That truth, combined with experienced judgment and passionate innovation, then puts you in a position to defy the odds. I’m not sure if the drive I have in my career helps me to achieve success as an advocate to my brother, or the other way around. I do know that I have tremendous energy and drive and that I never give up in pursuit of the truth and greater understanding!

I have been seeking greater understanding and solutions for my brother for many years. I knocked it out of the park in 2010, when I got my brother placed with a wonderful organization called Special Citizens Futures Unlimited. Serving adults and children with Autism since 1976, SCFU was started by a sister of a brother, and their mom, long before most people even knew about Autism. They have a client centric focus that is unparalleled, and they are the only organization we have ever dealt with, that demonstrates true commitment to my brother. http://www.specialcitizens.org

I learned about my brother’s rights and available Autism resources in the NY metro area through a terrific organization that offers advocacy to family members, called Asperger Syndrome & High Functioning Autism Association. AHA was founded by a brilliant and compassionate social worker mom whose son was diagnosed later in life, in college. That’s something we see frequently for older “Aspies”. My brother was actually diagnosed at age 44. While it was clear from birth that he was different, doctors used terms like “organic brain syndrome” when we were growing up. AHA offers monthly support group meetings for family members and sponsors an annual conference at Adelphi University. A few years ago, I was honored to meet one of the featured speakers, Temple Grandin. You might recall the HBO film about Temple. Actress Clare Danes won the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Mini Series or Movie for her portrayal of this incredible woman. As a young child diagnosed with Autism, doctors told her mother that she should be institutionalized. Mom never gave up and Temple went on to make game changing innovation by creating a more humane process for the slaughter of cattle, also improving the bottom line p&l. She has now designed the facilities in which half the cattle are handled in the United States, consulting for firms such as Burger King, McDonald’s, Swift, and others.

http://templegrandin.com 

http://ahany.org

As to my brother’s current challenge, I started to see problems about 9 years ago. He would be in the middle of speaking a sentence, and then suddenly unable to finish the thought. Then a bad fall landed him in a local hospital. He was eventually admitted to a regional medical center with suspicion of meningitis. The spinal tap came back negative and doctors were never able to diagnose the problem. He did bounce back after that, with his speech improving. Then in 2012, he declined again. The speech difficulties returned; there were distinct personality changes; and he had difficulty remembering new people he met. He also started walking slowly, although at the time I did not make the connection. A neurologist diagnosed him with Alzheimer’s. I didn’t believe it, but many people advised me against getting further opinion, as my brother’s situation was complex. Eventually, I did seek a second opinion with a leading Alzheimer’s expert, who confirmed my suspicion and refuted that diagnosis. Beyond that though, she did not offer a concrete diagnosis. She discouraged further evaluation and said there were no treatment options. Determined to make the path forward as positive as I could, I took my brother to his former long time neurologist where we grew up in Long Island, a brilliant & compassionate “New York Top Doctor”, who my brother and I adore. He was so excited! I went in with very realistic expectations and Dr. Barbara Allis surprised us all and sent our hearts soaring with her take of the situation! As a physician with laser focus on the side effects of neurological drugs, she diagnosed Parkinson’s Syndrome due to long term use of Geodon, a very powerful psychotropic medication. She immediately ordered a reduction in dose and follow up 1 month later. While it’s unclear how much of this damage is reversible, she feels strongly we can improve the current situation! It’s very difficult to manage the behaviors that accompany Autism spectrum disorders. Often, Aspies take a cocktail of meds and I am now learning, there is little long term empirical evidence as to what these drugs do to the brain. I was surprised to find this National Institute of Health publication. “..Research by Christian, Snycerski, Singh, and Poling (1999) indicates that practitioners know relatively little about these drugs and would like to know more, and our experience in a variety of applied settings confirms that this is the case…”   Further, you can see the pharmaceutical industry plays a major role in our healthcare system. Autism experts recommend cognitive behavior therapy in combination with pharmaceuticals, but of course it always comes down to budget funding and whether providers take insurance. I suspect, as the incidence of Autism is growing, and there is increasing understanding, dialog, and scrutiny, we will begin to see some change in these practices. I know I will be involved in that discussion.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3004683/ 

http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/27/health/cdc-autism/index.html

As to my brilliant, lovely, and amazing brother, we are now reforecasting his Thirty Year Plan. Land a job; keep building model airplanes; get a ride on a Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey; and of course return to Disney World in 2017 with his energetic, rock & roll sister.

Determine the Truth! Defy The Odds!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGbf9txZWMA

 

 

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February 1, 2016 By Cynthia Drew In Articles /   4 Comments

Soaring Skylines and Soaring Returns

I love living in Manhattan and can’t believe it’s been 14 years since I left Long Island for the Upper East Side! I had a terrific independent broker, of french canadian descent, a real “go getter” like me.  I looked at many apartments and knew I found the one, the minute I walked in the door.  On a high floor with open sky views, all the rooms were drenched with sunlight.  It had this great eat-in kitchen with a huge window, and lovely crown moldings throughout.  It was a doorman elevator building, on a quiet tree lined street just off Park Avenue, 2 blocks from an express subway stop.  It was a very unique and incredible opportunity for a gal like me! The owner lived in Philadelphia and had sublet the apartment many years prior, before the building went Coop in the 80’s. Today, upper east side Coop Boards generally don’t permit sublets for longer than 2 years. The apartment was empty, as the elderly woman who had been living there, had passed; and it had the original kitchen from 1925. On the market for quite a while, I’m certain it was waiting for a person like me. You have to exploit great opportunities when they present! I hired a contractor to rebuild the kitchen, and I made 119 East 84th Street my new home! As a driven analyst working long hours, I cherished the thought of a 15 minute commute and viewed this as an incredible opportunity and great financial investment!

The city has changed considerably in 14 years. I am a huge fan of the NYPD and grateful to live in the safest big city in America. I feel very safe with an elite NYPD counterterrorism department who is actively involved with the FBI-led Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF).  

http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2013/aug/26/michael-bloomberg/michael-bloomberg-says-new-york-safest-big-city-us/http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/defending-the-city-nypds-counterterrorism-operations

New York has leaped to the #2 position of venture capital technology investment, with $3.7 billion of investment in the first half of 2015. As of 2013, Google’s second largest office is now located here, along with Microsoft, Facebook, Twitter, and Apple. New York City’s Economic Development Corporation has launched an early stage Life Science’s funding initiative with multiple venture partners, committing to a minimum of $100 million to fund startups in the life sciences and biotechnology. Roosevelt Island will be home to a $2 billion graduate school of Applied Science, with the ultimate goal to transform New York City into the world’s premier technology capital. As an avid technology user, working in the trading technology space for the past 10 years, I’m thrilled about this New York City transformation!  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silicon_Alley

As my long term goal is to live in Manhattan in retirement, I am especially grateful to live in a city that is home to three of the best hospitals in the country, New York-Presbyterian, NYU, and Mount Sinai Hospital. Let’s not forget Memorial Sloan Kettering, ranked #2 in the US for Cancer Care, and Hospital for Special Surgery, ranked #1 in Orthopedics. I applaud the recent change in speed limit from 30 to 25MPH, even though I must say it’s very difficult to adhere to that! The slower speed would add just 5 minutes to a drive the length of Manhattan, but could mean the difference between life and death if you’re a pedestrian hit by a car.  I love the hustle & bustle of the city, but I also love the idea of trying to be a little safer, to ask people to slow down a little. That exudes integrity and thoughtfulness!  http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/rankingshttp://time.com/3568281/nyc-speed-limit/

A lot has changed in my neighborhood. At the intersection of 86th Street and Lexington, in the heart of the former “Germantown”, the pace of gentrification has picked up. In 2006, low rise tenement buildings constructed in the 1920’s were torn down, and the upper east side’s first LEED-certified green building was built, the Lucida, a 21 story luxury high rise condominium aplomb with amenities. http://www.corcoran.com/nyc/NewDevelopments/Display/320 .

Across the street from the Lucida, demolition is scheduled to begin this month, to make way for a 20 story luxury condominium designed by HOK. Units will average over 2,800 square feet apiece, which is very large for New York City, but relatively normal for new condominium buildings on the Upper East Side.  http://newyorkyimby.com/2015/06/revealed-1289-lexington-avenue-21-story-upper-east-side-condo-tower-designed-by-hok.html

Around the corner on East 88th Street between Lexington and Third Avenue, Tribeca based developer DDG has just started construction on a building set to become the tallest tower above 72nd Street. The 32 story structure will stand 521 feet tall, towering over most of its neighbors, with an average apartment size of 2,693 square feet.  http://newyorkyimby.com/2015/07/ddg-breaks-ground-on-180-east-88th-street-the-upper-east-sides-future-tallest-tower.html

Gentrification has also resulted in many small businesses leaving, replaced by higher end food chains, drug stores, banks, and supermarkets galore! Of course many were excited when Fairway and Whole Foods finally arrived on the upper east side. In my little corner of the neighborhood, we still have a nice little haven of small business with Yorkville Copy Service, whose founder Billy has been the “Mayor” of our neighborhood for 40 years. Right around the corner we have the best Italian take out place in Manhattan, our beloved Mimi’s, whose phone number I have on speed dial.

Of course all great cities have their challenges as well. As we continue to build up and out to the surrounding city boroughs, our current level of infrastructure is clearly not sufficient to support this continued growth. In October 2015, breaking the previous record set a year earlier, the MTA’s New York City subway system saw 6.2 million straphangers in just one day. Upper east side residents will get some relief once the second avenue subway project is completed, but that’s one tiny piece of the problem. http://ny.curbed.com/archives/2015/12/11/nyc_subway_broke_its_singleday_ridership_record_in_october.php

Let’s not forget the looming issue of the Hudson river rail tunnel, which continues to be a huge problem for travel along the northeast rail corridor. This greatly impacts New Jersey Transit, who carried 65.7 million commuters in the first 9 months of 2015.  This ranks second nationally, just behind the Long Island Rail Road at 73.9 million. LaGuardia Airport, severely outdated is also due for a major upgrade, scheduled to begin in 2016. This upper east side resident is certainly ready for this project to begin. Let’s get that party started! http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2015/12/07/gateway-project-hudson-river-tunnel-funding/ http://www.weny.com/regional-news/regional-news/laguardia-upgrade-072815

The final point I feel compelled to speak about, is the level of labor and talent necessary to support this great city, that we continue to build to new heights, from which we demand so much! Living and working here requires a certain level of motivation, intellect, and stamina. It’s not easy and it’s not for everyone. If we truly want to be the greatest city on the planet, if we want soaring skylines and soaring returns, we need to be creative, determined, and thoughtful about finding and motivating talent for all the roles we need, not just those at the top. If the final service rollout wobbles because the guy at the bottom of the pole doesn’t deliver, then what’s the point of bringing in the top tier team? Is that the return you’re looking for? Remember, “.. It’s Just A Shot Away…” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o42zmYN2_-k

Photo Credits: New Year’s Eve 2016 at the Iridium Jazz Club, Times Square NYC, Grammy Award Winner, multiple Grammy nominee, and platinum selling recording artist Macy Gray.

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January 5, 2016 By Cynthia Drew In Articles /   1 Comment

Living the Rock & Roll American Dream

How are you living the American Dream? For me it’s numbers, gymnastics, and rock & roll. Born energetic and inquisitive, with an insatiable appetite for knowledge, I’ve been an avid reader my whole life. I analyze and question everything! I was lucky, raised by highly educated parents with financial means. I did well in school and basically got everything I asked for. Reality set in by the time I was 24 though, with both of my parents gone. It was me and my autistic brother ready to take on the world! Our parents taught us to work hard, show respect, and try to make the world a better place. I’m certain we’ve made them proud! And I’ll bet they’d get a big kick out of my bucket list photo with Steven and Joe.

In general, most Americans agree that everyone should have a chance to improve themselves and do better in life. Hard work, higher education, civic participation, and a level playing field matter greatly. Today though, America faces serious challenges on both widening economic and political inequality, and the interplay between these two problems.

It is widely recognized that increasing income & wealth inequality is a major problem and that addressing this issue is critical to promote strong and sustained growth. The Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) reports that rising inequality cost the U.S. economy almost 7% between 1990 and 2010. In 2013, income of the top 10% was 19 times higher than the bottom 10%. That ratio was 12.5 in the mid 1990’s and 11 in the mid 1980’s. “Countries that promote equal opportunity for all from an early age are those that will grow and prosper.”  http://www.bbc.com/news/business-30390232

In recent years Lloyd Blankfein has spoken about the need for public policies that promote fairer distribution of wealth, while not overly crimping its creation. He rose from income disparity in an East New York housing project to become CEO of Goldman Sachs, and Wall Street’s newest billionaire at 60. “I know I’m a big fat cat, plutocrat kind of guy, but I will tell you I’ve been the beneficiary of some of these redistribution policies, living in public housing and getting need based scholarships to Harvard.” http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-07-17/blankfein-becomes-billionaire-riding-goldman-s-shares-to-riches?cmpid=linkedin.company

The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) warns that wage stagnation is the country’s greatest economic challenge. Wages for most American workers have stagnated or declined since 1979, and expanding over the last 12 years to college educated workers. In the same period of time, economy wide productivity has risen by 64%. This means that the potential for adequate widespread wage growth has existed for 3+ decades, but has not happened for most. The U.S. middle class had $17,867 less income in 2007 because of the growth of inequality since 1979.

http://www.epi.org/pay-agenda/ http://www.epi.org/publication/charting-wage-stagnation/

In a September 2014 Economist article, central bankers tell how they used to worry about a return to the price wage spiral days of the 1970’s. Since the 2008 financial crisis though, the worry is now on stagnant wages and the growing risk of deflation. They feel a healthy and sustained recovery in the rich world will remain elusive until the pay squeeze ends. http://www.economist.com/news/finance-and-economics/21615589-throughout-rich-world-wages-are-stuck-big-freeze

This leads to the discussion of how rising political inequality factors into the equation. A study at Northwestern University found that policy preferences of the affluent (top 1% of US wealth holders) vary widely from those of the general public, who are more open to policies reducing inequality. The wealthy are extremely politically active and have far greater influence than the general public. As to policy preferences, 40% of the affluent favor minimum wage reform, compared to 78% of the general public. A notable area of difference is deficit reduction. 87% of the affluent name budget deficits as the top problem facing our country. The general public is concerned about budget deficits as well, but to a lesser degree. 2012 CNN exit polls showed 59% considered the economy the most important issue, compared to 15% who named the deficit. http://www.russellsage.org/research/reports/wealthy-americans-political-preferences

A key policy area deemed critical to upward social mobility is higher education. While affluent Americans and business leaders broadly favor access to higher education, they often do not prioritize education policies over other goals such as lower taxes. In New Jersey for example, Governor Christie, whom affluent voters supported by a 21% margin in 2009, has issued more than $1.57 billion in corporate tax breaks, while cutting school district funding in 2010 and 2011 by $1.3 billion. Education advocates successfully sued the state for failing to meet minimum education standards. A judge ruled the plan underfunded schools by $1.6 billion over two years. 59% of New Jersey registered voters opposed those steep education cuts. Similar cuts to education and expansion of tax credits favoring the wealthy and business have occurred in Florida and Pennsylvania, where Governors were elected with strong affluent voter support.

Voting is one of the most concrete ways that citizens influence public policy. 82% of Americans making over $150,000 voted in the 2008 Presidential election, compared to 65% making under $50,000, and just 50% for those making under $30,000.

Looking at 2012 Presidential campaign contributions, while just 0.07% of the US population gave $2,500 or more, this totaled $1.4 billion. The total for those giving $200-$2,500 was $486 million, and small donors giving less than $200 totaled $313 million.

http://www.demos.org/stacked-deck-how-dominance-politics-affluent-business-undermines-economic-mobility-america

I love numbers because they tell a story! My brain finds solutions through numbers. As an analyst in the highly competitive and rapidly evolving capital markets industry, you have to stay abreast of a lot of “number intelligence”. There are many specifics that would probably fill a complete blog post for each, and perhaps I’m already formulating ideas for the coming months. But if we turn our focus more broadly, economic activity across the US and global economy is where it begins. I am so grateful for the mentors in my life who afford me the opportunity to discover and learn a diverse, and often provocative, set of information and stats. As I pulled this post together, I gained new understanding I find compelling. Isn’t that what it’s all about?

As for living the American Dream, my brother Geoffrey will surely continue to build model airplanes and call me with excitement every time a Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey or a Black Hawk Sikorsky helicopter flies over Riverdale. I’m going to keep modeling and analyzing numbers, judging & cheering on gymnasts, and saving my money so I can buy more rock & roll VIP tickets …

Life is short, make the most out of it, live with joy, purpose, and abundance… Dream On America!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54BCLYNkFKg

 

 

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August 4, 2015 By Cynthia Drew In Articles /   1 Comment
2012 Olympic Champions

Long Term Capital Appreciation. Heart of A Champion Delivers!

The USA “Fierce Five” Gymnastics team won Olympic Gold in 2012 with a score of 183.596, +5.066 to Russia, +7.182 to Romania. The commanding first place finish was due in large part to the fact that all three USA gymnasts performed the “Amanar” Vault, compared to one competitor from Russian, and none from Romania. This vault, AKA the Yurchenko 2 1/2, has a difficulty value of 6.5, +0.7 to a Yurchenko double. The USA Women achieved remarkable success in London, winning 5 out of a possible 6 medals, 3 Gold, 1 Silver, and 1 Bronze.  The drive and determination of these 5 teenage athletes closed the deal.

Gabrielle Douglas left home in Virginia Beach and moved to Iowa with a host family to train with legendary coach Liang Chow; her parents were divorcing and dad was serving in Afghanistan. She realized her life long dream to become USA’s 4th Olympic All Around Champion!

Jordan Wieber, 2011 World Champion and long expected to be an All Around contender in London, but failed to qualify in a 2 person per country rule, certainly had some business to finish in the Team All Around. She delivered with an invincible 15.933 on Vault and 15.0 on Floor!

Alexandra Raisman, who trained many years in the shadow of America’s most decorated US Gymnast Alicia Sacramone, was ready to make her case! She did not disappoint, earning the most Olympic medals of the team, 2 Gold & 1 Bronze, and becoming USA’s First Olympic Floor Exercise Champion!

Kyla Ross, a first year senior in 2012, finishing 5th in the Olympic Trials and known for her artistic elegance and long clean lines, sealed the deal with her strength on bars 14.933 and beam 15.133!

McKayla Maroney, a formidable floor & balance beam competitor, widely recognized as the greatest vaulter in the history of the sport, arrived in London with a healing broken toe, only to break it further during training. Now with one job to do in the team competition, foot heavily taped, she thundered down the vault runway and soared into the air! She stuck the landing with exquisite perfection to earn a 16.233 in one of Gymnastics’ greatest Olympic moments! McKayla Maroney Vault

To deliver long term capital appreciation to investors, companies need extraordinary leadership, a long term growth strategy, employees determined to deliver that strategy, and the right balance of long term investment and short term profit allocation.  

In recent years, the debate has intensified on the short term approach.  Dominic Barton, Global Managing Director McKinsey & Company and Mark Wiseman, CEO Canada Pension Plan Investment Board make their case in a June 2015 op-ed “Focusing Capital on the Long Term”. CPPIB and McKinsey & Company launched the same named initiative in 2014 to develop practical metrics and approaches to promote a longer term focus in business. In 2013, a survey of 1,000+ C level execs & board members found 79% feel pressure to deliver financial results in a two year time frame while 73% said their strategic planning outlook should be a minimum of three years.  Read more here.

The authors believe this ongoing short-termism in the business world is a serious concern because it undermines the ability of companies to invest and grow. Missed investment opportunities result in slower economic growth, higher levels of unemployment and lower returns for savers. They’re not alone in their thinking. Laurence Fink, CEO of BlackRock, recently sent a letter to the CEO of every S&P 500 company urging corporate leaders to ‘play their part by persuasively communicating their company’s long-term strategy for growth’.

Bill Budinger, inventor, entrepreneur, founder & CEO Rodel, Inc. has penned some interesting perspective where he sees activist investors who “harvest internal wealth and in so doing, cripple or kill the golden goose.” He sees growing pressure on public companies to act short-term and distribute rather than reinvest. “Today far more capital flows out of public corporations than flows in. Corporate profits, once a source of growth, are instead being dispensed to shareholders. In the last 10 years, the companies in the S&P 500 have distributed 91% of their profits to shareholders. In effect, planting has been replaced by harvesting.” He believes we need to stop robbing our nation of its future prosperity and return to planting instead of just harvesting.  Are American Investors Killing Their Golden Geese?

I’ve been forecasting business results for global financial services firms for 20+ years. Of course, there is always focus on the upcoming quarter and current budget year. With a solid understanding of revenue & expense drivers combined with realistic operating assumptions, the short term modeling exercise is relatively simple. In the longer term, keen understanding of true product margins and industry outlook, combined with spirited innovation and operational discipline, are critical to success and managing investor expectations. At the top, you need a visionary leader with passion and integrity! A select few come to mind.

Warren Buffett, considered one of the World’s most influential people, has grown Berkshire Hathaway to $300B+ market capitalization and is leading a global philanthropic cause with Bill Gates, “The Giving Pledge”.

Allen Mulally, former CEO of Boeing and Ford Motor Co., was largely credited with Boeing’s resurgence in the mid 2000’s over Airbus, and Ford’s return to profitability, and the only US car manufacturer to avoid government bailout.

Jamie Dimon, 2011 CEO of the year, has led JP Morgan Chase to become the leading U.S. bank in domestic assets under management $2.5B+, market capitalization $250B+, and publicly traded stock value $67.

Mark Zuckerberg, 31 with a net worth of $36 Billion, also considered one of the World’s most influential, he started Facebook in his Harvard dorm and has grown the platform to more than 1 Billion users worldwide and $240B+ market capitalization. He has joined Buffett’s and Gate’s “The Giving Pledge”.

The Heart Of A Champion The only way you’re going down is in history.  Let’s go!

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July 5, 2015 By Cynthia Drew In Articles /  

ReInventing Yourself & Finding the “Paradise City”

A lot has changed in 27 years.

In 1988, American rock band Guns & Roses’ “Appetite for Destruction” soared to #1 on the Billboard 200.  It has sold in excess of 28 million copies worldwide, including 18 million in the US, making it the best-selling debut album in American music history.

In 1994, a 30 year old Duff McKagan, the original Guns bass player, chose life over death and began  a journey towards sobriety with the discipline of martial arts & mountain biking.  Today, in his 21st year of sobriety, he is married to super model Susan Holmes and is a very involved dad to Grace and Mae.  Motivated by his lack of understanding of the millions he earned in his 20’s, and as a former high school drop out, he enrolled in Seattle University’s Alber School of Business & Economics and started a wealth management firm Meridian Rock.  He has a growing audience as a writer, with his first book in 2011 “It’s So Easy and Other Lies” making the NY Times Best Seller List, and as a regular columnist on Seattle Weekly and ESPN.  In 2012, the original line up of Guns & Roses were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, their first year of eligibility.  Released on May 15, 2015, Duff McKagan’s new book “How To Be A Man (and other illusions)”, recants entertaining perspective on how to find a gym when traveling abroad, parenting daughters, and being a man in a house filled with females.  Of course always a rocker, and living his mantra “Never Quit Doing What You Love” he continues to perform with his band Loaded and the Kings of Chaos, and write new material.  His newest single “How to be a Man” was just released on itunes.

http://www.duffonline.com

In 1988, the DJIA closed at 2,168.57.  Today, the market opened at 18,033.33 and 12 of those 30 stocks remain, including Boeing and GE, once led by visionary innovators Alan Mullaly and Jack Welch.  Technology firms Apple, Cisco, Intel and Microsoft dominate with a combined market cap of about $1.4 trillion.  In 1988, I was a new business school grad, living a rock & roll life and ready to take on the world!  Born energetic and goal driven, with vivid imagination, I began my career as an analyst. I had a great boss who provided me with a strong foundation.  Passionate about numbers and all things finance and analytical, I knew I was on the right path.  In 1995, after receiving my MBA, I made the move from domestic retail banking to international private and commercial banking.

In 1988, the lion’s share of US equity trading took place on the NYSE, AMEX, and Nasdaq.  Spreads were wider, the NYSE floor was filled with market makers executing trades with a pad and pencil.  Today, spreads have thinned, the floor is empty and US equity trading is electronic and fragmented.  Electronic trading has transformed the industry and investment firms have turned to a new industry of trading technology providers to develop software roadmaps, algorithms, matching engines, datacenter colocation, network & client comms, FIX messaging, & market data to manage their P&L.

In 2006, ready for the next chapter in my life, I left the worldwide Leumi Group and began a new career in trading technology.  I started at NYFIX, which was acquired by NYSE in 2009, then recruited to Pico in 2013 as Head of Business Planning & Analysis.  As a trading technology business partner driving P&L growth, I have helped firms manage their development roadmap p&l.  I have reduced data center, market data, and telecom expense.  I have created a monthly pricing analytics book, highlighting key competitive trends.  I have created a market data entitlement and reporting framework.  I have engineered financial automation my entire career, developing innovative financial models, dashboards, and Board of Director presentations.

Today, this Upper East Side rock & roll fan, announces the launch of my new finance analytical consulting firm, EAST 84TH STREET ANALYTIC$ LLC.  Uniquely qualified with 9 years experience in the evolving landscape of trading technology, I am committed to help investment firms and technology providers grow their P&L and find their Paradise City.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rbm6GXllBiw&list=RDRbm6GXllBiw

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June 2, 2015 By Cynthia Drew In Articles /  1