The IR Update Podcast

Today's podcast is the third episode of “NIRI's Voices of Diversity” series with Raj Mehan, VP of Finance, Treasurer of Steelcase, Inc., and a member of NIRI's Board.  Raj has an interesting journey, both personal and professional, that led him to the IR field.  Born in India, he was educated and worked in Canada, and a job transfer brought him to the United States. His transition from a civil engineer to treasury and to IR was remarkable. On diversity, Raj believes in looking at its human and business elements. To attract a more diverse IR professionals, he advises NIRI to start looking to early student education, in leveraging  its members' experience, and in adapting innovation.

Today we feature another interview from our podcast series, “Voices of Diversity,” which supports NIRI's goal to foster the greater inclusion of IR practitioners from racial and ethnic minorities. Today's guest is Deb Pawlowski, Chair, CEO, and Founder of Kei Advisors. Learn about Deb's unique journey in the IR profession, which started from her military career and transitioned into the corporate world.

Listen to NIRI's new podcast series, “Voices of Diversity,” wherein we feature conversations with IR professionals who come from diverse communities. Today's guest is David Dixon, also is President of NIRI's Capital Area Chapter. David talks about his introduction to the IR world that started from a banking career in Boston and his past experiences in overcoming racial barriers.  

Our featured guest today is Ruth Venning, Executive Director at Horizon Therapeutics, and Chair of NIRI's Board of Directors.  Hear about Ruth's interesting start in investor relations, which was inspired by a college course in IR.  Ruth anticipates more IR challenges in 2021, however, she believes that crises bring opportunities. Ruth discusses how NIRI met the challenge of transforming an in-person annual conference to a well-received virtual program.

In this Special Edition of IR Update Podcast, NIRI CEO Gary LaBranche shares his reflections on the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Featured in this podcast is Melissa Plaisance, Group Vice President, Treasury and Investor Relations at Albertsons Companies, and Immediate Past Chair of NIRI's Board of Directors.  Hear and learn from her 30 years in the profession, defined by her interesting ways to get there: determination, dedication, risk-taking, and being in the right place at the right time. Melissa credits NIRI with perfecting her skills and giving her knowledge to be a better IR professional.  She has a few nuggets of wisdom to share with those starting in the profession as well as those transitioning to investor relations – be flexible, say “yes” when presented with challenges and adversity, and have a positive attitude that everything will work out.

Today's podcast guest is Ian Richman, founder of IR Magazine, and a NIRI fellow.  Ian has some lessons to share with the IR community:  enjoy your job and when you do, it becomes rewarding, and build your network. What makes IR very compelling to Ian is the people he meets that have become friends and mentors, the networking opportunities available to him, and his involvement in the NIRI NY chapter.  These connections were pathways to helping others in IR.

Today's podcast featured a conversation with Hala Elsherbini, Senior Managing Director at Three Part Advisors, LLC and a NIRI fellow. Listen to her investor relations journey through the years that began with an unexpected introduction to the IR world.  Investor relations continues to change and evolve, so those starting in the profession will benefit from Hala's advice and tips to be a successful IR professional, such as continuous attention to communications, finance, and corporate development, as well as developing the necessary skillsets to make IR more rewarding for everyone.

Today's guest is Julie Dewey, a NIRI Fellow who recently joined Nevro Corp. as Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications.  Listen to her advice for those starting out in the IR profession as well as her insights on the skills and qualities necessary to succeed in the field and the biggest challenge in capital markets that she and other IR professionals are facing this year and beyond. This podcast was recorded while Julie was still with her former employer, Wright Medical Group N.V.

Listen to Jennifer Warren, CEO, Issuer Services, North America, Computershare, on the beginnings of her career, fundamental lessons learned, and why coding is so important for young professionals.

Listen to Nils Paellmann, PhD, NIRI Fellow and award-winning large-cap IRO, on his beginnings in investor relations, differences in working in IR for European and U.S. companies, and what made IR such a compelling career.