Introduction
Karlene Quigley is the Northeast Divisional Director for Morgan Stanley Investment Management's Intermediary Sales team. She joined Morgan Stanley in 2008 and has seven years of industry experience. Prior to this role, Karlene was a member of the Latin America/US Offshore Sales team and also worked as a client service representative with Morgan Stanley Investment Management. Karlene received a BS in business administration from Rider University.
Describe your current role at the firm and your responsibilities.
I manage my own territory, and am part of a team with three others, so we share a common goal and help each other. It’s a sales position, so I travel a lot to meet with registered investment advisors, but the work is not primarily about making a sale. Because we have so many products to offer, we take a solutions-based approach, which means we consult with each advisor as if he or she was our partner.
I thrive in this type of role, where no two days ever seem the same.
How do you work with others on your team to put clients first?
Before we visit any of our prospects or clients, we think strategically about how we are going to approach the challenge they face with their own clients—individual investors. There are constant meetings where we have open discussions that create a lot of perspectives and help ideas to flow.
I listen to my clients in order to understand their challenges first; I make sure I can see the big picture from their point of view. We have so many capabilities that we can create a solution that will fit almost any need.
How have you progressed and evolved through your time at Morgan Stanley?
I began my career at Morgan Stanley processing trades in the operations department. I valued the firm’s reputation and the job description afforded me the client-related experience I wanted to attain. After six months, I moved into a client services, position which prepared me for my next position with the Latin American sales team, which I joined a little more than a year later.
After a year with that team, an opportunity emerged on the North American sales team where a new position had been created targeting an underdeveloped territory. I excelled in my previous positions and wanted more responsibility. Management was happy to promote me.
How would you describe the firm’s culture?
When I came to Morgan Stanley, I found the culture of the firm refreshing and dynamic. People at every level are invited to have a voice in the conversation. In fact, it is expected of you to have an opinion, to communicate, and to be team-oriented. And it works. Everyone encourages and guides one another, and we all have access to the absolute best resources for our work.
We respect the skills and contributions of individuals and teams. It is a collaborative environment, and it was that kind of support that enabled me to change positions and move to a completely different business unit and succeed.
Do you actively participate in mentoring?
People here have a passion for what they do and are willing to share that passion to help others find success. Many individuals have helped me along the way, knowing how much I wanted to succeed, and they were pleased to play a role in helping me with my career.
Nearly every day, I try to do the same, to share my knowledge and advice with whomever asks for it. I find it rewarding to watch others grow and be successful.
Do you participate in any of the employee networking groups and how has this experience affected you?
I find new ways to grow and share through my involvement in the Morgan Stanley Women’s Networking group. A diverse group of women across the business groups and at all levels spend time sharing their experiences and challenges. It is motivating to see how everyone takes her own path.
