Kelly McPhilliamy, MBA

Cups of Confidence graphic
Managing Director in Consumer Investment Banking at Harris Williams
Aim high, be present, be a good person and have fun. Success will happen; it's just not always a straight line!

Degrees

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, UNC Charlotte - 1989
M.B.A., Kellogg School of Management - 1997

cup graphicFavorite cup

My morning beverage of choice is a Pike Place coffee from Starbucks (often delivered by my husband Jim before I go to work if I am not traveling).


Recommends

I recently read Shoe Dog by Nike's founder, Phil Knight. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in business. It is the story before the company's big success, from the multiple times Nike nearly went under, to the the "fake it till you make it" moments that enabled Nike to gain valuable distribution, to the challenges it created in Phil's personal life. The book gives you a true appreciation for his entrepreneurship, perseverance, and vision as well as the importance of a team to achieve success. 

Cup of Confidence

Kelly McPhilliamy photoFrom an early age, the value of a strong work ethic was instilled in me. I have had a job since I was 14 and worked my way through college and graduate school. Having spent the last 20 years in a very demanding (and male-dominated) field of investment banking, I still believe work ethic is paramount to success. However, it takes a combination of skills to be successful in today's professional environment beyond this. It is just as important to be a strong communicator, strategic thinker, team player and ethically responsible.  My advice to young professionals is to aim high, be present, be a good person and have fun. Success will happen; it's just not always a straight line!

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