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Does what you wear to work on Wall Street matter? How much? Why? What exactly are you supposed to wear, anyway?

Who makes those decisions? And how can you express your personal style in a way that elevates your career?

In this inspiring conversation with former finance PR specialist-turned-fashion-founder Kerry O'Brien, the CEO of Commando, we learn how to navigate all of these questions in a fun, freeing way.

Kerry gives us insight into her innovative, technology-forward approach to fashion, her personal philosophy about taking risk, and her solutions for some of the classic problems we run into when it comes to fashion in finance.



Kerry O’Brien is the visionary founder, CEO, and designer behind Commando, a brand renowned for its unique blend of technical innovation and elevated design. After a successful career in financial public relations in New York City, Kerry set out to redefine the way women experience intimate apparel, transforming her passion for problem-solving into a game-changing endeavor.

With no formal background in design, Kerry launched Commando in 2005, introducing the industry’s first ever raw-cut, elastic-free, invisible undergarments. What began as a mission to deliver exceptional comfort and confidence has evolved into a brand synonymous with innovation, with Kerry holding two patents for her groundbreaking work in hosiery and slips. In 2012, Kerry was inducted into the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), solidifying her status as a pioneer in the industry. Today, Commando’s designs are seen on red carpets, runways, and magazine covers worldwide, making it a trusted favorite among stylists and celebrities alike.

Under Kerry’s leadership, Commando has grown from its pioneering signature raw-cut intimates to a full ready-to-wear collection that continues to push boundaries in technical fabrics and modern aesthetics. Kerry has applied commando’s raw-cut and comfort-obsessed philosophy to many corners of your closet by designing long lasting, timeless wardrobe essentials that you can wear on repeat season after season. This commitment to excellence and ingenuity earned her a Femmy in 2024 for Brand Evolution, the intimate industry’s highest award.

A sixth-generation Vermonter, Kerry lives in Burlington with her husband and three children. Her products are available in over 500 premium retailers, including Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus, Net-a-Porter, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and at https://www.wearcommando.com.

Links to shop items discussed on the podcast:
https://www.wearcommando.com/collections/ceo-collection-chic-easy-outfits

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Our content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

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Nearly every thought leader we’ve spoken to in the finance industry has struggled with imposter syndrome at some point in their career.

Not Michele Trogni. We had the fabulous opportunity to sit down with Michele at the CAIS Summit, where she explains how she learned early not to be encumbered by the expectations of others, to be emboldened by preparing for the unexpected, and to only pursue that which genuinely interested her.

Michele started her career leading technology in the banking world, and is now CEO of Zinnia, an insurance solutions innovator. Insurance represents both an asset class AND an investor in the world of finance, and it's imperative to understand the full scope of the roles it plays. Michele gives us a 101-level crash course on insurance and annuities, explains how permanent capital functions, and shares frank insight into how she has risen to the upper echelons of the finance industry while simultaneously having a large family.

Michele Trogni is the CEO of Zinnia. She has a 30-year track record of technology-led transformation in banking and financial services. Prior to joining Zinnia, Michele was Group CIO at UBS, and subsequently EVP of Consolidated Markets at IHS Markit. With a laser focus on leveraging technology and data to bring transparency, reduce friction and improve client experience, she is now leading the execution of our Open Insurance vision in the life and annuities industry. Michele is a member of the Deutsche Bank Supervisory board and serves as chair to their Tech, Data and Innovation Committee of the board. As an agent of change, Michele is in her element when she’s creating a win-win for those around her, whether that’s for her team, her clients, or her large family that motivate her each and every day. She has a passion for people, data & technology, and succeeds by fusing it all together with teams of talented people who share her vision and values. She’s an advocate for transparency and good communication and believes true innovation is the result of inclusive teams with diverse backgrounds, skills, and perspectives.

To get access to the $25 Masterclass click HERE

Join the waitlist for our flagship course on IB and PE fundamentals!
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Our content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

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Steve Kurz vaulted from early days at a worm poop startup (yes, that's a real thing) to the fast track of traditional finance, only to find himself with a front row seat to the Global Financial Crisis. Steve took the lessons he learned in traditional finance at legendary institutions like Lehman Brothers, Fortress, and River Birch and forged a new path along with his co-founder, Mike Novogratz, to found Galaxy: the Goldman Sachs of crypto.

In today's episode, Steve explains to us his vision of the institutional future of crypto, the character of the crypto ecosystem emerging from the stress tests of the past few years (ahem, FTX), and explains the contemporary use cases for crypto that transcend the fragmented narrative of its early days. He also talks about building a family with an equally talented, successful, and driven partner.

Steve's bold --- yet thoughtful --- entrepreneurial mindset should be an inspiration to anyone doubting themselves as they navigate their own career path. We are honored to share Steve's insight & perspective.


Steve Kurz is the Global Head of Asset Management at Galaxy and a member of Galaxy’s founding team. In addition, Steve is a member of the firm’s management committee and serves as chair of the ESG Steering Committee. Before joining the firm, he Co-founded Outer Realm, an enterprise focused immersive software company (sold in 2022). Previously, he was a Principal and Head of Business Development at River Birch Capital, where he led global capital formation efforts. Prior to that, he was a Vice President at Fortress Investment Group, where he held strategy, product specialist, and capital formation roles in New York and Singapore. He started his career as a Capital Markets Analyst in the Fixed Income Division of Lehman Brothers. He holds a B.A. in Economics from Cornell University. He also serves as a Term Member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

Check out Galaxy on Instagram @galaxydigitalhq

To get access to the $25 Masterclass click HERE

Join the waitlist for our flagship course on IB and PE fundamentals!
https://the-wall-street-skinny.mykajabi.com/waitlist-opt-in-IBD

Our content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.