Celebrating LDC’s partnership with Level 20

Klara Klarowicz, Investment Manager at LDC, has been a member of Level 20 for three years, and co-chairs the Emerging Talent Committee. LDC employees were joined by Level 20 to discuss female career progression in private equity and Klara shares her thoughts on the key takeaways from that session. 

I’m passionate about increasing female and minority representation in private equity, so I was delighted to introduce our inaugural Level 20 session on Tuesday.  More than 35 of our female colleagues got together to celebrate LDC’s partnership with the organisation.  We were joined for a breakfast panel discussion by Level 20 Chair Cheryl Potter and CEO Pam Jackson.

The conversation was inspiring and honest, and my key takeaways from the morning were:

1. Stay curious.  Our industry is full of smart people and to thrive we need to not only keep asking questions, but more than anything keep listening and stay humble. This is a theme I frequently see with Emerging Talent I meet through Level 20.
2. Be analytically rigorous.  Put in the work and build confidence to make decisions based on well thought through risks and opportunities. In my role I directly advise management teams, so being analytical about their business and confident in my recommendations is key.
3. Find a balance. The industry is fast-paced and exciting. As such, there will always be ups and downs with pressure around important deadlines or decisions.  Carve out time to create ways to decompress, whether that’s exercising, time with friends or something else. I personally love travelling and I am always busy planning my next getaway.   Private equity is a long-term game, so remember it’s a marathon not a sprint!
4. Be approachable and supportive. Numbers are key but its people who make things happen. Private equity is a team sport. It’s important to build support networks of people around you who have your back and can help you to try new experiences and learn different styles. You also have to learn how to build trust and confidence.  And similarly, be approachable and supportive to those around you, and always be kind.

Overall, good things come to those who come and get them – put yourself forward and remind people about what you want!

LDC and Level 20 are both committed to addressing diversity and I’m enjoying being part of the momentum behind the changes we’re seeing to make private equity a better place to work.