Celeste Feehan, Director, Market and Client Service Support, Tradeweb won Excellence in Trading Platforms at Markets Media Group’s 2022 Women in Finance (U.S.) Awards.
What was your reaction to winning the award?
When I found out I was nominated I was extremely excited. However, that was nothing compared to attending the awards dinner. Being surrounded by my Tradeweb colleagues as well as the other winners and hearing them speak was truly humbling. I was so proud to even be considered as a nominee, and being named a winner was an absolute honor and a moment in my career that I will never forget.
What have been the main drivers of your success?
I think it really comes down to a strong work ethic. At a young age I was taught to never take anything for granted. I think it’s a lesson that is so important to remember, especially in this day and age when we are so used to getting anything and everything instantaneously, you have to put in the time and effort. A successful career is not just going to be handed to you, it’s a grind and it takes hustle. But over time that grind becomes your foundation for which your career can be built upon.
What keeps you motivated?
I think this question ties in with the above. My main motivation each day is my younger self as well as my kids. There have been hard moments where it seems like it would be so much easier to just walk away from it all, however that option just never fully sat right with me…quitting and walking away from all the time and effort that I have put in over the years building my foundation. I think about how disappointed my younger self would be to find out that’s how it all ended up. That is what really keeps me going, and of course my children. I want them to grow up and be proud of their mom. For them to understand why I couldn’t be at every event and that that is ok. For them to grow up in an environment where they understand that the rewards you receive are the result of hard work and dedication.
Who have been the main influences in your career?
My dad for sure. I saw how hard he worked to make the life he did for our family. He instilled his strong work ethic in me and I never wanted to disappoint him.
What are your future goals?
I really would like to focus on helping grow the careers of the smart, driven men and women who make up my direct reports. I aim to dedicate more time and resources to help propel them forward and get them set in the direction that suits each of them best. To see my team succeed and perhaps manage their own team one day would be such a proud moment for me.
What’s your advice to the next generation of women in finance?
My advice would be to listen to your gut and that you can do it all. Don’t let someone tell you that you cant if your gut is telling you that you can. Continue to grind, have the hard conversations and push forward.
