“What drives me is the opportunity to be a part of our mission – to reduce risk, increase efficiency and to truly revolutionize post-trade processes across the financial services industry through technology.”
Rholda Taylor, Team Lead, Global Operations and Client Services (GOCS) Securities Processing, is someone who leaves a lasting first impression. With her infectious laugh and bubbly character, Rholda manages the 12-member team responsible for receiving securities certificates that are to be electronically shared and sent for safekeeping in the DTCC vault. She has been with the company for 19 years, navigating through advances in technology and an evolving industry for almost two decades.
In our conversation with Rholda, she shared how DTCC’s inclusive environment has helped her personal and professional development.
Q: How has being in an ‘inclusive environment’ empowered you to bring your full and best self to work?
Rholda: At DTCC, employees are celebrated for their diverse perspectives and backgrounds. As part of this, employees are encouraged to join a Business Professional Network (ERG) to help them further develop their skills such as networking, leadership and strategic planning. DTCC offers several ERGs including Asian; Black/African-American; Hispanic/Latino; women; lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender; early- and mid-career; and Veterans. I’m a member of several of these ERGs, and through these groups, I’m able to build my network and gain new skills that has helped me in both my professional and personal growth.
ERGs celebrate similarities, and our inclusive environment encourages each of us be confident in who we are and to strive to become the best versions of ourselves, while nurturing and growing relationships within our own teams and with our colleagues. At DTCC, I am ‘Rholda’ – not my gender nor my ethnicity. I am not labeled or judged, but evaluated on what I bring to the table.
Q: How can having an inclusive environment benefit the organization and the industry?
Rholda: When Superstorm Sandy hit the New York City area in 2012, it challenged our organization and provided the opportunity for all of us to work together and rise to the occasion. At the time, we were based in our building in New York City and as the storm hit, it quickly became evident that we would need to operate out of another location for the foreseeable future. Before we left, everyone gathered together to say a prayer, regardless of faith and ethnicity. Next, we turned our attention to our work – ready to meet the needs of clients who were also impacted by the storm. We remained fully operational throughout the entirety of the storm -- a testament to our close-knit team, thorough pre-planning and outstanding execution. At the end of the day, regardless of the impact at work and at home, we all knew what had to be done and we executed on behalf of our company and our clients. Having an inclusive environment empowered everyone to step up and focus on our team goal, even at such an unfortunate time.
Q: How is ‘being unique’ an advantage in DTCC?
Rholda: I truly see DTCC as my second home, where I am embraced for my uniqueness. I am an outspoken African American lady with locks in my hair. I speak with my hands and my neck. And I bring my full self to work. DTCC values me not only for my skills and contributions but also for my uniqueness and my perspectives.
In my 19 years with DTCC, I can say that there are no barriers to success. If you contribute, work hard, collaborate with others, and have the support of your managers and the ERGs – everyone is empowered to bring their full and best self to work and achieve their professional goals. If not for DTCC, I would not be where I am today.
Q: Why is DTCC your ideal workplace?
Rholda: DTCC is my ideal workplace because of the openness of the management team, the inclusive environment and our adaptability and attitude towards change. As the market changes, so do we. We also prioritize building relationships both internally and externally, and leveraging these relationships to collaborate and exceed client expectations.
We are a family and we celebrate similarities and embrace uniqueness – encouraging all to fulfill their personal and professional potential.
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