Carli Purchase is an Investment Analyst at Lima Capital with a BA honors degree in Business Management and Finance from Middlesex University and is currently pursuing the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. In this interview, Carli will share her journey in the investment industry, her experiences as a woman in this field, and her insights on the industry’s trends and opportunities. We’ll also explore some of the challenges Carli has faced as an Investment Analyst and the skills and qualities essential for success in this role. Lastly, Carli will provide advice for women looking to pursue a career in this industry and discuss how technology and innovation can promote gender equality in finance.
- Can you tell us about your journey to becoming an Investment Analyst at Lima Capital? What motivated you to pursue this career, and how did you get your start in the industry?
My journey to becoming an Investment Analyst at Lima Capital began with my interest in financial markets and investing. After completing my degree, I realized that my passion lies in investment management. I am currently pursuing the CFA to further develop my knowledge and skills in the industry.
I joined Lima Capital as an Investment Analyst, drawn to the company’s values of integrity, teamwork, and excellence. At Lima, I have the opportunity to work with a diverse and talented team and apply my skills to analyze investment opportunities, monitor portfolios, and support our investment strategies. Overall, my passion for finance and investing, combined with my academic and professional experiences, led me to my current role as an Investment Analyst at Lima Capital.
- What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced in your career as an Investment Analyst, and how have you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges I have faced in my career as an Investment Analyst is balancing the demands of work and studying for CFA. It can be overwhelming at times, but I strive to stay organized and prioritize my workload to ensure that I can make progress on both fronts.
Staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies can be challenging at times, due to constant market changes & volatility, it’s important to be able to adapt quickly and make informed decisions based on the latest data and analysis.
I am fortunate to have the support of my family and friends, and work colleagues who have encouraged me to pursue my goals and have been a constant source of inspiration. Despite these challenges, I remain committed to growing and learning in this field, and I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences that I have had as an Investment Analyst.
- What are some of the key skills and qualities that you think are essential for success in your role, and how can individuals in your industry develop these skills regardless of their gender or background?”
In my experience, some of the key skills and qualities that are essential for success in my role as an Investment Analyst include strong analytical and problem-solving skills, the ability to communicate complex ideas effectively, attention to detail, and a passion for financial and investment management. Additionally, having a growth mindset and being willing to learn and adapt to changes in the industry is critical.
I believe that individuals in my industry can develop these skills regardless of their gender or background by seeking out opportunities to learn and grow, whether that’s through pursuing certifications like the CFA or attending industry events and networking with other professionals. It’s also important to seek out mentors and sponsors who can provide guidance and support along the way.
Ultimately, success in this field comes down to hard work, dedication, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
- In your opinion, what are some of the most exciting opportunities and trends in the investment industry today, particularly in relation to technology and innovation?
One of the most exciting opportunities and trends in the investment industry today is the use of blockchain technology. Blockchain has the potential to revolutionize the way investments are managed and tracked, providing greater transparency, security, and efficiency. It can also enable the creation of new investment products and markets, such as digital assets and decentralized finance.
At Lima Capital LLC, we recognize the potential of blockchain technology and specialize in technology-enabled investments, including blockchain and digital assets. Our partnership with best-of-breed service providers across a wide range of asset classes positions us to take advantage of these opportunities.
Another trend in the investment industry is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in investment decision-making. These technologies can help identify patterns and insights in large datasets that would be difficult for humans to uncover on their own, leading to better investment decisions.
Sustainable investing is another exciting trend in the investment industry, with a growing number of investors looking to align their investments with their values and support companies that prioritize environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors.
Finally, the rise of robo-advisors and digital investment platforms is making investing more accessible to a wider range of people. These platforms use algorithms and other technology to provide investment advice and manage portfolios, often at a lower cost than traditional investment advisors.
- What advice would you give to other women who are looking to pursue a career in this field, and how can they navigate the challenges of the industry while staying true to themselves and their values? And how do you think technology and innovation can be leveraged to promote gender equality in the industry?
To other women looking to pursue a career in the investment industry, I would say that it’s important to have confidence in yourself and your abilities. It can be a challenging and competitive field, but don’t let that discourage you. Seek out mentors and allies who can support and guide you, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or take risks.
It’s also important to stay true to yourself and your values. Don’t compromise your ethics or beliefs in pursuit of career success. You can be successful and still maintain your integrity.
In terms of navigating the challenges of the industry, I would advise women to be persistent and resilient. There may be obstacles and setbacks along the way, but don’t give up. Keep pushing forward and advocating for yourself and your ideas.
Another way technology and innovation can promote gender equality in the investment industry is through the use of mentorship and networking platforms. Women are often underrepresented in leadership positions in the investment industry, and may face barriers to networking and building relationships with industry leaders.
By leveraging technology, investment firms can create mentorship and networking platforms that provide opportunities for women to connect with industry leaders and build relationships that can help advance their careers. These platforms can also provide targeted training and development opportunities for women, such as leadership coaching or specialized skills training, that can help women overcome the barriers they face in advancing their careers.
Ultimately, promoting gender equality in the investment industry requires a commitment from everyone in the industry to be open-minded and inclusive, and to actively work towards creating a more diverse and equitable workplace.
