Employee Spotlight: Q&A with Margo Cogliano, Director, Business Development

Meet Marguerite “Margo” Cogliano, one of our Directors of Business Development. Although her title may be “Business Development,” Margo is a technology and software wizard, marketing ace, and an all-around extraordinary teammate. I had a chance to ask Margo more about what makes her tick.

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WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WORK AT VECTOR?

I previously worked at an established company, for a decade! As great as my previous role was, I was ready for change. It was time for me to leave my comfort zone, try something different, and push myself to learn and grow.

I am grateful to have a wonderful support system, my partner Mike was a great sounding board and encouraged me to believe in myself and to do what I felt was best for me. I remember telling him, I am open to change, let’s see what happens. That night I got a call from Molly, Vector COO, about an available position at Vector. The timing!

After one conversation with Molly and Matt, I knew that Vector was the change that I was looking for. Their passion and clear vision of what they wanted to build immediately excited me. It sounds corny but I had this full-body feeling that Vector was the path I needed to pursue.

I’m happy that I listened to my gut because it has been incredible, and we are just getting started!

HOW DO YOU FIND MOTIVATION?

Gratitude! The first thing I say every day when I wake up is, “thank you, thank you, thank you,” and then I think of 3 things that I am grateful for. I find that it’s my greatest source of motivation and helps me get into a great headspace for the day.

I am alive, have a place to live, food to eat, and the opportunity to work with amazing people in a kick-ass industry, I am extremely fortunate and grateful.

WHAT IS SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO LEARN ABOUT?

Believe it or not, I’m a doula in training! I have supported two incredible families usher their beautiful babies into the world and will be supporting my 3rd in September. I credit Serena Williams with my decision to pursue becoming a doula, her birth story was extremely eye-opening to me and made me want to do something to help expecting parents. If Serena Williams, one of the most influential and powerful women in the world, had a hard time being listened to while delivering, I couldn’t imagine what it must be like for other parents. I love being able to provide extra support for families during one of the most important times of their lives. Being trusted to support and advocate the wishes of expecting parents is an honor and a privilege that I do not take lightly.

HOW DO YOU ENJOY YOUR BREAKS DURING THE WORKDAY?

You can find me taking a walk at the park near my house or squatting on a slant board! I try to be as active as possible, I find that it helps me keep my energy up throughout the day.

WHAT SKILL DO YOU THINK EVERYONE SHOULD LEARN?

The power of pause! This has been a valuable tool for me. The power of pause is just taking a minute to stop and think before habitually responding to a difficult situation/conversation.

We are all human, doing the best we can with the tools we have. Sometimes in life people will say or do things that have nothing to do with us, and it’s important to remember that everyone we meet has their own story and we have no idea what is going on with them.

Pausing before reacting allows us to diffuse or escalate a situation and can help change the trajectory of the day for all parties involved.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT OUR COMPANY CULTURE?

What’s not to like? Vector’s culture is built on mutual trust and respect. We are all treated like adults and given the tools we need to succeed personally and professionally. As a woman, working for a company that supports and elevates women has been incredible. I feel like I have a voice and that my opinion matters to those around me. Matt and Molly have built a culture that not only values feedback but demands it.

WHERE DO YOU SEE VECTOR PROVIDING THE MOST VALUE TO ITS CLIENTS?

One of our super strengths is the energy and mindset we are bringing to the Fund Administration space. Our goal is to elevate those around us and provide clients with a unique hands-on experience that allows them to focus on what matters most to them. The software stack that we designed and use internally was created to make the day-to-day life of our teammates easier. Our thesis is that in doing so, we will have more time to engage with and support our clients. Everyone on the team is happy to pick up the phone and talk through any question that a client may have. I think that is powerful, we truly embrace the person-first model and want to work as an extension of our client’s team.

ABOUT VECTOR

Vector AIS is a next-generation fund administrator and technology company for closed-end investment funds.

At Vector, we strive to create an inspiring, inclusive, equitable workplace that celebrates and values employees. As we continue to scale, we do so with a responsibility to foster a culture of inclusivity and balance that allows teammates to thrive at work and in their personal lives.

Join the team, become a client, or follow us as we execute our mission.

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