#22 - Michelle Seitz, CEO @ Russell Investments: Being “Authentically You” – Solving Bigger Problems, Asking Better Questions, and Leading with Great Teams in Finance

In this week’s episode of Investing In Integrity, our CEO, Ross Overline, interviewed Michelle Seitz, the Chairman & CEO of Russell Investments, a leading global investment firm that ended 2021 with over $340 billion in assets under management and $1.2 trillion under advisement for clients in 32 countries. Michelle digs into her 35+ year career arc, speaking candidly about the importance of bringing her authentic self to work, tracing back to 1987 when she was a first-time female portfolio manager with an undergraduate degree from Indiana University, among a sea of men with Ivy League MBAs. “Human connection can never be understated, and it is core to being a high-performing executive.” Michelle says, in discussing her tenure leading Russell Investments. She reflects on building and sustaining strong culture and how she self-selected her role based on her own values tracing to her upbringing. Michelle also offers timely insight on investors’ mindsets, contrasting her focus on fiduciary responsibility and long-termist discipline with bull-market speculation. For future finance leaders, Michelle charts a course for building “inclusive, sustainable, long-term” growth – and also explores challenges & opportunities for young women, in particular, in becoming leaders in finance. 00:00 - Intro 1:44 - Michelle’s Career and Story 26:55 - Developing client relationships, culture, and purpose 36:31 - Empowering more women to become leaders in finance 43:58 - Rapid Fire Questions