Rocking Finance: A podcast from Rock The Street, Wall Street

In this episode, Rock The Street, Wall Street CEO Ashley Leftwich speaks with Tafadzwa Chanakira, Assistant Portfolio Manager and Trader at Vanguard, about her path into finance and what a day in her life looks like on the equity index team.Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Tafadzwa was first inspired by her uncle, who founded a bank and hosted a financial literacy program on TV. After studying economics and moving to England, she built a career in asset management and today helps oversee portfolios across global markets.Tafadzwa shares career insights:Be curious and keep asking questionsStep into spaces that challenge youYou do not need to know everything to begin, just startAshley Leftwich closes with why stories like Tafadzwa’s matter to RTSWS students: finance becomes a visible and attainable career path.Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter for more career insights.Learn more about Rock The Street, Wall Street and our mission to bring the M in STEM to life: http://rockthestreetwallstreet.comDisclaimer: All financial and investment information contained in this podcast is merely for educational and informational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Should you decide to act upon any information in this podcast, you do so at your own risk.

Join Ashley Leftwich, CEO of Rock The Street, Wall Street (RTSWS), for an inspiring conversation with Kathryn Robinson, an accomplished investor who built a 15-year career spanning hedge funds and family offices.From her roots in a small mining town in South Africa to managing global investments in London, Kathryn shares a powerful journey of resilience, adaptability, and purpose. She offers a rare inside look at the fast-paced world of hedge funds, the legacy-driven focus of family offices, and the skills needed to succeed in today’s evolving finance industry. In this episode, you’ll learn:The real differences between hedge funds and family officesHow top investors evaluate companies beyond the numbersLessons from navigating a major investment fraudWhy coding and tech skills are essential for future finance careersStrategies to overcome imposter syndrome and build confidencePractical steps students can take to start investing and growing their networkGives students and young professionals an honest, inside perspective on what it takes to thrive in finance todayLearn more about Rock The Street, Wall Street and our mission to bring the M in STEM to life: http://rockthestreetwallstreet.comDisclaimer: All financial and investment information contained in this podcast is merely for educational and informational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Should you decide to act upon any information in this podcast, you do so at your own risk.

EP5: Main Street Research’s Alexandra Rooney: Join Ashley Leftwich, CEO of Rock The Street, Wall Street, in an inspiring conversation with Alexandra Rooney, CFP and Private Client Advisor at Main Street Research. Alexandra shares her journey from a first-generation American to becoming a successful financial professional, her day-to-day work in private client advising, and her passion for empowering the next generation of women in finance.In this podcast, Alexandra discusses:Her unconventional entry into the finance worldWhat a day in the life of a private client advisor looks likeThe importance of financial literacy and confidence for young womenHer experience volunteering with Rock The Street, Wall Street and working with studentsIf you're looking to learn about finance, mentorship, or how to break into the industry.Learn more about Rock The Street, Wall Street and our mission to bring the M in STEM to life: http://rockthestreetwallstreet.comDisclaimer: All financial and investment information contained in this podcast is merely for educational and informational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Should you decide to act upon any information in this podcast, you do so at your own risk.

What does it really take to build a meaningful career when you don’t have it all figured out?In this conversation, Cynthia Plouché, Founder & CEO of The Alzenia Project, joins Ashley Leftwich, CEO of Rock The Street, Wall Street, for an honest discussion about navigating career uncertainty, leadership, and purpose. Cynthia shares her journey from being one of fewer than 40 Black women in her Radcliffe class to leading multi-billion-dollar investment portfolios and serving on corporate boards.Together, Cynthia and Ashley explore what belonging really means, how mentorship often shows up in unexpected ways, and why taking on unglamorous opportunities and building relationships can matter just as much as technical skills.Designed with students and early-career professionals in mind, this interview offers practical insight into finding your voice, embracing uncertainty, and building a career rooted in purpose and impact.Key themes:* Belonging and identity* Mentorship that happens organically* Career growth through unexpected opportunities* Leadership without having a perfect planWhether you’re exploring your path or rethinking your next step, this conversation offers perspective, reassurance, and practical wisdom.

In this episode of Rocking Finance, Rock The Street, Wall Street CEO Ashley Leftwich speaks with Dr. Linda Pajoel author, investor, and financial educator about turning short-term actions into long-term financial success.Dr. Pajoel shares how her journey from dentistry to investing led her to publish Stock Market Mama, a book empowering women to build wealth and resilience.Together, they discuss:Quick wins that create lasting financial growthHow to start investing with confidenceLessons on balancing career, learning, and lifeLearn how small steps today can lead to meaningful change tomorrow.Learn more about Rock The Street, Wall Street and our mission to bring the M in STEM to life: rockthestreetwallstreet.comDisclaimer: All financial and investment information contained in this podcast is merely for educational and informational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Should you decide to act upon any information in this podcast, you do so at your own risk.

In this episode of Rocking Finance, Rock The Street, Wall Street CEO Ashley Leftwich speaks with Katherine Relle as she breaks down exactly how she navigated her path from Georgetown → Columbia → LSE → JPMorgan → Private Equity—and the relationship-building strategies that made all the difference.RTSWS's Emily Holm joins the conversation bringing her expertise on student learning and engagement and inviting university students to request Coffee Chats through the Rock The Street, Wall Street Career Center.Learn more about Rock The Street, Wall Street and our mission to bring the M in STEM to life: rockthestreetwallstreet.comDisclaimer: All financial and investment information contained in this podcast is merely for educational and informational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Should you decide to act upon any information in this podcast, you do so at your own risk.

In this episode of Rocking Finance, Rock The Street, Wall Street CEO Ashley Leftwich speaks with Jelena Sokolova, Senior Equity Analyst, Consumer Sector at Morningstar, based in London.Jelena shares insights into how she analyzes global market trends, mentors emerging analysts, and navigates complex investment landscapes with a long-term perspective. She also offers advice for students and young professionals looking to build meaningful careers in finance, from cultivating curiosity to developing emotional resilience.Learn more about Rock The Street, Wall Street and our mission to bring the M in STEM to life: rockthestreetwallstreet.comDisclaimer: All financial and investment information contained in this podcast is merely for educational and informational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Should you decide to act upon any information in this podcast, you do so at your own risk.

Rocking Finance: A Rock the Street Wall Street PodcastReal stories. Real access. Real paths into finance.Leaders of Rock The Street, Wall Street, a US nonprofit, are joined by financial professionals for candid, high-impact conversations sharing the insights, experiences, career pivots and journeys that can help young women advance through the financial industry with great confidence.Follow and Subscribe to Rocking Finance: A Rock The Street, Wall Street Podcast.