What does it take to build a successful investment career—and continue evolving as the industry changes around you?

In Season 2, Episode 4 of Diverse Dividends, video podcast series of The Analyst, host Laura Sebesta, CFA sits down with Lesley Marks, CFA Chief Investment Officer, Equities at Mackenzie Investments**, for a candid conversation about career growth, leadership, navigating change and the growing impact of generative AI on the investment profession.

Lesley reflects on beginning her career during the challenging job market of the early 1990s, the role the CFA Program played in helping propel her career forward, and the experiences that ultimately led her to senior investment leadership. She also shares what motivated her to embrace a new opportunity after spending 22 years at one institution—and why staying open to conversations and continually building your network can create opportunities throughout your career.

The conversation also explores how AI is reshaping asset management. As more routine aspects of investment research become automated, Lesley discusses why distinctly human capabilities—including judgment, curiosity, relationship building, communication and the ability to connect disparate information—may become even more important.

Laura and Lesley also discuss leadership through periods of uncertainty, bringing younger professionals into organizational transformation, building a trusted network or “personal board of directors,” giving back to the investment community, and learning when to say no.

**In this episode:**
• Building a career during a challenging job market
• Knowing when to stay, grow or pursue a new opportunity
• Leading investment teams through change
• How generative AI could reshape investment workflows
• The human skills that become more valuable in an AI-enabled workplace
• Why relationships and networking matter throughout your career
• Creating your own “personal board of directors”
• Giving back to the investment and broader community
• Setting boundaries and becoming more intentional with your time

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