Owning Your Career and Building a Culture of Excellence

Investment banking can be a demanding industry, but it’s also one of the most rewarding when approached with passion, commitment, and a clear sense of purpose. Maria Watts, Managing Director and Co-Head of Global Consumer Investment Banking at Baird, has spent 20 years navigating this challenging field, closing over $30 billion in transactions, and building a reputation as a leader in the middle market.

In this interview, Maria shares her journey from a curious analyst to a seasoned managing director, offering advice on career ownership, the power of feedback, and why collaboration is key to long-term success. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to lead, Maria’s insights provide a roadmap for thriving in investment banking.

From Curiosity to Co-Head

Maria’s path into investment banking wasn’t meticulously planned. She started as an analyst at Stephens and joined Baird 15 years ago, growing into her leadership role.

“I didn’t know much about investment banking at first,” Maria admits. “But the intensity and impact of the work drew me in.” Early on, interviews focused on intangible qualities like teamwork and passion, values she continues to prioritize in her leadership.

Baird’s approach aligns with Maria’s focus on integrity. As she explains, “We provide unbiased advice. Everything we do is about delivering the best outcomes for our clients.”

Own Your Career and Celebrate Success

Maria believes in taking control of your professional development. “You need to be explicit about where you see gaps in your skills and help others help you,” she says. Maria advises junior bankers to reflect on their progress and proactively seek out experiences to build their expertise.

She also stresses the importance of recognizing accomplishments, both big and small. “Celebrate wins and take a step back to understand the bigger picture,” she encourages. “Why does this deal matter? What impact does it have?”

The Power of Feedback and Peer Support

Feedback is essential for growth, and Maria advocates for giving and receiving it with immediacy and clarity. “A simple thank you can go a long way,” she says. “And when receiving feedback, remember it’s not personal—it’s there to make you better.”

Maria also highlights the importance of peer relationships. “Your peers are in the trenches with you. They understand your experiences in ways others can’t,” she explains. Building strong relationships with colleagues is critical for success and resilience in the industry

Advice for Junior Bankers and Future Leaders

Maria sees junior bankers as the future of the industry, but she acknowledges the challenges they face. For analysts and associates, she advises embracing the grind while maintaining curiosity and drive.

For VPs, Maria emphasizes project management and communication as critical skills. “Master your current role before trying to move on to the next,” she advises. Maria encourages everyone to take ownership of their development and align their efforts with their long-term goals.

Female Leadership and Building Culture

As a leader, Maria believes women bring unique strengths to the table, including the ability to connect with others and foster collaboration. “It’s about earning respect through your work, not labels,” she says.

Maria is enthusiastic about creating a supportive culture at Baird, where mentorship and collaboration are central. “Culture is a business imperative—it drives better teamwork and outcomes,” she explains.

Final Thoughts: Investment Banking Can Be Fun

Maria’s advice to her younger self is simple: stay the course.

“This career is so fun. You’re at the centre of critical decisions that impact lives. It’s intellectually rewarding and incredibly fulfilling,” she reflects. “I’d still do this even if I didn’t need the money.”

Maria’s words are a reminder that with the right mindset, investment banking can be more than a career—it can be a passion.

Interested to hear more from Maria? Check out the full interview with the links below.

Spotify Link / Apple Link