In this episode of the WISE Voices: Women Leading the Way podcast, Laura Lake, a seasoned investment professional with over two decades of experience, sits down with Sonja Strzoda from WISE to discuss her impressive career journey and her leadership in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives. Laura currently spearheads Payden & Rygel’s global ESG strategies, where she has been instrumental in incorporating ESG factors into the firm’s investment processes.
Laura’s career has seen her in prestigious roles, including Chief Investment Officer at Breckinridge Capital Advisors, where she chaired the investment committee and led the development of ESG strategies across the firm. Her extensive experience also includes managing multi-sector portfolios at Mellon (Standish) and overseeing institutional portfolios at Wells Capital Management. Laura’s global perspective was further enhanced during her time at HSBC in London, where she was responsible for external manager selection.
In their conversation, Laura and Sonja explore the evolving landscape of ESG investing, the challenges and opportunities it presents, and the critical importance of sustainable investment practices in today’s financial world. Laura also shares insights from her extensive experience in portfolio management and offers advice on the skills and mindset needed to succeed in the investment industry.
Tune in to hear Laura’s thoughts on the future of ESG and gain valuable guidance for navigating a successful career in finance. This episode is part of the WISE Voices: Women Leading the Way series, celebrating the achievements and career journeys of inspiring women in Southern California.
