Cara Williams
Global
Global Segment Leader: Financial Intermediaries, Family Offices and Multinational Clients-Wealth at Mercer
Cara Williams, is a Senior Partner, based in London, who develops and drives strategy for Mercer’s work with financial intermediaries, wealth management firms and family offices globally. She works with clients providing a wide array of solutions from market insights, manager research, asset allocation and establishment of investment platforms and solutions across all asset classes. Cara presents regularly on global investment trends in wealth management, as well as on Women in Financial Services. With over 23 years of experience in the pensions and investment industry, Cara began her career in finance as a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch in New York. Prior to working in the investment industry, she worked with the US Army and NATO.
Tell us about your background and how you developed your social media influence?
Its gradually grown. I have always been a fan of Facebook, having lived away from my home town of New York City for well over 25 years, it was always a means to stay connected. As I have developed more of a platform of my own interests, I have become more active over the last couple of years.
What are the key topics you’re most passionate about?
I am passionate about all aspects of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and the importance of environmental, social aspects (gender parity and diversity) and solid governance as critical factors in asset management. I am also a self proclaimed fitness fanatic. I am particularly interested in its connectivity with mental wellness as well as the health benefits that come with it.
Which influencers influence you within those key topics?
I follow a number of asset managers that are particularly strong in ESG. Jamie Broderick is always insightful.
What is your social media routine? Do you have any daily habits that you’d recommend?
I have set times a day that I post. I do check Twitter and LinkedIn regularly for insightful content for my own consumption or what I would like to share.
What motivates you to post on social media?
I focus on the positive. While not avoiding pieces that highlight issues, I do not share anything that is intentionally critical of people. I do like to share what I find insightful and occasionally what is humorous.
What tends to be your most successful posts?
Usually the more personal the post the more responses I typically get.
Where do you start in finding relevant content to share with your audience?
I had subscribed to services but I found those never really reflected me and my interests. So I try to read emails that I receive from managers, news feeds, and of course from social media as well.
Do you receive any support or encouragement from your organization?
Absolutely. Mercer not only encourages my own generated social media messages but they also provide great material that I can share.
What results have you seen both personally and commercially for your company?
The connectivity with my own colleagues as well as the world at large who share interests cannot be overplayed. It is a great way to share and expand ones own views that is otherwise not feasible.
What do you feel was your breakthrough moment?
Its slow and steady so no particular breakthrough for me. Keep it interesting and interested and Ill keep doing it.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out?
Choose you interests and stick to those topics.