We had the privilege of interviewing Maylix Brianto, a distinguished economist and investment strategist who has made remarkable contributions to finance and sustainability. In this conversation, we delve into the inspiring journey of Maylix Brianto, exploring their early life, career milestones, and invaluable insights into investment management and economic trends.
Early Life and Educational Background
Curious about your journey, we asked her to share a bit about her early life and her educational background.
Maylix Brianto: When I was a child, I came to see my father at work. He worked at the Venezuelan Central Bank. This was my inspiration to become an economist. I was very interested in reading and calculation, which is a perfect match for studying economics, so I did my Bachelor’s with a Major in Banking and Finance. Furthermore, I was such a motivated student that I participated in several national and international conferences, representing my University in some internal events and my country, Venezuela, in events abroad.
Once graduated I did a part-time master’s in finance while working at the Venezuelan Central Bank as I planned when I was a child. There, I participated as well in several national and international events, and I was one of the younger researchers publishing a paper, I enjoy sharing experiences with people around the world since I am very curious about other cultures.
For this reason, also having French nationality, I decided to expand my horizons and went to Grenoble in France to pursue my third Master, a master’s in business administration (MBA) with a specialization in International Management to re-shape my career and use my transversal competences to make a transition from the public to the private sector.
Being in an internship and working at the Interamerican Development Bank in Washington after finishing the MBA program, I was offered a position at JP Morgan Private Banking Geneva which I accepted attracted me to the idea of working for the private sector to complete my professional experience.
There I discovered the wealth and investment management world and fell in love with it. Since being a lifelong learner and passionate about studying, I have built a strong academic and professional foundation in traditional and alternative investments, as well as in relationship management, sustainability, and digital assets.
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Choosing Economics and Investment Management
We wanted to know what inspired her to pursue a career in economics and investment management.
Maylix Brianto: That is the main reason why I choose a career in economics and investment management, because of its international context, dynamism, complexity and always evolving features. And more, because of the great combination of hard data management and soft skills implied that this challenging career offers.
Indeed, having a background as an economist allows me to better understand the whole picture and have a holistic approach when analyzing market conditions and designing investment strategies that are more efficient because their fundamentals are well supported by a deep and complete macroeconomic and microeconomics analysis.
On the other side, when I must make complex economic analyses and recommendations, they are less abstract and more pragmatic since I deal with markets that are closer to the “real world” than if I would have to work only in research or academics.
Also, it is a career where there is a lot of people interaction and you can make a real impact on people’s lives when you help families and entrepreneurs to preserve and grow their wealth, Furthermore, if you focus on sustainable finance and on including the Environmental, Social and Social and Governance factors into the investment decisions, you can also help the world to become a better place for us and the future generations.
Key Skills for Successful Investment Management
We were eager to understand her perspective on the key skills required to excel in investment management.
Maylix Brianto: The main skills needed for managing investments in my opinion are to have a strong basis on the investment fundamentals for which you should build and develop good technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Also, you need to be highly numerally literate and up to date with the high flux of financial information, knowing how to identify which is more relevant.
In this sense, you need to have as well good synthesis and summarizing skills. To communicate with clients and investors, you must have excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills. In terms of communication, language skills in the sense of speaking several languages will open a lot of doors.
Having strong interpersonal skills is key to gaining the trust and confidence not only of your colleagues and peers but also with clients. I will add a less quoted quality which is empathy. This skill will allow you to understand clients’ needs, build trust, and better decision-making to enhance your relationships and gain clients’ loyalty. Finally, you have to be very proactive, entrepreneur, resilient, adaptable, and resistant to stress since the investment world is really dynamic and sometimes chaotic!
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Integrating Sustainability into Investment Strategies
In today’s world, sustainability is essential. We asked how she integrated it into her investment strategies.
Maylix Brianto: I truly believe that sustainability should be at the heart of investment plans. Including sustainability analysis in the portfolio construction process ensures the creation of both financial and extra-financial value, benefiting not only clients but also all stakeholders.
There are various degrees of adopting sustainability for clients, ranging from awareness, which involves excluding sectors considered harmful to society, such as tobacco, arms, and gambling, to actively seeking out positive sectors or themes like clean energy, green infrastructure, and good governance. The most committed approach is impact investing, which prioritizes generating a positive societal impact, even if it means sacrificing some financial performance. Examples include sustainable agriculture, affordable medications and housing, microfinance, and the circular economy.
As an investment professional, my role is to guide clients and investors on this journey, helping them align their investments with their values and personal principles. Based on their preferences, I will design a strategy that considers their guidelines and constraints, researching and selecting the best asset classes, financial products, and companies for their portfolio. Finally, I regularly monitor the ESG performance of investments and provide transparent reporting to clients. This ensures that the portfolio remains aligned with sustainability goals and allows for adjustments as needed. I am an advocate for sustainable finance and business practices!
Building Strong Client Relationships
Strong client relationships are critical in her field. We were curious about her approach to building and nurturing them.
Maylix Brianto: To build a strong relationship with my clients, I take a genuine interest in their goals and concerns, not just in terms of investments but also in their broader personal and professional aspirations. The better I understand my clients, the more effectively I can help them achieve their objectives. For this, empathy as I already mentioned is key. Keeping the communication channels open all the time is also important, so scheduling regular calls can guarantee that they have more accurate and timely information about the performance of their investments. To adapt my communication style and sophistication level to the interlocutor is also crucial to have the client really involved in the conversation. Being a source of solutions and ideas for the clients trying to be the contact point to other solution providers is also a good way to be in their thoughts and have them refer me to people on their social cycle. Finally, you have to be transparent and sincerely engage with these relationships that you have to nourish as much as you can.
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The Role of Research in Investment Decisions
We asked for an example where her research played a crucial role in shaping an investment decision.
Maylix Brianto: During my tenure as a researcher at the Venezuelan Central Bank, I wrote and published a white paper on the relationship between the development of stock markets and economic growth in emerging markets, with a particular focus on Venezuela. This comprehensive research provided valuable insights into how stock market development can drive economic growth.
The findings from this white paper became instrumental in shaping investment strategies for emerging markets. By understanding the key factors that influence market growth, I was able to make informed investment decisions that aligned with these insights. This research not only guided my own investment strategies but also helped my colleagues structure their approaches more effectively, leading to more robust and successful investment outcomes.
Aligning Investment Strategies with Client Goals
Understanding clients’ goals is fundamental. We inquired how she aligns her strategies with their objectives.
Maylix Brianto: For me, it’s essential to truly know your client to ensure their goals are met. This means going beyond the standard KYC form to gain a comprehensive understanding of their total assets, constraints, values, and expectations. I also stay updated on any changes in their personal, professional, or financial lives to incorporate new elements into their investment strategy.
It’s crucial to spend ample time understanding and discussing these goals with clients. This thorough approach is the best way to ensure their goals are clearly defined and effectively matched with their investment strategies. Additionally, I believe in maintaining open and ongoing communication with my clients. Regular check-ins and reviews help to reassess and realign strategies as needed, ensuring that we stay on track to meet their evolving goals. This proactive approach fosters trust and ensures that the investment strategy remains relevant and effective over time.
Overcoming Challenges in Investment Management
Every career has its challenges. We asked her to share the obstacles she’s faced in investment management and how she overcame them.
Maylix Brianto: One of the main challenges in managing investments is handling the enormous influx of information to stay updated on the dynamic and unpredictable world of finance. To filter the necessary information, I rely on well-known sources, continuously reading not only their news but also their research papers. Additionally, I set up alerts to receive updates on the main topics I follow. Another related challenge is keeping my technical knowledge up to date. To address this, I continuously pursue courses and certifications, ensuring that I am always learning. This ongoing education is crucial for managing complex asset classes and evolving investment strategies.
Staying aware of new trends and maintaining a holistic approach to the investment landscape is also challenging. To overcome this, I attend conferences, symposiums, webinars, and panels. These events provide valuable insights and help me stay ahead in the ever-changing investment environment.
Moreover, adapting to market volatility is a significant challenge. To manage this, I employ a diversified investment strategy, spreading investments across various asset classes to mitigate risk. Regularly reviewing and adjusting portfolios based on market conditions helps in maintaining a balanced and resilient investment approach.
Exciting Future Trends in Investment
The investment landscape is constantly evolving. We were curious to know which trends excite her the most and how she keeps herself ahead of the curve.
Maylix Brianto: I’m particularly excited about several new and not-so-news investment trends: Sustainable and ESG Investments: Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria are becoming increasingly important for investors and the world. I am a true advocate since I want to build a better planet for future generations. Furthermore, I am sure that companies focusing on sustainability and ethical practices are likely to see growth. To stay ahead, I integrate ESG factors into my investment strategies and keep abreast of regulatory changes and market trends by attending industry conferences, webinars, and panels.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Technology: AI continues to revolutionize various industries, from healthcare to finance. Advancements in generative AI and machine learning are creating new investment opportunities. To stay ahead in this space, I continuously learn and stay updated with the latest technological developments and innovations by enrolling in relevant courses and certifications.
Healthcare and Biotechnology: The healthcare sector, especially biotechnology, is poised for significant growth due to advancements in medical research and technology. Keeping up with the latest research, attending industry conferences, and following regulatory approvals are key strategies I use to stay ahead in this sector.
Infrastructure and Real Estate: With ongoing urbanization and government initiatives to improve infrastructure, investments in this sector are expected to grow. I plan to monitor policy changes and economic indicators that impact infrastructure projects and real estate markets, utilizing advanced analytical tools and platforms to make informed investment decisions.
Alternative Investments: Assets like private equity, hedge funds, and real assets are a good source of diversification and equally important, alpha generation. To stay ahead, I explore these alternative investment opportunities and understand their risk-return profiles by staying updated with the latest research papers, market reports, and news from reputable sources.
Furthermore, because I am passionate about spreading financial education and helping others stay ahead, I frequently participate in conferences as a speaker, panelist, or moderator on all the subjects mentioned above. This allows me to share my expertise, engage with industry leaders, and contribute to the ongoing dialogue about the future of finance. By doing so, I not only stay at the forefront of industry trends but also help others navigate the complexities of the financial world.
In conclusion, by staying proactive and informed through continuous education, networking, research, and technology integration, I aim to leverage these trends to create robust and forward-thinking investment strategies.
Advice for Aspiring Investment Professionals
For aspiring professionals, we asked what advice she’d offer to those looking to enter the investment management field.
Maylix Brianto: My best advice is to invest time and money to be active in the three main pillars of success below:
- Continuous learning, in today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape, continuous learning is not just an option but a necessity. The financial industry is characterized by constant change, driven by technological advancements, regulatory updates, and market dynamics. Staying updated with the latest knowledge and skills ensures that we remain competitive and can provide the best solutions to our clients. It is through continuous education that we can adapt to new challenges and seize emerging opportunities.
- Networking is the cornerstone of professional growth. Building and maintaining a robust network of industry peers, mentors, and thought leaders opens doors to new opportunities and collaborations. It allows us to share knowledge, gain diverse perspectives, and support each other in our career journeys. The connections we make can lead to partnerships that drive innovation and success in our field.
- Partnerships are equally crucial as they foster collaboration and synergy. By working together, we can leverage each other’s strengths and expertise to achieve common goals. Partnerships enable us to tackle complex problems more effectively and drive progress in ways that would be difficult to achieve individually. They are the foundation of a thriving financial community where mutual support and shared vision lead to collective success.
Thanks, Maylix Brianto:
Through a career marked by continuous learning, global experiences, and a passion for helping others, this investment manager has not only built a strong foundation in economics and finance but also made a tangible impact on clients and communities. Their story is a testament to the power of determination, curiosity, and the belief that finance can be a force for good. Whether it’s mentoring future professionals, advocating for sustainable investments, or navigating complex markets, they remain a shining example of how purpose and expertise can create meaningful change.
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