Navigating the Intersection of Finance, Leadership, and Positive Impact (with Jennifer Simpson) - a podcast by Elena Agaragimova

In this episode of the Shift with Elena Agar - I sit down with Jennifer Simpson - who's been in seats at many tables. As a private debt & equity investor, a COO and CFO partnering with business leaders on their strategic plans, and as founding executive director of a multinational leadership development program, she learned the ropes on how to invest in and operate businesses as well as develop talent with an eye for economic growth and positive impact.

Most recently, Jennifer led the effort to raise a new venture debt fund at Anzu Partners, focused on companies with breakthrough industrial technology and other game-changing forces. She was also the founding executive director of the Aspen Finance Leaders Fellowship focused on improving public trust in the global finance industry, now with over 100 Fellows in 20 countries. In finance she has been a private equity and debt investor at The Gladstone Companies, a banker in middle market leveraged lending as well as head of the investment committee for small business at National City Bank, debt arranger at LBO firm Morgenthaler Partners, and CFO/COO of a national environmentally-focused foundation. She began her career as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army’s Medical Service Corps. Jennifer serves on the board of the North Carolina Museum of Art Foundation and the board of Slingshot Coffee Company. Jennifer studied economics for her Bachelor's Degree from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania where she was also a leader in the Army ROTC and her MBA is from Case Western Reserve University.

About your host:
Elena is a talent development specialist & an education advocate. She started her career in higher education, having worked across various institutions, departments and regions, followed by a shift to corporations - where she creates learning journeys, builds effective talent acquisition pipelines, and develops talent development programs. Elena has a strong interest in how we can use science - particular Behavioral and Neuro sciences - to help people learn effectively, expand their mindset and overall grow personally and professionally.

As an entrepreneur – Elena founded Bloom Youth - a tech education platform that prepares youth for the future - and co-founded Bessern – tech solution for productivity and well-being in organizations. When she is not leading talent transformation, she volunteers her time to help young students with their career development goals, as well as military veterans looking to make career transition to corporate jobs.

Learn more about Elena: https://linktr.ee/ElenaAgar
Connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenaagaragimova

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Further episodes of SHIFT with Elena Agar

Further podcasts by Elena Agaragimova

Website of Elena Agaragimova