Insider Panty Trading @ IBM
Sex, lies and recording devices is more like it. Robert Moffat was a top IBM executive with a clear cut path to one of the most sought after CEO positions on the planet. He was happily married and regaled by all who knew him, then he met her and the life he had built over a thirty year span crumbled at his feet directly adjacent to the suit pants rumpled around his ankles.
This story has been on and off my mind for a while now because I strongly feel that it addresses one of the most crucial aspects of the finance industry...which EVERYONE is absolutely terrified to discuss out loud.
The affections and attention of beautiful women have motivated more than a few powerful men throughout history to do very stupid things. Whether we are talking about Paris and Agamemnon or Billy Bob Clinton, there is no question that men in power are capable of throwing it all away for a healthy slab of medium rare meatloaf.
As a guy who's done his fair share of hiring in the past, I will be honest and forthcoming. Many a day, I would consider a secretary, accountant, analyst, or other bit player in my organization and turn HIM down for an equally or less qualified attractive female candidate. Feel free to criticize my business acumen but I bring the issue up because I am curious to hear what you guys have to say about sexual politics in the hiring process and workplace dynamics.
With all the rules and regulations we have today, "she could suck the pressure out of a Michelin tire" is neither a hiring requirement nor an acceptable opinion to voice...
however...
You are lying to yourself if you think it isn't a factor in the decision making process.
I finally decided to write about this issue last night. As I chilled back in my seat at a swanky downtown watering hole, I caught the eye of a young lady who could have passed for a younger Ms. Chiesi. I commented on her aging, pudgy companion who had just left for the bathroom.
Eh... he's my MD. Girl's gotta do what she's gotta do. Here's my card, give me a ring.
Never in researching Danielle Chiesi did I find evidence of a sharp financial mind. I did, however, find this quote of her's which I think says a lot about how valuation is done in the adult world, above and beyond the cubicles where modeling pays for the bottling.
I love the three S's; sex, stocks and sports.
What are the real keys to success in finance?
At a time when insider info is not discussed in the open but CLEARLY shared in private
perhaps our approaches to success are a bit naive and nostalgic...
Wouldn't you say?
I have done a fair share of interviewing and hiring over the years in my sales director role. And you are lying to yourself if you are a male and you don't take into account a female's attractiveness in the decision process.
We all exhibit confirmation bias, especially in when interviewing/making hiring decisions. When you meet someone, you instantly form an opinion of that person...and anything that comes out of her mouth, actions, etc...you will spin to confirm the bias you have in your mind.
Is ti "right"? Who knows...but woman that leverage their sexuality to get ahead in their careers is no different than leveraging your connections (at least in my opinion).
Let's not kid ourselves: what's the first thing a dude sees when he notices a girl across the room? I'll give you a hint: it's not her sparkling personality. You can't avoid bias of attractiveness, because it's the first thing you notice before she even starts talking. It's reality.
Are you saying that you actually met a girl who said that to you in a bar (thats my MD...girl's gotta do etc)? I call bullshit on that one....pure fiction. I know girls who have gone out with and even slept with guys who are their bosses (MDs or less then MDs) but that conversation would never occur with a stranger at a bar even (especially) if she was interested in you.
Also, although some might say this is bullshit, I actually knew Dani Chiesi (professionally) back in the day. She was definitely gorgeous and her personality was really electric/intense. She is about 10 years older then I am and about every guy my age who worked with her at the time was basically in awe.
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