Are "performance coaches" actually a thing?
Watching Billions right now and they really seem to be glorifying Wendy. I get that her character adds a lot of interesting dynamics and whatnot, but does her job actually exist for HFs/AMs or even IBs?
I've only been at smaller funds thus far but I could imagine that the multi-billion $ funds may have a psychiatrist/performance coach. -and if not, why not?
What Wendy has ACTUALLY done...is not really about "being a performance coach" AT ALL....what she has done is IDENTIFY something SHE'S WAY BETTER AT THAN PRETTY MUCH ANYONE (i'e specialize) and then PROVE SHE'S WAY BETTER THAN ANYONE.
Consistently. Over 5-15 years. But it's not even hard for her. She doesn't have to try much. She's THAT GOOD. That's how she's so RICH. Basic supply and demand. Oh...and she also found the one person (AXE) willing to pay her anything (basically) to stay with him. She's his "difference maker" even if he believes sometimes it's ALL HIM. This is really the hard part, all this usually cannot be done overnight.
So anyhow....like that old saying "if you're reading about it in the Journal about an investment or stock it's WAY TOO FUCKING LATE"....you can't really go be a performance coach now. Cat's outta the bag.
BUT THE GOOD NEWS? The marketplace evolves daily. So does technology. Innovation possibilities are everywhere. Use your God given talent and identify a need, see if you have a smarter and better way to fill it. SPECIALIZE.
And ignore everyone who tells you that you suck or that your idea is dogshit or reminds you about the 567 other times you bombed out. Stick with your plan IF the numbers add up. But don't abuse that tip. Numbers don't lie.
Hope that helps pal. Good luck.
MG