Employee Spotlight: Sarah Redmond, Executive Assistant, New York

Our employee spotlight series highlights our people spanning many different roles, teams and geographies—each with a unique perspective to share, and each essential to our journey. From Facilities Manager to now the Executive Assistant to our CEO, learn all about Sarah Redmond's experience with us and the journey she's been on to get to this point in her career.

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What is your role at MarketAxess?

Here's what I'd put on my resume: my name, my phone number, and #getstuff done. That's what I do. It's basically everything an assistant would do - jump in on any strange project, answer any weird question, or support any need. People come to someone like me because I'm resourceful and know how to get stuff done.

Can you talk about the evolution of your career at MarketAxess?

When I joined MarketAxess, I thought it was going to be more of an Office Manager job, but ended up being more managing the building and the structure of the office. It was a very new experience for me. It was a whirlwind first year, and I learned so much, but I definitely was feeling like I had no business doing this job, as I was walking around in heels with my tool kit, dealing with the loading dock, the building and the engineers.

When I joined in November 2021, the world was just reopening again, so there weren't many people here as we were coming back into the office. My role at the time was pretty light - I was restocking snacks, doing inventory, etc. We closed the office that December because of Covid and opened back up in February 2022, and at that point, everyone was coming back. I went from one of maybe 50 people in the office, to then one of 150 people, to now 250-300 people a day. It's been a really cool evolution to see the needs of the office change, plus all the hiring that we've done and the new people I've met.

When the opportunity presented itself to become the assistant to our CEO, Chris, it was such a pleasant surprise. While I was bummed about giving up the facilities side of things, I was so proud of what I had accomplished and the processes I had created. Now being in this seat and supporting Chris and our CHRO, Julie, I realize the value of having a facilities background, since I've met everyone and worked with every single group. Whether employees had a problem with Fooda (our lunch service), their chair, or the lights above them not working, I worked across the board with everyone. Now that I'm working with Chris, that's served me well because people know me. They come over to chat and it's easier and more comfortable to get access to him.

What inspired you to pursue your career?

I graduated with a hotel and restaurant management degree. I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do, but I went to a recruiter after graduation, who set me up on an interview for an assistant role at a financial firm. I didn't know the difference between a stock and a bond at the time, and I told the hiring manager "I don't know why they sent me here." He said, "I'll teach you everything you need to know." That man, who I sat next to for five years, opened so many doors for me. I've been on the buy side, the sell side, hedge funds, and research shops - primarily in an assistant support role. I took my Series 7 and passed it. I tried sales, I was trading for a while, and I was a relationship manager...but this is where I like to be. I get to experience it all while still being adjacent to these functions.

However, it has been my dream job ever since I started working in that first position to be an Executive Assistant to the CEO. I remember going up to the executive floor and meeting the CEO's assistant and being so impressed by her poise, maturity and influence that she carried, and that's when I decided that's what I wanted to be when I grew up. So it's incredible that I've made it to that point now in my career.

What keeps you at MarketAxess?

The people. The people here are so creative and energetic. There's a great vibe here. I love being able to interact with so many employees and getting to know them on a personal level.

How does the work you do in your role help Take Us There?

This is so clear for me. I believe in Chris as our CEO. I believe in his enthusiasm, his energy and his messaging that he's excited to change the world of fixed income. He's so down to earth and has such a passion for this business that it's infectious. I know I personally can't contribute to our revenue. But what I can do is be the support to the person who is leading this ship. His time is so valuable, so if I can help with anything - whether it's making sure he's on time to meetings, making sure his head is clear, or getting him something he needs, that, to me, makes me feel like I'm a part of helping to Take Us There.

How is MarketAxess different from other companies?

I've worked at startups, mutual funds, and big banks...this is the coolest atmosphere I've been in. It doesn't feel like we're a financial technology firm. It feels like we are a technology finance firm. We are very much focused on the technology. 

I have two kids, and they are both total nerds when it comes to tech. They flip out when I come home and tell them about some of the things we are doing, and how I get to talk to our programmers and QA and product people about what they're working on. That's something I've never experienced before.

Who would you trade roles with if you had to with someone here and why?

I'd love to trade roles with an intern or analyst and have exposure to everything. I think it would be really cool to be able to start all over again, come in with a beginner's mindset, and be able to pick and choose what I want to focus on.

Why would you tell someone to come work at MarketAxess?

This may sound a bit cheesy, but I really believe in Chris' message and his vision. What we are doing is so fascinatingly cool. The technology is so advanced, and we are doing things that are so innovative. We have such vibrant, creative people working here and the combination of the energy and entrepreneurial spirit and our beautiful office makes this a really great place to be.

Want to work with Sarah at MarketAxess? Explore our available opportunities here.