Office Hours: Q&A with Tara Giuliano, Senior Managing Director, Head of Client and Product Marketing, Nuveen
This post is part of our new weekly “Office Hours” series, featuring career, workplace and leadership tips from females I admire.
In this interview, my friend, Tara Giuliano, Senior Managing Director at Nuveen shares opportunities that have elevated her professional career, what keeps her motivated and engaged at work and at home and how a good morning routine can change your life.
“You can’t make career decisions based on unknown information; you have to base them on known information.” This was so valuable to me because with each career opportunity I would question everything with a “what if…” often going to the negative verses focusing on the facts in front of me.”
What do you do for work?
Head of U.S. Marketing, Nuveen
How did you get to your current position?
Recommended by a leader I previously worked with.
What is your morning routine?
I follow the 5am Club protocol – each morning I wake to a ‘victory hour’. 20 minutes of sweaty exercise, 10 minutes of meditation, 10 minutes of journaling and 20 minutes of learning (I listen to audio books or podcasts, currently listening to Atomic Habits). I make a fresh juice every morning during my learning section. It works- has transformed my mood and energy levels each day!
What advice do you have on building a strong network and connections?
Get involved in associations, boards, networking groups that are outside of the workplace while also ensuring you spend time networking within your company. Find a mentor/coach/peer buddy that you can lean on for career advice.
What is your biggest career accomplishment?
Navigating the opportunities that have presented themselves to me – not being afraid to leave an organization to take on new challenges to increase salary and title. Nuveen is the 6th financial services firm I have worked for in in 20 years; but all the moves I made up through this role gave me new skills, experiences and leadership challenges that readied me.
What is your biggest career mistake or failure?
Putting too much faith in “promises” made to me by managers. Promises aren’t reality and often managers are not in control of how things evolve.
What’s the most recent thing someone did that really impressed you?
I’m always impressed by random acts of kindness my friends and network show me. I never feel like I have enough time in the day to reciprocate! I unexpectedly received flowers on Friday, cards for Valentine’s day, gifts for my new lakehouse, phone calls when I’m having a tough day.
How do you maintain a healthy lifestyle?
My morning routine really is key! Also following 80/20 rule on healthy eating balanced with some cheat days. I like to cook from recipes during the week that are gluten/dairy/sugar free like Kristin Cavallari’s True Roots. I am also a huge fan of custom vitamins (I use Uforia Science vitamins which are based on my DNA.) On weekends I try to get out in nature for hiking/walking for mental health as well.
What’s the best career advice you ever received?
“You can’t make career decisions based on unknown information; you have to base them on known information.” This was so valuable to me because with each career opportunity I would question everything with a “what if…” often going to the negative verses focusing on the facts in front of me.
Favorites:
Favorite Apps: Peloton
Favorite Books: Classic- Little Women, Business- Now Discover Your
Strengths, Self-Help – 5am Club and and Miracle Morning
Favorite Shows: The Crown, Queen’s Gambit, House of Cards
Favorite Websites: LinkedIn
Favorite Gadget: Nest (My entire smart home!
Favorite Podcasts: Robin Sharma Mastery Sessions
Tara is a senior managing director and oversees client and product marketing for Nuveen. She is instrumental in effectively bringing Nuveen’s collective investment capabilities to their clients. Tara oversees a team that develops and executes on go-to-market plans aimed at acquiring, retaining and expanding client relationships while producing compelling investment stories that differentiate Nuveen from competitors and address specific client needs. Prior to joining Nuveen in 2018, Tara held senior roles at UBS Asset Management as institutional global head of marketing and head of marketing for the Americas. She was also the CMO at Sikich, a professional services firm. She was also the director of asset management marketing at Morningstar and has held marketing roles at Allianz Global Corporate & Speciality and Nationwide.
Tara graduated with a B.S., cum laude, with honors and with distinction, in Business Administration from The Ohio State University and a Master’s in Communications from DePaul University. She is on the Ambassador Board for Dymynd Angels, a female-focused angel investment initiative. Tara also works with Access Living, a non-profit assisting the disabilities community and Night Ministry, an outreach program helping to feed Chicago’s homeless.
