In our ongoing series highlighting the remarkable journeys of investment professionals who were first-generation or First in Finance college students, we are thrilled to share insights from Bobby Kannady, a Regional Advisor Consultant at Invesco in Atlanta. Bobby supported our Sapere Aude Consortium interns through Invesco’s educational partnership with Sapere Aude Consortium, sharing his journey from being the first in his family to take on financial studies at the legendary HBCU Morehouse College, to his early years in investment management at Invesco. His story is both inspiring and instructive. In this interview, Bobby reflects on his unique experiences, the challenges he overcame, and the valuable perspectives he brings to his professional role.
Can you please describe your career journey and share some factors that have contributed to your success in the finance industry?
My journey in finance is quite unique as I did not start with a finance background. I came from humble beginnings, and my path was driven by grit and determination. My parents placed me in leadership roles early on, both in sports and academics, which taught me the importance of hard work and creating opportunities.
In college, I pursued finance not out of a passion for the markets but to gain knowledge I could bring back to my community. Consistency and perseverance were my focus throughout college and my early career. Developing habits and working hard were key. Additionally, staying curious and meeting people have been crucial to my progress. Despite still having much to learn, the lessons and perseverance have helped me navigate the finance industry as a young professional.
Based on your internships and earlier career experiences, what important lessons have you learned that have significantly impacted your professional development?
Early on, as we grow into ourselves, we often try to set a rigid path and say, “This is what I want to do; this is exactly how things are going to be.” But it is crucial for young professionals and interns to be malleable and coachable. Take the experiences that are given to you and be fully present in those moments.
We learn the most about ourselves when we are put in uncomfortable situations. So, I would advise anyone in the early stages of their career to stay open. Feed your curiosities by asking questions and being around people who do different things. This approach gives you a broader perspective of the professional world, rather than being laser-focused on one opportunity. You never know what you might enjoy or excel in until you experience new things.
How has participating in professional networks influenced your professional growth and opportunities? What advice would you give to first-generation college students about the value of joining such networks?
Networking is vital from your early days to senior-level roles because we are in a people business. Technical skills can be learned on the job, but soft skills like networking and communication are crucial for building a personal brand and professional network. This network can help you grow and scale your impact and opportunities.
Networking makes the job-hunting process more manageable and worthwhile by building connections. It is essential to share your curiosities and personal interests, which helps build your character in others’ eyes and fosters willingness to work with you. Remember, professionals you seek advice from were once in your shoes. They understand how uncomfortable it can be and appreciate when you take the initiative.
Ask simple questions. If you do not understand something, say so. If you feel out of place, acknowledge it and ask for explanations. People appreciate vulnerability, especially when it helps you grow. Do not be afraid to seek clarification. It will benefit you in the long run.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced transitioning from college to the professional world, and how did you overcome them?
I want to be transparent with you. My journey has been a roller coaster. My first job out of college was an insurance financial analyst position, but due to poor communication, I ended up doing something entirely different from what I expected, so I left after two days. Then, the pandemic hit.
During the early stages of the pandemic, I applied for 200 jobs and received only rejections. I took on a few odd internships to build my resume and make some money. It was a huge challenge, and I kept questioning if it was me or the world. I had to reflect deeply and focus on making my output strong and consistent, believing an opportunity would eventually open up.
When it finally did, it was just the beginning. The biggest challenge was understanding there are processes I could not control. This experience taught me patience in interviewing and job preparation. You must enjoy preparing for interviews and learn from the rejections. Each “no” is a lesson to tweak your resume, interview techniques, or personal statements.
Another major challenge was complacency after achieving certain accolades. Right now, I am working hard, trusting that dedication will pay off in the long run.
Can you share some thoughts about mentorship and any significant mentorship experiences that have had a lasting impact on you?
I cannot begin to explain the impact my mentors have had on me. Growing up, I did not see many individuals who looked like me in corporate America, so having mentors was incredibly impactful. They provided direction and openness, and I had people I could look up to and talk to about my life.
Often, we connect with mentors thinking about what they can do for us. However, mentorship is about sharing journeys, getting advice from their experiences, and learning from their successes and mistakes. Mentors are people you can confide in professionally, helping you improve by sharing their insights. They also put you in rooms and situations that can catapult your potential and open up job opportunities.
Mentorship is a mutual relationship. Do not view mentors as people who only give; they want to learn from us just as much as we want to learn from them. Being adaptable and coachable adds value to both lives. Some of my most impactful mentors were my coaches. They taught me hard work, teamwork, coachability, and effort—skills the workforce expects. In the professional realm, mentors showed me how to carry myself, communicate in meetings, and speak effectively. My mentors are part of my armory, helping me become resilient. They expedite the process and add a nurturing effect to what you are doing.
How have professional certifications and ongoing education contributed to your career development and success?
I believe in making it difficult for a job or opportunity to pass me by. To position yourself for greatness, acquiring certain degrees or certifications is essential. Currently, I am pursuing my MBA because having an advanced degree is highly preferred over just a bachelor’s degree in today’s competitive corporate landscape.
I am maximizing my learning during this time when I have few responsibilities. Before entering the industry, I analyzed job descriptions to identify common certifications required or preferred by employers. I decided to pursue these certifications, even if they were not my primary interest, to show my commitment and effort to potential employers.
During the pandemic, I faced significant challenges in finding a job. Since beginner-level SQL was in demand, I took a free introductory SQL class to show my ability to stay current and learn skills that mattered to my employers, even if I might not use those skills directly. This demonstrated my willingness to put myself in uncomfortable positions and learn new things valuable to the team.
It is essential to know what you want or explore things you might want. Dive deep into these areas, and you will eventually learn to excel. Certifications become more manageable as you consistently practice and hone your craft. If you can find opportunities for formal training or certifications, take them.
Learning is a continuous process, and the professional world is like a chess match. Stay proactive, gain a competitive advantage through your communication skills, awareness of global trends, and personal growth. Sharpen your skills by putting yourself through the wringer, whether through certifications or personal training, and you will be well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
If you were conducting this interview, what is one question you would ask?
I would ask, “What is the one thing that’s keeping you up at night or your colleagues up at night as you navigate college or think about your professional future?”
If you had to pick one financial book or movie that has influenced you the most, which one would it be and why?
Right now, the financial book that has influenced me the most is “The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life.” It is an extensive biography that details Warren Buffett’s journey, from his early interest in bartering to his profound understanding of money, and how these experiences compounded over his life.
What I am learning from this book is invaluable. In our consumer-driven world, it is easy to focus on immediate gratification and spending. However, Buffett’s story emphasizes the importance of habits, saving, and the power of compounding interest. It’s not about hitting home runs or achieving instant success, but about consistently improving by 1% every day.
This book has reshaped how I view money—not just as a tool, but as a result of disciplined habits. By simplifying inputs and focusing on foundational tasks, we can maximize outputs. As a young person, it is easy to make mistakes, overthink, or compare oneself to others. “The Snowball” teaches that life can be manageable when we control what we can and accept what we cannot.
This lesson is crucial: we should strive to be the best version of ourselves day by day, understanding that unexpected challenges will arise. By processing these challenges and adjusting our inputs, we can achieve our best potential.