Chris Varelas was my 1st champion in my career! He was the Global Head of TMT, Citi Investment Banking, where I did my very first internship & then my 1st full-time job. He noticed me from the get go and connoted with me at a personal level. Through many years, he continued to be my advisor & sounding board in many big personal & professional decisions. Watching Chris in action as one of the top leaders at Citi & one of the most respected investors on the Street & in the world, taught me fundamental leadership lessons that I carried through my life: 1) As a leader, you should always keep calm & be in control of your emotions even during the most challenging times & while delivering tough news such as economic downturn of 2008 or a key executive’s departure. Teams will pick the leader’s emotions, which can help them to stay focused and confident or lose it all together. 2) Be intellectually curious. Get to know others on a personal level & always stay fun and interesting, so others care to get to know you. 3) Speak less, smile more & listen attentively. That way, when you talk and provide a point of view there’s a lot more receptivity for it. Thanks Chris! Can’t wait to read your new book, How Money Became Dangerous. #leadership #leadershiplessons #bestleaders #founders …see more