Kori Hale visited Elon University to share her journey from finance to media and ultimately to entrepreneurship. Her message to students: network, be adaptable, and have passion.
The Porter Family Professional Development Center, in coordination with Elon University’s Student Professional Development Center, hosted the head of an influential financial media company for a discussion with students on the power of networking and the value of soft skills in professional growth.
CultureBanx CEO Kori Hale visited Elon University on Feb. 13, 2024, to share her journey from a finance professional to a leading voice at the intersection of culture and finance.
“All skills are transferable,” said Hale, when recounting how she went from an associate at Goldman Sachs to a segment producer at Bloomberg.
During her keynote in the LaRose Digital Theatre, Hale recounted how a connection forged at Syracuse University, her alma mater, paved her way to Bloomberg where she became the first Black woman to report on the Foreign Stock Exchange after realizing being a financial associate wasn’t for her.
Hale still values her time at Goldman Sachs and said she utilizes the company’s approach to hiring at CultureBanx, which prefers intrinsic qualities over learned skills.
“I can teach you to read SEC reports and other skills, but I cannot teach interest and passion,” said Hale, who described this philosophy as a reflection of CultureBanx’s approach to delivering financial news focused on content that engages and empowers audiences.
CultureBanx is a unique news platform that focuses on business news for hip-hop culture and was founded in 2018. Each article has a curated song attached for the reader to listen and read the vibe of the story.
Students asked Hale what skills they need to change careers.
“Be adaptable, dynamic and still show up and do the work,” Hale said. “You never know when you may need your former co-workers to help out with your next steps.”
When students asked for Hale’s advice for their future careers, her answer was direct: “Bet on yourself. Advocate for yourself.”