How Nasdaq's CEO found her ideal job: 'I realized I liked risk-taking more than risk management'

Core Insights - Adena Friedman leads Nasdaq, one of the world's largest exchange operators, with a workforce of approximately 10,000 employees globally [1] Group 1: Career Journey - Friedman joined Nasdaq in 2000 as executive vice president of corporate strategy and data products, later becoming CFO in 2009 [2] - A pivotal cold call from a headhunter led her to The Carlyle Group, where she served as CFO and managing director, guiding the firm through its 2012 IPO [3] - Friedman preferred risk-taking over risk management, which influenced her return to Nasdaq as president and COO in 2014, eventually becoming CEO in 2017, marking her as the first woman to lead the global exchange operator [4] Group 2: Gender and Leadership - Friedman reported no discrimination at Nasdaq but acknowledged the need to establish credibility in male-dominated environments early in her career [5] - Her strategy involved preparation and confidence, aiming to shift focus from her gender to her expertise [6] - Friedman attributes her confidence to her mother, who returned to law school and became a partner at her firm, serving as a role model [7]