During the recent Formula 1 weekend in Austin, the Female Quotient Lounge hosted an engaging panel that explored the integral role of a “pit crew” in both business and personal development. Janine Rubenstein, editor-at-large for PEOPLE, moderated the session, which featured insights from Amanda Agati and Kameryn Stanhouse, two prominent executives from the finance and technology sectors.
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The conversation, aptly titled “Who’s in Your Pit Crew: Building Wealth for the Long Run,” delved into the significance of surrounding oneself with a circle of trusted mentors and allies. Both Agati and Stanhouse emphasised the necessity of having individuals who can provide honest and supportive career guidance.
Agati, who serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer at AMG Investment Office, PNC Financial Group Services, spoke about the fast-paced nature of her industry. She likened her professional environment to the high-speed world of Formula 1, where the race against time often involves filtering out distractions to focus on the most important signals. Her approach is as unique as her perspective; she prefers using music to conceptualise her forecasts, with songs from iconic artists guiding her outlook for the year.
For instance, she referenced Jimi Hendrix’s “Purple Haze” to reflect on the current political landscape in the US, hoping for a transcendent collaboration between opposing parties. As she looks ahead to a more optimistic future, she alluded to “Mr. Blue Sky” by Electric Light Orchestra as a symbol for a positive turn in the investment landscape.
In contrast, Stanhouse, Vice President of Global Sports and Entertainment Partnerships at IBM, highlighted the challenges of integrating modern technology within traditional sports settings. With a career that merges the worlds of sports and tech, Stanhouse spoke about the unique difficulties presented by acquiring buy-in from well-established sporting institutions, such as Wimbledon and The Masters, to adopt innovative solutions.
She noted that her role often involves breaking down complex technological concepts into simpler, digestible formats that stakeholders can understand and implement. Stanhouse remarked on the enormous potential technology holds to enhance the sports experience, particularly through real-time statistics and data analysis, made possible by the application of artificial intelligence.
Despite their differing professional landscapes, both Agati and Stanhouse agreed on one critical factor: the importance of a supportive team. Reflecting on her journey, Agati shared that early in her career, she believed she had to manage every aspect of her professional life alone. However, she soon learned that true success required building strong relationships with mentors who could provide guidance, serve as soundboards, and offer much-needed perspective.
Stanhouse echoed this sentiment, recounting her reliance on a tight-knit group of friends and colleagues from various fields who inspire and motivate her. She also credited her fiancée, professional soccer player Kelley O’Hara, for helping her break down complex problems into manageable steps, demonstrating the value of diverse perspectives in tackling challenges.
The concept of a “pit crew” extends beyond mere support. Agati defined it as a network of individuals capable of providing constructive criticism, underscoring their pivotal role in making professional decisions. Both women underscored that these confidants often help deliver crucial insights that might be uncomfortable but are essential for growth.
With a solid support system in place, the conversation turned towards risk-taking. Agati advised that successful risk-taking should always be strategic, aligned with long-term objectives, and based on personal comfort levels. “What’s going to let you sleep at night?” she asked, emphasising the importance of thoughtful decision-making.
Stanhouse took a more audacious stance, asserting that without risk, there is no reward. She shared insights from her boss, who encouraged taking calculated risks that push individuals outside their comfort zones. “Be 90% uncomfortable,” she quipped, highlighting that real growth often comes from navigating through the unknown.
As the panel concluded, it was evident that both Agati and Stanhouse advocate for the power of collaboration and strategic risk. Their stories and insights provide a roadmap for anyone seeking to navigate the complexities of modern career landscapes, making a compelling case for the essential role of a supportive pit crew in achieving long-term success.
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