What does it really take to build a meaningful career when you don’t have it all figured out?

In this conversation, Cynthia Plouché, Founder & CEO of The Alzenia Project, joins Ashley Leftwich, CEO of Rock The Street, Wall Street, for an honest discussion about navigating career uncertainty, leadership, and purpose. Cynthia shares her journey from being one of fewer than 40 Black women in her Radcliffe class to leading multi-billion-dollar investment portfolios and serving on corporate boards.

Together, Cynthia and Ashley explore what belonging really means, how mentorship often shows up in unexpected ways, and why taking on unglamorous opportunities and building relationships can matter just as much as technical skills.

Designed with students and early-career professionals in mind, this interview offers practical insight into finding your voice, embracing uncertainty, and building a career rooted in purpose and impact.

Key themes:

* Belonging and identity

* Mentorship that happens organically

* Career growth through unexpected opportunities

* Leadership without having a perfect plan

Whether you’re exploring your path or rethinking your next step, this conversation offers perspective, reassurance, and practical wisdom.

In this episode of Rocking Finance, Rock The Street, Wall Street CEO Ashley Leftwich speaks with Jelena Sokolova, Senior Equity Analyst, Consumer Sector at Morningstar, based in London.

Jelena shares insights into how she analyzes global market trends, mentors emerging analysts, and navigates complex investment landscapes with a long-term perspective. She also offers advice for students and young professionals looking to build meaningful careers in finance, from cultivating curiosity to developing emotional resilience.

Learn more about Rock The Street, Wall Street and our mission to bring the M in STEM to life: rockthestreetwallstreet.com

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Disclaimer: All financial and investment information contained in this podcast is merely for educational and informational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Should you decide to act upon any information in this podcast, you do so at your own risk.

Rocking Finance: A Rock the Street Wall Street Podcast

Real stories. Real access. Real paths into finance.

Leaders of Rock The Street, Wall Street, a US nonprofit, are joined by financial professionals for candid, high-impact conversations sharing the insights, experiences, career pivots and journeys that can help young women advance through the financial industry with great confidence.

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