“The leaders of the future are in this room. Stay focused, stay connected, and be loyal.”

These were the key takeaways from the 2021 Dean’s Leadership Series Speaker, 1978 alumnus Ken Wormser.

As a leader in the world of global finance, Mr. Wormser touched on his career path from UVM to his current role. Students in business, finance, accounting, and economics listened raptly, but his remarks and advice proved relevant and inspiring to the whole UVM community.

He told the story of how he grew to become Managing Partner of GreensLedge Capital Markets LLC. Founded in 2008, GreensLedge is an independent investment banking firm focused on the global structured credit and alternative investment marketplace. Ken joined the team at GreensLedge in 2011 after many years in global securitization.

While Mr. Wormser’s talk focused on his insights into his expertise on mergers and acquisitions, he made sure to reflect and advise on how to approach networking, hiring, growth opportunities, and more. Students were especially interested in the rise of cryptocurrency like Bitcoin, and the emergence of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) as factors for investing and trade.

A key highlight focused on how graduating seniors were entering an ideal job market. Mr. Wormser emphasized that Grossman is truly properly prepping students for the future of business by leveraging interdisciplinary themes and concentrations, including Sustainable Business. “The future of ESG and sustainability is growing,” he said. “There is more appetite for ESG. It’s not going away, so use this to your advantage.”

Of course, a proud Catamount couldn’t end his visit without a shout-out to Rally Cat. What was it like to be at UVM? “Four of the best years of my life,” he said. “Go Cats go!”

The Grossman School of Business gives a resounding thank you to Ken, from all the UVM community and guests in attendance for telling your compelling, and inspiring story.