Austrella Balley
Role: Associate, Goldman Sachs Asset Management
Other(s):
“I think being flexible is a main factor in the work I do because things are always changing. The market changes, your client changes, protocols at work change. You just have to be flexible and roll with the punches as things come. That's a big part of it. Also building relationships with your clients, but also with the people you work with. Working at a firm like Goldman, you work with some of the smartest people that you'd probably ever meet.”
Today’s NUFRIEND on the block is Austrella Balley.
Austrella is an Associate at Goldman Sachs in their Asset and Wealth Management division. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Austrella's path to the finance industry is both inspiring and unconventional. From her active involvement in high school academics and sports to her college years at the College of Wooster in Ohio, where she majored in political science, Austrella has always demonstrated resilience and determination. Despite initially aspiring to be an attorney, an eye-opening internship led her to pivot towards finance. Drawing inspiration from her parents who emigrated from Benin, West Africa, Austrella aims to invest opportunistically in business development in both the U.S. and Benin.
An abbreviated version of the conversation is provided below. Enjoy!
Introduction
Elijah: Before we begin, could you give a slight intro?
Austrella: My name is Austrella. I live in Chicago. I work in finance. I was a political science major, taught I was going to be an attorney, but now I'm a finance girl.
Elijah: What changed your mind on your career path?
Austrella: As a freshman, I had many aspirations: journalist, screenwriter, director. But law and politics always fascinated me, a passion ingrained by my African parents who constantly had CNN, BBC, or MSNBC on TV. In college, I majored in political science and minored in education, aiming to become an immigration attorney after seeing my parents' struggles. During a 2019 summer internship in New York City, I faced the harsh realities of the Trump administration's immigration policies. My role was to document clients' stories, filled with domestic violence and other horrors. The emotional toll led me to reconsider my path. Returning to school that fall, I sought advice from a friend interning at Deloitte.
She advised me to apply to all the big four consulting firms and banks. The first place I applied to was Goldman Sachs.
Early Experience at Goldman Sachs
Elijah: Coming from a more nontraditional background, what was those early moments like at the firm?
Austrella: Honestly, I felt out of place at first. One of my greatest skills, which got me into Goldman and to where I am today, is my ability to talk. I can talk my way out of any situation or into anything. But when I started, I felt out of place. I wasn’t the greatest at Excel and had to take these daunting series exams, some of the hardest things I've ever done.
Now, looking back, I know I'm capable of anything because I did that. I’m very thankful for my cohort; they were like my little family, especially since I didn’t know anyone in Chicago. Leaning on them during those tough months was what I needed. Other than that, it was just grind. I didn’t go out, didn’t leave my apartment, and was always studying, either for work or those exams. It was a lot of sacrifice.
Elijah: What role do you have within Asset Management?
Austrella: I work within the Client Solutions group, where my clients are fiduciaries from major wirehouse banks. Specifically, I collaborate with institutions like Wells Fargo, UBS, Morgan Stanley, and Merrill. My role involves providing these banks with a variety of investment solutions, ranging from mutual funds to alternative investments, which they can then integrate into their clients' portfolios.
Elijah: Could you share some key insights or lessons you've gained over the last two years in this role?
Austrella: I think being flexible is a main factor in the work I do because things are always changing. The market changes, your client changes, protocols at work change. You just have to be flexible and roll with the punches as things come. That's a big part of it. Also building relationships with your clients, but also with the people you work with. Working at Goldman or just like any big firm, you work with some of the smartest people that you'd probably ever meet.
Elijah: What does a typical day in the office look like?
Austrella: I work with two external partners on opposite sides of the country, managing territories, client communication, and meetings. It's a mix of emails and phone calls. I call clients frequently to check in, understand their market perspectives, and identify how we can assist. I love talking to clients; they're knowledgeable and I enjoy learning from them.
Austrella’s Background
Elijah: Could you tell us more about your background? Where are you originally from?
Austrella: I was born in St. Louis, Missouri, but my parents are originally from Benin, a small country in West Africa. Every other summer, I travel back to Benin to visit my grandfather. I am deeply connected to my culture and was raised with the same traditions and values as if I were in Benin. I speak my native language fluently, and I'm planning another trip in the next few months. My heritage is what I'm most proud of.
Elijah: St. Louis carries its own identity and so does Benin, how do you balance both?
Austrella: I never lose sight of my Benin roots, where my dad is from. It's called Ouidah, the location of the port of no return. A lot of slaves exited from there, holding a heavy history. When I think of St. Louis, I remember my childhood and relationships. Growing up, being African wasn't cool, so I used to suppress that part of me to fit in. As I've gotten older, I've learned to embrace it more. Since being a college freshman, it's been the forefront of who I am.
St. Louis is a tough city to grow up in. My personal story is kind of sad, but I don't dwell on it. I grew up in North County, near Ferguson. My graduating class of 515 had 513 black students. It wasn't a great school, but I made the most of it. Many say if you can make it out of St. Louis, you can make it anywhere. I believe St. Louis breeds character; it's one of the most dangerous cities, but I never feel fearful when I go back. I want to help my city. St. Louis isn't for the weak.
Navigating Through Challenges
Elijah: What helped you persevere? How did you find ways to stay positive?
Jaiden: The motivation to help my family drove me to leave. I haven't lived in St. Louis since I was 18; I went to college in Ohio and then moved here right after. It's been seven years since I've lived there, which is crazy to think about, but necessary for my growth. Back then, I was very active, playing basketball, volleyball, and participating in track. I was class vice president and involved in many clubs and honors classes. I felt the need to excel because I knew there was something more for me outside of St. Louis.
My mom wanted me to stay for college in St. Louis, at Mizzou or SLU, but I knew I had to leave. When a small school in Ohio offered me a chance to play basketball, I jumped at it. I didn't know anything about Worcester, Ohio—in fact, it's 45 minutes northeast of Cleveland and surrounded by cows and grass. Despite that, I thrived in the environment and eventually became my class commencement speaker.
Elijah: You were like 18 when you made the move, take me through going to Ohio?
Austrella: I moved to college with two large suitcases and a book bag. It was a 24-hour Greyhound ride to Ohio, and my parents couldn't take me. I stayed awake the entire trip to keep an eye on my belongings, but I made it. Going to that small school of 2,200 students in Ohio changed my life. It brought me lifelong friendships and mentors. I knew I needed to leave St. Louis, and Worcester felt like the right choice. I played basketball all four years despite tearing my ACL twice. I recovered on my own because my parents couldn't come. That was the toughest part, but I got through it. I had great internships and the alumni network is incredible. Worcester is a great school.
Elijah: What are some core memories from your time there?
Austrella: There are a couple of great memories. One of the best was giving my commencement speech. I had to rewrite it a few times, but addressing my graduating class was an incredible feeling. My parents made it to my graduation, thanks to my friend Katrina. It was such a special moment. But I will also say the basketball practices, the games, and spending time with my teammates are among my best college memories. They were like sisters to me, and I had a built-in community of friends. I still talk to a few of them daily, and they are my biggest cheerleaders. Love those girls dearly.
Career Aspirations & Reflections
Elijah: Jumping back to work, you’ve been in the industry now for almost 3 years - when you look in the horizon what do you see for yourself?
Austrella: I'm currently in a position with growth opportunities. While I'm not certain what that specifically looks like for me, I'm continually learning. My hope for the next year is to keep learning and growing in whatever capacity it takes. Many people say they won't return to school after undergrad, but that's not my case. I'm open to further education, but I firmly believe that experience is a great teacher.
Elijah: And how do you manage to stay level headed?
Austrella: My faith has been a big factor of just like me staying level headed and grounded. I think one of the things that keeps me humble and that keeps me grounded is my faith, my family, my friends. My goal is to stray away from my core self and my beliefs, I'm never going to switch up on who I am. With that being said, the dream of the future things I want to do is what keeps me motivated. So my family, friends, and faith keeps me grounded, but my dreams of the future keep me motivated.
I have a lot of big aspirations that I want to conquer. I have so many things that I want to do. And I know I will do.
Elijah: Could you share one of those?
Austrella: I have aspirations to develop in Benin, whether through new real estate ventures or improved facilities, fostering growth in the community. I also aim to build and invest in the U.S., whether in real estate, businesses, or other investments. My goal is to pursue these opportunities in the near future, God willing. I firmly believe that what's meant for you will always find its way to you and never pass you by. The actions I am taking now will pave the way for what is destined for me. While the timeline is uncertain—be it five, ten, or fifteen years—I am confident that great things are on the horizon for me.
Final Thoughts
Elijah: Final question, what would you consider core principles for what it means to be Austrella?
Austrella: One theme I've always lived by is persistence. Never giving up on what you want because it's always within reach; it's just a matter of when you'll achieve it. Another important aspect is always being there for your friends, providing a listening ear and support. So many people have lifted me up, and I believe in doing the same for others, especially for my friends. I wouldn't be who I am today without the help of those who have supported me, and it's important to give back to your community. Even a simple text to say hello can make a big difference.
Lastly, remember to have fun and not take life too seriously. Enjoy the journey, meet new people, and understand that life will unfold in ways you can't predict. When I was 14, I could never have imagined being where I am today, but here I am.
Elijah: I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to have this conversation with me. It's been exhilarating to learn about your past, your heritage from Benin, as well as your experiences in St. Louis and how they've shaped who you are today. Learning about your unexpected journey into finance has been fascinating, and it’s clear you have aspirations that reach far beyond that horizon. Honestly, those dreams aren't even that distant. I’m excited to see what you'll accomplish in Benin and here. Working with you, I look forward to witnessing your success in that space as well.
Austrella,
Welcome to the Industry.
Welcome to NUFRIENDS.
