#14 Brad Levy: Managing Uncertainty. How to Lead in Volatile Times

In this episode, I’m joined by Brad Levy, CEO of Symphony. Brad has spent decades at the intersection of finance and technology - a bold thinker, seasoned operator, and one of the most respected voices in fintech.

Before Wall Street was even on the horizon, Brad’s entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic were already taking shape. From the age of 14, he was earning his stripes working at Woodbury Commons, landscaping gardens, instructing tennis, and operating ski lifts. But it was a job during his sophomore year at university, researching municipal finance, that ultimately sparked his entry into the markets in 1992.

From 1992 to 2012, he spent two decades on Wall Street building deep expertise as a muni banker and later leading across capital markets, e-commerce, market structure, and strategic investments.

Since 2012, he has held senior leadership roles at IHS Markit and Symphony, where he’s been a leader, operator, builder, and transformer.

Brad always brings the best energy with him and this episode is no different!

Key Takeaways

Surround yourself with good people during tough times.

Flexibility is key in leadership and personal growth.

Authenticity in leadership requires balancing vulnerability and responsibility.

Crisis moments reveal true character and trust.

The importance of presence in navigating change.

Frameworks help structure thoughts and actions for success.

Measuring success through KPIs is essential for growth.

Time management is crucial in a fast-paced world.

Failure is a feature of the journey, not a bug.