Kelly Gusmão: Breaking Taboos and Inspiring Women in Finance

Breaking Barriers: Prejudice, Sisterhood, and Overcoming Obstacles

Despite initial success, Kelly faced an unexpected type of prejudice: female rivalry. At her trading desk, female colleagues "made her life hell," betting on when she would resign. There were also clients who preferred to be served by men, believing they would have more knowledge. However, these experiences never shook her. On the contrary, they pushed her to seek more knowledge and overcome challenges.

Lívia Matos emphasized the importance of sisterhood, a pillar of Donas da Voz, and how society has historically encouraged competition among women. Kelly agrees, but notes an evolution: "The word sisterhood is more present in our lives nowadays... we are on the right path." The goal is to build a future with equal opportunities for the next generations.

Powerful Lessons: Controlling Reaction and the Middle Way

One of Wall Street's most striking lessons came from a happy hour incident, where a colleague asked: "What's your price? How much to sleep with you?" Shocked, Kelly had a moment of profound reflection: "We don't control what others say and do to us. We only control how we react." She decided to prove him wrong, without holding anger, because "anger is a poison of the mind".

This philosophy extends to her public life. Upon being recognized by Forbes as one of the most relevant women in the financial market, Kelly applies the Buddhist concept of the "middle way": not to be blinded by praise and not to be shaken by criticism. It's a daily exercise in deconstructing the ego to maintain balance.

Unveiling Money: Freedom and the Wonder Woman Myth

Lívia addresses the challenge of balancing personal and professional life. Kelly, with the same frankness, confesses: "I can't balance it. Something always drops. The story of being Wonder Woman who handles everything doesn't exist." She acknowledges failures in various areas but sees them as opportunities for growth, without overly criticizing herself. "There is no such perfect world, no such recipe for success".

Regarding money, Kelly and Lívia agree that it's a topic surrounded by limiting beliefs ("money doesn't grow on trees," "it doesn't bring happiness"). Kelly refutes this idea: "Happiness is not linear and not constant. Happiness consists of moments. And money can buy certain moments and situations." It impacts education, health, entertainment, and gives us freedom. Lívia recalls advice from her mother, Léa: "Your first marriage is called work, employment. Have your own money, and you will always be free." For women, financial independence is fundamental to being "masters of their own voice" and living their lives on their own terms.

What Defines a Powerful Woman?

Asked about what defines a powerful woman, Kelly Gusmão lists:

• Autonomy: how she governs herself and lives her life.
• Self-confidence: knows what she does and why she does it.
• Resilience: ability to overcome challenges.
• Empathy: putting oneself in another's shoes, compassion.
• Leadership by example: mentor and guide.
• Financial independence.
• Solidarity: supporting other causes and women.
• Passion and determination with purpose.

The Best Advice: "Don't Worry, Everything Will Be Alright"

At the end of the interview, when asked, "If you could go back in time, what would you say to 15-year-old Kelly?", Kelly responds with advice she still applies to herself: "Don't worry, everything will be alright." It's a reminder that, with autonomy and self-confidence, it's up to us to make things work, cultivating that energetic frequency of tranquility and certainty.

The conversation with Kelly Gusmão is an inspiring invitation for all women to re-evaluate their relationship with money, their ambitions, and the innate power to transform challenges into stepping stones for success and true freedom. It is proof that, with courage and purpose, we are capable of achieving whatever we desire, inspiring and supporting other women along the way.