Taking chances and making bold financial moves with Jenny Just, Co-Founder & Managing Partner at PEAK6.
Recent months have seen significant fluctuations in the stock market, leaving many investors feeling anxious. Experts indicate that this volatility is likely to persist. So, how can you take risks in such an unpredictable environment?
Finding safety while also pushing your boundaries is essential. Big risks can lead to substantial rewards. Many of us fantasize about launching our own ventures and wonder if we possess the skills needed to lead a company, create a product, or test our limits as women.
We often discuss the meaning of success in our financial journeys, careers, and personal relationships. The reality is that there’s a vast range of ways for women to embrace risks and make impactful decisions that enhance our lives. This range continues to expand as new career opportunities arise and women excel in fields traditionally dominated by men.
This week, we’re exploring calculated risks and significant financial choices with one of the most accomplished voices in the industry — Jenny Just, one of the few self-made female billionaires in the U.S. From her beginnings on Chicago's trading floor to founding a fintech powerhouse, she has established or revitalized over fifteen companies. In 1997, she co-founded PEAK6 with $1.5M in seed funding, evolving it into a multibillion-dollar financial services and tech leader. Jenny specializes in transforming underfunded sectors into thriving businesses, always seeking to create opportunities for women across various arenas — from classrooms to corporate boardrooms, even at the poker table. In 2020, she launched Poker Power, an initiative that teaches poker to women, enhancing their skills in strategic thinking, capital allocation, and decision-making.
As expected, the conversation is rich and varied. Jean and Jenny tackle topics like risk and the confidence to embrace it — in life, work, and investing. They chat about Poker Power, what women learn, and the energy that arises when women take their places at the table. Make sure to catch Jenny's insights on mastering your “poker face” and its significance in negotiations. They also delve into the fears surrounding risk — why does the “status quo” often feel safer, and how can we push beyond that?
Additionally, they explore decision-making and negotiating deals as they pertain to careers and investments. Jenny shares her observations on the current market landscape, offering sage advice for investors, particularly those who might be more hesitant to take risks. In the Mailbag segment, we provide guidance to a woman on where to allocate extra retirement funds, and we hear from a listener seeking the best investment options for her niece and nephew's futures. In Thrive, we’ll discuss how to host a budget-friendly summer BBQ while still having a blast.
