Today on Take the Stage, and our special series Ladies Who Rock, we shine the spotlight on Bukie Adebo Umeano, Investment Principal at Anthemis, a global VC firm that backs inclusive fintech and insurtech founders.

Bukie dives into her unconventional journey into venture capital, the lessons she’s picked up along the way, and shares no-nonsense advice for anyone looking to break into VC or carve out their own path in a not-so-linear career.

Episode Highlights

[02:25] How Bukie’s Career Path Took Shape

Bukie shares how she stumbled into consulting post-undergrad (without even knowing what VC was!) and how each career step helped her refine what she actually wanted in her professional life.

[09:06] Discovering Venture Capital

She walks us through the gradual “lightbulb moments” that got her thinking seriously about VC.

[11:25] Building Skills Before You Get the Job

Bukie breaks down the two biggest things junior VC hopefuls need to demonstrate.

[16:13] How to Build a Standout Investment Thesis

She shares her own experience crafting an investment thesis pre-VC and explains her method for combining deep-dive research and market analysis to build a point of view that turns heads (even if your first few ideas miss the mark!).

[22:49] Avoiding the One-Size-Fits-All Trap

Bukie highlights how every VC firm is different—and why it’s crucial to tailor your approach when networking or applying.

[27:32] Networking Tips That Actually Work

Bukie shares the real strategies that helped her build meaningful connections in the VC world.

[34:39] Navigating Bias and Underestimation

Bukie opens up about being underestimated in rooms where people don’t expect to see a Black woman investor—and how she prepares, shows up confidently, and handles those moments with grace and resolve.

[46:02] Learning Through Deal-Making

Reflecting on leading early-stage deals and the surprising personal growth that comes with negotiating investment terms.

[48:22] Recognition and Staying Energized

Bukie talks about being named a VCJ Rising Star for 2025, what that recognition means to her, and why moments of validation—while not the ultimate goal—help fuel the journey.

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Connect with Bukie on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠

📍 Anthemis: ⁠Website⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠

📩 Connect with Alexis Alvarez on ⁠LinkedIn

🌐⁠⁠ career-rockstars.com⁠⁠

Today on Take the Stage, and our special series Ladies Who Rock, we shine the spotlight on Clara de Bienassis, People & Well-being Director at Stone Soup Consulting, a global social impact consultancy rooted in empathy, diversity, and purpose-driven work.

Clara’s journey is anything but traditional—starting in investment banking and ultimately finding her calling in impact. In this episode, she shares how an early experience with microfinance in Ecuador reshaped her career, and why she believes business can—and should—be built around human connection.

Episode Highlights:

[02:11] Clara’s Career Journey

From Finance to Impact: Clara reflects on her early years in banking, how childhood experiences shaped her values, and the pivotal moment in Paris that introduced her to the world of NGOs and microfinance.

[03:24] Leaving Banking for Purpose

Clara opens up about feeling unfulfilled in banking and how a microfinance internship in Paris—and a volunteer stint in rural Ecuador—helped her realign her career around impact.

[06:51] Choosing Values-Aligned Work

Clara explains how she evaluates organizations to ensure alignment with her values, highlighting the importance of shared language, strategy, and intuition.

[07:34] Joining Stone Soup

Clara shares how she built her way into a leadership role at Stone Soup through relationship-building and aligned collaboration, eventually becoming a partner.

[08:32] Diversity as a Strength—and a Commitment

With a team spanning over 12 countries, Clara explains how true diversity—not just as a buzzword—drives richer problem-solving and innovative thinking at Stone Soup (even if it comes with challenges).

[09:56] Making the 4-Day Workweek Work

Clara walks through their trial of a 32-hour, 4-day week for core staff—same pay, same expectations—and how it’s improved well-being without sacrificing performance.

[12:36] Empathy and Vulnerability in Leadership

Clara connects empathy to company culture, leadership, and being woman-led—pointing out how listening, openness, and acceptance of failure drives Stone Soup’s internal success.

[15:57] Rethinking Remote Work

Clara reflects on the return-to-office trend and explains why flexibility is a non-negotiable for mission-driven consulting, especially when working globally.

[17:12] Connection in a Global Remote Team

From dedicated chat channels to “virtual coffees” to biennial retreats, Clara outlines the small-but-intentional practices that create connection across their distributed team.

[19:35] Advice for Values-Driven Leaders

Clara’s tip? Build strategy and values collaboratively—and make sure people join not just to work but to be part of something larger than themselves.

[20:45] The Meaning Behind 'Stone Soup'

Clara ends with the legend that inspired the firm’s name—a metaphor for collective contribution, shared resources, and creating something greater together.

📍 Stone Soup Capital: Website | LinkedIn

Connect with Clara on LinkedIn:

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📩 Connect with Alexis Alvarez on LinkedIn

Today on Take the Stage, and our special series Ladies Who Rock, we shine the spotlight on Maria de Palacio, Head of Finance and Operations at GAWA Capital, the largest impact fund manager in Spain that is focused on providing market-based solutions to key societal issues.

Maria shares how she transitioned into impact investing, why Europe has a unique opportunity to lead, and the power of women-led finance communities. She also unpacks the differences between ESG and impact investing and how returns and impact can work together.

Episode Highlights

[02:24] Maria’s Journey into Impact Investing

• From consulting and financial regulation to impact investing, Maria shares what led her to this space and why it felt like the right move.

[04:42] What is Impact Investing?

• Maria explains how impact investing differs from ESG, why it’s more than just a buzzword, and how investors measure real-world impact.

[07:04] The Role of Serendipity in Career Moves

• Making a big career shift isn’t easy, but Maria shares how unexpected moments and a strong sense of purpose helped her take the plunge.

[15:30] Trends Shaping the Impact Investing Landscape –

• From increased regulations to combating "impact washing," Maria breaks down the latest shifts in the space and what’s on the horizon.

[17:47] Can Europe Take the Lead in Impact Investing?

• With global policies evolving, Maria discusses whether Europe can take the reins in impact investing, despite political and regulatory challenges.

[22:41] The Power of Women in Finance & Community Building

• Maria highlights how women-led networks are driving change in investing and why building a strong community is key for professional growth.

[29:49] Impact vs. Returns: Do You Have to Choose?

• A common misconception is that impact comes at the cost of returns—Maria sets the record straight on why financial performance and meaningful impact go hand in hand.

[36:54] Future of Impact Investing & Final Thoughts

• Maria shares her vision for where the industry is headed and why younger generations are playing a crucial role in pushing impact investing forward.

📍 GAWA Capital: Website

📍 Women in Impact Investing Network: Reach out to Maria for details!

Connect with Maria on LinkedIn:

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🌐 career-rockstars.com

📩 Connect with Alexis Alvarez on LinkedIn