Why Your Network - Not Just Your Knowledge - Builds Treasury Careers

What truly accelerates your treasury career? It’s not just what you know - it’s who knows you.

In this episode, we uncover how relationship-building, mentorship, and showing up authentically can propel you from entry-level analyst to treasury leader.

Sherri Nicole Speaks is the Vice President, Treasury at JBT Marel Corporation, a leading global provider of technology solutions to the food and beverage industry, headquartered in Chicago.

On this episode Sherri shares her extraordinary career journey. From being laid off during the 2007 subprime mortgage crisis to leading treasury operations for a global food technology company, Sherri offers invaluable insights into personal growth, professional development, and the power of saying “yes.”

A lifelong Chicagoan, Sherri holds a BA in Economics from the University of Illinois and both an MBA and a Master’s in Accounting from Keller Graduate School of Management.

She has been an active contributor to the Association for Financial Professionals (AFP) for over 15 years and was elected to the AFP Board of Directors in 2024.

Main topics discussed:

• How Sherri transitioned from subprime mortgage underwriting to treasury by starting over as an assistant.
• The moment she realized treasury could be a fulfilling, long-term career.
• Why building internal and external networks was critical to her career advancement.
• The pivotal role of mentors and allies - especially her experiences with supportive leaders at ITW and JBT.
• Her rise from senior analyst to treasurer and the strategic growth of her department.
• Involvement with AFP and how saying “yes” to opportunities opened new doors.
• Navigating personal and professional challenges, including imposter syndrome and anxiety.
• Building a personal brand as an “unapologetically authentic” leader.
• The importance of investing in junior talent and preparing the next generation.
• Her perspective on technology, AI, and the evolving treasury landscape.

You can connect with Sherri Nicole Speaks on LinkedIn.

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