Morgan Stanley exec Lindsey Coleman shares her coffee-meeting request to tell who is serious about a Wall Street career

Lindsey Coleman, the head of fixed income client coverage for the Americas at Morgan Stanley, has shared insights on what sets successful professionals apart in the Wall Street world. According to Coleman, networking is often overrated and she believes that building relationships through consistent evidence of care, understanding, and trust is far more important.

In light of AI's impact on the job market, Coleman asserts that interpersonal skills and human judgment have become increasingly vital. To gauge a person's true interest in her job, Coleman invites them to a coffee meeting where they are expected to present three articles or studies for discussion. This simple request reveals the candidate's level of commitment and willingness to engage with the role.

Coleman's success at Morgan Stanley, spanning over two decades, has been attributed to her intellectual curiosity, adaptability, and discipline. These qualities have helped her stand out even during challenging times, such as the financial crisis. Today, Coleman advises aspiring professionals to stay curious, be useful before becoming important, embrace discomfort, build relationships, and adopt a long-term perspective.