by Jim Toes, STA President & CEO

The fast-paced, high-stakes and competitive realities of our business can tempt many of us to be transactional in our approach to and interactions with clients, colleagues and superiors. That’s a shortsighted mentality. If your career strategy involves anticipating a promotion following just a few achievements or expecting business to flow your way after only one meeting and a dinner, it will almost certainly fail over the long term and fall short of true success.

True long-term success – as measured by both financial gain and the emotional fulfillment derived from deep personal relationships – requires a few essential characteristics: patience, discipline, sincerity and integrity. For some, these personality traits come naturally; for most, however, they need to be developed.

Last night, the rewards of having a longer-term vision for one’s career path were on full display when a room filled with industry titans gathered to honor Rich Repetto, who, after close to 30 years as a research analyst in the exchange and market infrastructure space, recently stepped away from his current role to begin a new chapter in his life. Rich, a West Point class of 1980 graduate and former helicopter pilot, has served his country and now our industry with distinction and honor. He leaves behind a formidable legacy built upon hard work and meaningful relationships.

Among the accolades highlighted in a thoughtful video put together by the evening’s hosts, business leaders both past and present described how Rich took the time to sit down and truly understand their businesses and their visions. Often these visions were just that: ideas with no measurable visibility. But for Rich, they represented a chance to engage, learn and possibly help someone along the way. That’s the kind of mindset that can lead to immense fulfillment on both the professional and personal levels.

Rich exemplifies how true long-term success requires a long-game mindset. While the industry is now saying goodbye to one of its finest, we can all learn from that example and become harder workers, better listeners and more supportive colleagues in the process.

Special thanks to NYSE for hosting and creating a special moment for a special person.