From Banker to Entrepreneur: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Burnout Recovery
Embrace Your Journey, Define Your Success, and Reclaim Your Well-being.
Early Career and a Pivotal Mentorship
Growing up in Maceió, a Brazilian coastal city, the idea of working for a global banking powerhouse like JPMorgan seemed distant. Yet, at 24, after four years with the Brazilian Financial and Capital Markets Association, an invitation from a colleague led her to join JPMorgan's São Paulo branch as an analyst. This unexpected opportunity felt surreal, especially after a prior failed internship attempt. A year into her tenure, a dynamic woman with a distinct presence and a Spanish accent captivated her attention. This woman, who later became her mentor and direct manager for 12 years, brought her into a front-office role, marking a transformative period in her career. Their combined efforts proved instrumental in her professional development.
Navigating a Male-Dominated Corporate Culture
Together, they were known as the \"cowgirls\"—two foreign women carving out a niche in a predominantly male Latin American market within an American bank. JPMorgan provided extensive training in American business culture, executive presence, language, and technical skills, which helped her adapt to the new environment. While they received significant support, they also encountered considerable resistance. Proving her capabilities was essential in every interaction, especially as a young woman in her mid-twenties. She even resorted to wearing glasses after laser eye surgery to appear older and more authoritative on the trading floor, often facing skepticism from male colleagues.
The Double-Edged Sword of Global Travel
In Brazil, her role in investor services involved frequent interactions with various companies and funds. She learned to engage in traditionally male-centric activities like barbecue dinners, club outings, and golf to maintain client relationships. Initially, global travel was exhilarating, taking her from local Brazilian trips to international destinations. However, the relentless travel schedule began to exact a heavy personal toll. Her six-year relationship dissolved due to constant absence, and she missed significant family events. Despite the substantial income, she found herself with no time for personal interests or fitness, leading her to overexert herself on weekends and then seek expensive spa treatments or acupuncture to alleviate the resulting stress.
The Allure and Perils of Success in New York
The pursuit of achievement became a powerful motivator; each success fueled a desire for more. She and her mentor consistently secured major clients, and working until the early hours to open accounts was seen as a necessary step for greater opportunities. Yet, increased success brought heightened scrutiny. While recognition was gratifying, it also meant zero tolerance for errors. In 2019, she relocated to New York City as a Vice President, moving from a familiar environment to a high-pressure hub where she had to continually prove her worth as a foreigner. The pandemic further complicated matters, leading her to Miami. When the company mandated a full-time return to New York or a job search, she explored private banking roles and ultimately moved to London with her partner. This decision, though difficult, reflected her realization that she did not aspire to her boss's demanding lifestyle or the role of a Managing Director.
Confronting Burnout in London
Before even arriving in London, signs of burnout were evident, culminating in a mild panic attack in December 2022 while managing a significant deal. Her personal relationship was strained, and her mother felt she would never return for Christmas. This incident prompted her to acknowledge the deteriorating impact on her health and personal identity. She realized that while the bank would always demand more, it was her responsibility to define her limits, despite the corporate culture where seeking help could be perceived as weakness. The move to London in 2023 was a cultural shock; the colder climate and reserved society made it difficult to form connections. Work lost its meaning, leading to physical discomfort and the onset of depression. After a year of therapy, she gathered the courage to resign, realizing banking no longer brought her happiness. She accepted full responsibility for her accumulated stress, acknowledging it wasn't solely the bank's fault.
A New Chapter: Rediscovery and Entrepreneurship
After officially leaving in November 2024, she found herself at a crossroads, without a clear next step or alternative ambition. She spent six months traveling, a period of introspection to redefine her identity beyond her corporate title. She had always introduced herself as "Wilma, who works at JPMorgan," and now needed to discover who "Wilma" was independently. Despite the struggles, stress, and lost relationships, she values her 14 years at the bank, which instilled in her the importance of continuous self-challenge and the pursuit of excellence. She now primarily resides in Miami, where she serves as a CEO and has launched a consulting firm for founders and small businesses, often referring clients to JPMorgan, demonstrating a positive outlook on her past experiences.