Female Executive in Fintech Talks: Brazilian Economist Dani Levine - Global Economy is Evolving on the Circular Economy

Very few of us had a clear idea of what we want to become when we grow up. Well, a lot of kids did say they wanna to grow up and be an astronaut, a scientist, a rock star, or whatnot, but how many of us followed through?

For Dani Levine, she knew that she was going to be working in the finance when she was only 14, and now she is, an economist based in Brasilia, Brazil. She is also the Head of Sales LATAM for The Bear Traps Report, and she is writing a book on circular economy.

We contacted Dani in February and wondered if she was interested in having a quick talk with Fazzaco on the upcoming International Women's Day, and we got a yes from her and then we had the following interview where she shared her ideas on the situation of women in finance and where the economy is heading.

Fazzaco: Hi Dani! Thanks for joining us at Fazzaco today! How's everything?

Dani: Thank you so much, it's an honor to be interviewed at Fazzaco in celebration of Women's Day! I live in Brasília, Brazil's capital, currently working remotely, as I took one step back on my career to be closer to my parents and family. Challenging but a reality for many professional women.

Fazzaco: Of all the females you know, who has inspired you the most?

Dani: I have been inspired in different ways by many professional women who have crossed my path during my Wall Street career…just to mention a few of them: at RBS (Royal Bank of Scotland) I noticed Ellen Alemany managing her growing career and family life. I had a great manager at Citigroup, Allison Flynn who taught me that the sky is the limit even though I faced great challenges as an immigrant. While working at JETRO, Hiroko Furuichi taught me about the importance of details. At Morgan Stanley with Laura Poling, I learned to keep cool but professional…and the list just grows.

However, coming back to your question the closest inspiration for me is my mother, Maria Laura, who was always ahead of her time and as a nurse, worked 3 shifts and managed her household and motherhood gracefully.

Fazzaco: Tell us about the story that led you to your current job as an economist.

Dani: Since High School I knew I wanted work on Wall Street. My friends had uncertainties about their career and aspirations, but I pursued my dream since age 14. LOL! When I scored second place on the exam to enroll at the University in Brasilia on Economy Science, then later decided to pursue my education in USA, I knew that I wanted to work in Finance and that would make me happy. I have done different jobs and all of them led me to build skills important for an economist.

Fazzaco: That was really inspirational! But is it difficult to be in your line of business as a woman?

Dani: Being a woman working in a predominantly male field has its own challenges. Once in the beginning of my career I worked for a small Loans boutique within Wall Street, and we had our end of the year holiday party at Fraunces Tavern, the only females in that extremely busy place were my manager and myself. And she was explaining to me how challenging was for her in the 70s. Since then I have understood the endurance required of me. I used to believe that women exaggerated when talking about Machoism but I now I understand that is still a factor nowadays.

Fazzaco: Some believe that political correctness in the United States has gone too far, do you believe it is true or just an overstatement?

Dani: I believe the Political Correctness has somewhat backfired on the feminist movement within the US. Overstatement is not healthy, and probably the radical feminists would hate me but I'm not an extremist. I do believe in equality of sex at workplace but it is undeniable the different roles the male and female play in raising a family. Also, perception is reality and I respect different point of views.

Fazzaco: Covid has made a lot of people jobless, women in particular. What is your opinion?

Dani: In my opinion women have always been the most vulnerable class in the job market. We have undeniably natural disadvantages as Sheryl Sandberg stated in her bestseller Lean in.

COVID is only accelerating the process of Digital Transformation and is one more challenging of the New World Order. Working remotely has many positive points for women including being able to participate in family routine.

Fazzaco: How would you enjoy yourself outside of work?

Dani: Outside of work I am very versatile. I love to spend quality time with my family and friends, love to travel, I have a crazy passion for fashion even as a secondary career and I am a big reader which led me to write my soon upcoming book about the Circular Economy.

Fazzaco: Congrats! Speaking of economy, what are your thoughts on where the global economy is heading?

Dani: The global economy is evolving on the Circular Economy, starting with the changing of mentality worldwide. I have so much to say about this subject; its gains and its possible losses for a variety of professions and fields, and looking from the investor's point of view, all develop in my upcoming book about the Circular Economy, the new way to profit. However, in general I advocate for the movement, and I fully embrace the concept of preserving the environment for the upcoming generations.