Monday, November 4, 2024

Marco Proto: From CEMS Leadership to Navigating Global Financial Strategies

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Marco Proto: From CEMS Leadership to Navigating Global Financial Strategies
  • Graduated from the CEMS MIM programme in 2011, currently working as Senior Manager, Risk & Regulatory Advisory, KPMG Norway
  • Class of 2006, the Norwegian School of Economics, NHH
  • LinkedIn Profile: Marco Proto
  • Watch Marco’s interview: coming soon

Short introduction about Marco:

Marco Proto was the President of the CEMS Student Board from December 2010 to December 2011, leading a global team and overseeing key projects and meetings. He was also active in the CEMS Executive Board, Academic Committee, and Globalization Committee.
Before this, Marco represented CEMS students from the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH) from December 2009 to December 2010. He contributed to the MIM Affairs team, working on projects to enhance the CEMS Master's curriculum with student input.

Following his graduation, Marco embarked on a career at Coca-Cola as a financial analyst. Four years later he became a commercial finance senior manager within the same company. He then transitioned into private equity where he was risk manager at Cubera private Equity for five years. Today, Marco is senior manager, risk & regulatory advisory at KPMG Norway.

The following interview explores Marco’s leadership experiences within CEMS and how they have shaped his professional journey.

1. How do you feel that financial strategies can drive social change?

Integrating social impact into financial strategies is not only responsible but also practical. Social consequences often manifest quickly and can significantly influence public perception and a company's long-term viability. A strategy that ignores social consequences might face immediate backlash, forcing a change or giving competitors the edge. 
On the other hand, aligning financial strategies with positive social outcomes can foster trust and long-term support from consumers, communities, and regulators. Through my career I’ve seen firsthand how clients value strategies that consider both financial returns and social responsibility. It's about ensuring that success is sustainable for all stakeholders.

2. You secured a role at Coca-Cola shortly after graduation. How difficult was it to land that first job?

In hindsight, the job search process wasn’t as daunting as it felt at the time, but the pressure was there. Coming from a competitive business school environment, it’s normal to feel like the odds are stacked against you, especially when many of your peers also are targeting similar roles. 
Persistence is key. Most people go through writing many applications and interviews before landing that first position. For me, the combination of networking, leveraging the CEMS community, and being open to new opportunities was crucial in getting my foot in the door at Coca-Cola.

3. How has CEMS shaped your career and influenced your professional journey?

CEMS instilled in me an appreciation for diversity and community. Learning to know and work with such a diverse group of people during my studies has been an advantage in my career development. Some may thrive in relatively homogeneous environments, but most work environments are anything but that. If you’re unable to appreciate what the differences among your co-workers can bring to the table, you’re likely missing out on considerable added value. 
Be at ease with diversity and know that you are part of a community of co-workers who spend time together to achieve a common goal while having a good time.

4. As a former CEMS Student Board President and NHH representative, what motivated you to be a leader? And what did these roles teach you about leadership?

The CEMS community is unique because it’s structured to involve students at every level of its governance. After representing NHH on the Student Board, I was motivated by the passion and dedication I saw in my fellow students. They believed that contributing to CEMS would amplify the value they got out of it, and that inspired me to step up as a leader.
These roles taught me the true essence of leadership, and that it’s about guiding rather than managing. The Student Board members didn’t need management. They were self-driven. My job was to provide direction, keep everyone aligned, and help us collectively reach our goals. Leadership is about ensuring people feel supported and empowered to succeed, and that’s a lesson I carry with me to this day.

5. With the CEMS programme’s increased focus on hard-skills and technical development, what advice do you have for students interested in finance or risk management?

“Finance” covers a wide array of roles, and it’s important to figure out which path excites you the most – whether it’s risk management, investments, data analysis, or even a more tech-driven role. I often suggest following the 70/30 rule when developing your skill set: 70 % of your focus should be on the core hard skills that will directly benefit your desired role, while the remaining 30 % should broaden your understanding of the industry.
For example, if you want to pursue equity analysis, dive deep into financial modeling, valuation techniques, and the fundamentals of accounting. But also, spend time learning about technology trends or exploring sectors you’re passionate about. That extra knowledge can differentiate you from other candidates. Flexibility and an open mind will serve you well in a field as dynamic as finance.

6. Can you share a memory from your CEMS experience that stands out?

There are so many incredible memories from my CEMS journey that it’s hard to only pick one. The Nordic Forum at NHH in 2009, our Student Board meetings across Europe, the Executive Board meeting in Brazil, the kickoff week in Voss, and the semester at Bocconi all stand out. But what really stays with me are the friendships and connections made during that time. I remember the smiling faces, the sense of camaraderie and the genuine kindness of everyone I met. It was bittersweet to part ways after graduation, but those memories and the people I met will always be with me.