PondelWilkinson Profiles: Judy Sfetcu
This month marks Judy Sfetcu’s 25th anniversary at PondelWilkinson. Our longest tenured staff member, Judy oversees a host of firm functions, as well as managing several investor relations accounts, including Monster Beverage, which has been a client for more than two decades. We caught up with the firm’s vice president in our ongoing Q&A series to learn a little more about her personal life and some of the experiences that have shaped her career.
What was your first job?
Passing out menu flyers for restaurants. I just turned 17 at the time and moved to New York City from South America about a week prior. My next job was scooping ice cream at Baskin Robbins. Much more fun.
How long have you been in the IR industry?
Twenty five of my 27 years have been at PondelWilkinson. I spent my first two years working for a publicly traded apparel manufacturing company, which piqued my interest and passion in investor relations.
If you had to pick one word to describe what you do, what would it be?
Multitasker. Hands down the best word that describes me and encompasses my job. I’m pretty much a jack of all trades at the firm, from working with the investment community on behalf of investor relations clients, to planning, accounting and human resources for PondelWilkinson.
What is the favorite part about your job?
Learning about all the different types of businesses we represent, how they operate and how we help companies maneuver through the investor landscape. This gives me a plethora of knowledge about different industries, management styles and achieving success
What is the least favorite part about your job?
I would have to say managing quarterly reporting schedules. Most public companies report earnings around the same timeframe, and sometimes, clients report results on the same day. Life becomes super hectic during earnings season.
What do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy traveling, dancing and attending the theater. Living in Los Angeles provides plenty of options to keep me entertained and happy.
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever done?
I know it may sound odd, but I don’t do weird things, although I’m quite adventurous when it comes to food. My most recent trip to Philadelphia had me eating authentic sautéed snails!
What’s something that recently made you smile?
About a month ago, I saw a butterfly in my backyard struggling to fly. It kept bumping into things. I went outside to see if I could pick it up and noticed its legs were stuck together with some type of lint. I was able to remove the string-like material, and happily, I watched it fly away. It was one of the most beautiful butterflies and being able to help it put a smile on my face.
What’s next on your bucket list?
Traveling back home to visit my family in Taiwan for Chinese New Year, Asia’s most celebrated season. I haven’t visited my family for almost four years because of Covid. I am super excited, since it has been so many years since I properly and traditionally celebrated Chinese New Year. Looking forward to the Year of Rabbit on January 22, 2023.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard?
“Forgiveness is really for yourself, not the person you are angry with.” I am not sure where I originally heard that, but often the person who angers you is unaware of your feelings. I’ve learned that it’s best to let go, otherwise these emotions will only hurt you in the end.
— Shannon Clemons, sclemons@pondel.com
