Industry Leaders on the Path to the Corner Office: Don't compare yourself to others. Stay focused on your goals.

BNY Mellon's Deirdre Tunney Shares Career Journey Advice
Mar 14, 2014 5:10 PM ET
BNY Mellon's Deirdre Tunny oversees the development and implementation of compliance programs that have global, cross-business applicability, to include the Ethics Office, Personal Securities Trading Program, Business Conflicts Program, Compliance Training, Compliance Monitoring, Corporate Policy Program and the Government Contract/Anti-Corruption Office.

Throughout March, BNY Mellon's virtual mentoring series celebrates the journey to the corner office, exploring the career insights and candid perspectives of women executives who are leaders in their fields. These dedicated executives and career coaches share many common traits and values, reflecting how BNY Mellon has become the Investments Company for the World.

The head of BNY Mellon's company-wide Compliance Programs and Practices, Deirdre Tunney, shares her personal top five rules for career success:

  1. Do what makes you happy, and don't hesitate to change direction if you find yourself on the wrong path.
  2. Keep your nose down and do your best. Don't compare yourself to others -- stay focused on your goals.
  3. Everyone has a network — these folks know you, your talents and gifts. Reach out to them for advice, help and guidance.
  4. Find a silver lining in your work clouds. There will be clouds (and storms) regardless of what you choose.
  5. Just do it -- get things done!

Deirdre Tunney is the head of BNY Mellon's company-wide Compliance Programs and Practices in the Compliance and Ethics Department. In this role she oversees the development and implementation of compliance programs that have global, cross-business applicability, to include the Ethics Office, Personal Securities Trading Program, Business Conflicts Program, Compliance Training, Compliance Monitoring, Corporate Policy Program and the Government Contract/Anti-Corruption Office. In addition to her Compliance responsibilities, she serves as the Chief Risk Officer for the firm’s Business Partners.

Deirdre joined BNY Mellon in 1983 and has served in a variety of Product and Project Management and Distribution and Strategic Planning positions, with particular emphasis and expertise in retail banking. In 2012, she joined Risk and Compliance after serving as the Transition Team Manager for the divestiture of the company’s retail banking business to Citizens Bank.

Deirdre has an MBA with concentration in finance and marketing from Indiana University and a BA in political science from SUNY at Potsdam.