Jenn Cronin

Managing Director and Head of Marketing, Great Rock Capital

Jenn Cronin is a managing director and head of marketing at Great Rock Capital.  She joined the company in 2018 to lead Great Rock’s marketing initiatives and, as their first marketing officer, Jenn started with a blank slate responsible for developing, implementing and executing the company’s marketing strategy. She has played a key role in growing the originations platform from a team of three to nine, which increased Great Rock’s footprint to six new cities across North America.

Jenn spent the first 16 years of her career at MBIA Inc., where she held various roles with increasing responsibilities in marketing, new business development, investor relations and risk management. During her tenure at MBIA, she helped launch new products, grow business verticals, and served as a company liaison for equity and fixed income investors.  With her understanding of capital markets and credit skill set, Jenn has been able to expand the marketing role beyond traditional confines. 

Jenn earned her M.B.A. in investment management and B.A. in finance from Pace University.  She is a member of the Turnaround Management Association, Secured Finance Network, and the Association of Corporate Growth.

What advice would you offer to women just starting out in the industry? 

Don’t be shy! While the percentage of women in the finance industry continues to grow, the scale still tips well in favor of men. This is a huge opportunity and your time to shine…take full advantage to demonstrate your intellect and confidence, because nine times out of ten, people will remember you and the conversation.  Also, be a sponge and learn from everyone around you without putting a major focus on titles and experience; it really takes a village.  When I joined Great Rock three years ago, I was brand new to this industry, and the insight I gained from our analyst team was just as important as the guidance from our senior leaders.  

What do you know now that you wish you knew in the beginning of your career? 

There is a substantial difference between being busy versus being productive.  While there are circumstances beyond our control where we must work around the clock, exhaustion can really backfire.  A sharp and fresh mind is invaluable to both you and your company.  

How do you balance work/personal time? 

I maximize the time when my mind is the clearest.  No one is cut from the same cloth, and we are all unique.  I am one of those people who did their best thinking while brushing their teeth or during my morning drive to the office.  It was hard to maximize that time but, over the last year, I’ve taken advantage of the flexibility provided with a remote work environment and am far more productive before 9:00 a.m. than I am during the late afternoon.  Getting a jump on the day not only results in a more efficient output for me, but it frees me up earlier to spend time with family and friends or participate in virtual networking events.  Planning also saves a material amount of time.  Before I check out on Friday, I lay out my to-do list and calendar for the following week.  I include both work and personal responsibilities and, while the list changes and evolves daily, it helps me focus and optimize my time. 

What do you think work will look like in the post-pandemic world? 

Having been in a new business and marketing role since 2014, I had become a road warrior. At the height of my travel, I remember a time when I visited eight different baseball stadiums in three weeks and knew I had seen the Mississippi River twice in less than one week, but could not remember exactly where I had been.  I would say those days are in the past.  I do think corporate travel will start to come back later this year, but it will be slow and strategic.   Relationships will always be a cornerstone to success in our business, and over the past year technology has been invaluable in helping to maintain and establish new relationships; however, a shared experience or a handshake (maybe an elbow bump) can go a long way in certain situations.