Julia Lukicheva

Assistant Vice President of Direct Marketing, ExWorks Capital

Biography:

Lulia Lukicheva joined ExWorks Capital at its inception in 2013. Since then she has been a member of the Originations Team, responsible for sourcing new business and heading the marketing department for the fund. As the assistant vice president of direct marketing, Julia is responsible for marketing and engaging new clients in need of financing through domestic, import, and export trade financing products. In spring 2017, she transferred from the corporate headquarters in Chicago to the Washington D.C. Metro Area to launch an office for the ExWorks Capital Fund and further expand the company’s East Coast presence. Julia now covers the New England and Mid-Atlantic markets for ExWorks Capital.

Prior to ExWorks Capital, Julia spearheaded the marketing department for RedRidge Finance Group. Julia is in the process of re-launching the Washington D.C. Metro Area SFNET Chapter and will sit on its Board of Directors. She also sits on the SFNET National Chapter’s Planning Committee for the SFNET Annual Convention. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from DePaul University in Finance and Marketing as well as a Certificate of Graphic Design from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Julia speaks three languages and holds a Cambridge University CELTA Certificate for International Studies.

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

Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as possible to continue learning every day. It is easy to be intimidated when starting out in any career. I remember being terrified of sounding unintelligent every time I had a question or hesitant of approaching people at networking functions because I felt like I had to prove myself immediately as a young female in a male-dominated industry. I remember hearing comments such as ‘you’re just too young to know.’ Be confident and remember that everyone was once in your shoes.

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

It took me a while to find out that connecting with others in the field is just as important as grinding out the day at your desk. Get involved in industry organizations and networking events as much as possible. I have come to realize that many people find mentors and guidance outside of their immediate circles, and the only way to do that is to put

yourself out there and meet influential people in the industry who will inspire you. I was also not as fortunate back then as I am with my present company, where I have amazing mentors including our CEO, Randy Abrahams, and my man- aging director, Matt Stanley, who both believe in and guide every one of their employees. My earlier jobs out of college did not have a mentorship network. I would have told myself to get involved as early as possible.

What kind of role has mentoring and/or sponsorship played in your career?

I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for key mentors in my life both person- ally and professionally. I have to say it is important to have both female and male mentors with different perspectives to guide you throughout your career. I believe a great mentor pushes you to do things that you think you’re unable to do or are not quite ready for. They see the greatest potential in you and, when you stumble, they know how to motivate you to pick yourself back up and push yourself harder. This is the greatest support of all.

What do you think the industry could do to attract and retain the best and the brightest today?

I strongly believe that organizations and companies need to partner with universities to engage and guide students at the beginning stages of their career. I find myself having conversations with college students about what kinds of jobs you can get with corresponding majors or what the job descriptions in our industry truly entail. I believe that there is immense  mutual benefit for the young professionals and the industry as a whole to have this matching made earlier. Employees will be happier sooner, and firms will be more productive.

Tell us something about yourself that may surprise people.

I immigrated to this country as a young child from St. Petersburg, Russia. The immigrant mentality of ‘work hard’ and ‘nothing comes easy’ was instilled in me at an early age. More importantly, having a broader, international perspective and cultural background helped me to network and build relationships in the industry. In business, it is crucial to understand other viewpoints. Sometimes it can be the key factor in reaching a successful outcome with both domestic and international clients. My ability to speak three languages and to think globally has given me a unique advantage. Whereas I used to try to blend in, I now embrace my international background.