Page 10 - The BCW - 40 Under 40 - Rising Stars 2020

40UNDER40 | RISING STARS OF WESTCHESTER
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LOLA GAZIVODA
Business and Professional Banking Team Leader – Vice President
M&T Bank
What is the last book you read?
“Wine Folly: The Essential Guide to Wine” by Madeline Puckette and Justin Hammack. When I started looking for a new book to read, the search all revolved around food somehow. So, I actually bought a book about
cheese-making as well as this wine book.
I bought both of them and decided that even though we were quarantined, the cheese-making was way too much of an activity. Now, reading about different wines from around the world and putting gears in motion to someday visit wineries to taste these wines, seemed such a good feel book in these times.
What is your favorite TV Program?
There are so many awesome TV shows, but the one that I absolutely loved watching was “Suits.” It’s absolutely brilliant and it turns
a topic like lawsuits into falling in love with each one of the characters. We all need a Harvey and Donna in our lives (by the way).
Provide one business tip that has helped in your success?
I always say that in any situation you
should always choose to ask for what you want. So, ask for that raise, or ask for that promotion or ask for that meeting etc. Just ask, because the chances of you getting a yes right away increase by 50% and that’s
a return of investment anyone would take. And if the answer is still no after you ask, oh well, you already started with the no anyway. No loss there.
ANNE MARIE GIANUTSOS
Chief Marketing Officer
Drone Racing League
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
This will likely be longer than 10 years, but my long-term goals include producing theater. Post health
crisis, we will long for the magic of witnessing live performance and I want to contribute to how the next generation of theater manifests itself.
Name one habit of a highly successful person.
Helping others succeed and providing opportunities for all to rise.
Provide one business tip that has helped in your success.
In the earliest part of my career I
was fortunate to receive leadership training at GE’s famed Crotonville campus. GE believes that exposing leaders across industries, in the same discipline, creates innovative, growth- oriented leaders. I wholeheartedly believe in this philosophy and have practiced it. Some of the best work I’ve done was informed by ideas from another industry.
JOSEPH V. GRAZIOSE
Vice President
RXR Realty
If you could have lunch with one historic figure, who would it be?
If given the opportunity to have lunch with one historic figure, I would want
to share a meal with Pope John Paul II. The Pope’s ability to travel to so many countries and impact so many lives had always been something I admired growing up.
Why is the Business Council so important to Westchester County’s economy?
In recent months, the world has been reminded of how challenging life can be. Whether it is navigating the impacts of Covid-19 or pushing for social and racial equality, it is important for groups like the BCW to be available in our community
to help bring people together, connect businesses and provide support and resources to keep Westchester County a vibrant and successful place for all for generations to come.
What do you enjoy most about your chosen profession/industry?
Working in real estate development is very rewarding and it is wonderful to see the vision for a project come to life and be built. But what I enjoy most is creating community and being able to witness people moving into our residential buildings and taking advantage of what living in this part of the country has to offer. I get to play a small role in creating someone’s home, and it’s extremely fulfilling.
JEFFREY M. HELF
Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
PCSB Bank
What is your most cherished hobby?
From a young age, I’ve always enjoyed the competition and pursuit of perfection that bowling provides, whether in youth leagues, high school/college competitions, adult leagues and individual/team tournaments.
What is the last book you read?
“When Genius Failed” by Roger Lowenstein, a fascinating look at how scientific investing and financial derivatives resulted in the collapse and bailout of a hedge fund in the ‘90s.
Provide one example from your educational experience that has led to your business success.
High school accounting class taught me that fear of public speaking is mitigated by passion for the subject, effective preparation of the material and understanding your audience.
S10 | WESTCHESTER COUNTY 40UNDER40 | 2020