15 Years in, Why Former Barclays Executive Yolanda Clatworthy Still '[Loves] Delivering GLG Webinars.'

For nearly 15 years, London-based Network Member Yolanda Clatworthy has helped GLG clients understand both the basics and complexities of the credit market, from?unpacking complex debt products to assessing off balance sheet structures. A former Barclays executive, Yolanda draws on more than three decades of experience when leading personalized trainings and live webinars with financial professionals – from junior analysts on their first deal to senior executives looking for a refresher or a new angle. (You can catch recordings of these sessions in GLG’s Content Library.)?

We recently sat down with Yolanda to learn more about her experience working with GLG and what makes her one of our most requested Network Members.?

What unique value do you provide clients that they can’t find anywhere else??

Clients really love the bite-sized webinar format. They like the flexibility – it’s easy for them – and the length is perfect, at one hour. At many?firms, analysts used to get training on the desk, but that went out the window during?lockdown. The flexible webinar format has worked well as a substitute.?

The GLG Client Solutions professionals I partner with also maintain strong relationships with clients. I remember doing an in-person course with a client where the GLGer came with me. He obviously had a close relationship with the client’s distressed debt desk. They knew each other very well. I was impressed. I think strong relationship management makes my work with clients that much more impactful.??

How do you determine which topics to cover in your GLG webinars??

Repeat clients sometimes come to me with ideas. Often, I brainstorm with Nash and Jackie – my GLG team. We’re in constant dialogue, thinking of topics that might be pertinent to clients. (Nash Wedderburn is a Senior Manager on GLG’s Content team. Jackie Murphy is a VP on the Content Events team.) We try to think about what’s educationally useful for junior analysts, what would be interesting to the asset managers, and what’s buzzing in the credit arena.??

What are some of the buzzing topics you’re training on now??

Mirroring the GLG client base, many webinar topics are focused on the fixed income investor. One topic I’m working on now is convertibles. They were massive last year. But because of inflation and rising interest rates, convertibles are now looking much less attractive. Quite often people look at the conversions and think, “Oh, I’m going to make a lot of money on this when the share price goes up.” But if it goes the other way and they don’t convert, what have you done? Financed somebody for five years for a 0% return?! Don’t forget about the credit risk!?

Another perennial hot topic is what I call: “red flags behind the balance sheet.” There will always be companies trying to make their numbers seem better, with aggressive accounting or boundary pushing. I teach key areas where people need to focus to see right through them.??

What’s kept you coming back to GLG??

I love delivering GLG webinars. They’re short, so you need to make a quick impact. And the work I do is more niche and complex. When you’re teaching a graduate program, for example, the subjects can become a little routine. With GLG, it’s nice to find opportunities that are more specific, tailored, and technical in nature. As somebody who trains others, it’s more interesting if you push boundaries and put in the time to stay up to date. I’ve never had a boring topic with GLG.?

GLG’s Network Members are at the heart of our work. Their insights help GLG clients act with confidence and clarity – driving key decisions that accelerate the global economy. Our Network Member profiles help you learn more about the experience working with GLG clients.

Apply today?to become a GLG Network Member.?