Edith Cooper, Global Head of Human Capital Management, Goldman Sachs becomes Edith Cooper or just Edith

After more than 20 years at Goldman Sachs, I retired from the firm on December 31, 2017. Throughout my career, I was blessed with my professional accomplishments. I was a partner for 17 years and on the Management Committee for more than a decade. I ran various revenue-generating businesses, built client franchises around the world, and managed human capital for the entire firm. Yes, I am proud of these milestones, particularly because my path was not without challenges. But my biggest sense of accomplishment and job satisfaction came from our management team’s work for and commitment to the people of Goldman Sachs.

So, the purpose of this message is to say thank you. Thank you to the clients that I have been honored to work with over the years who trusted me and the firm to put their interests first. Thanks to all of the people who joined the firm and trusted us to create an environment where they could perform to their potential. And, thanks to all, especially those in the Human Capital Management division, who have contributed to building a culture that values the power of having people of different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives working together to achieve the firm’s goals.

The greatest gratitude goes to my family and for the generations before me that have instilled in me the sense (in fact an expectation) that I could achieve great things, despite the challenges that might exist. I shared my story and experiences as a black woman on Wall Street, and in turn, people around the world have shared theirs. These stories of differences inspired stories of possibilities. The possibilities generated from the belief that perseverance and resilience could create opportunity.  

My experiences at Goldman Sachs have shaped me and are integral to my story. There is no doubt that I have greatly benefited from the help and guidance of many who pushed me outside of my comfort zone. It was these people who created a culture where I could safely stretch my skills. This has translated to the advice I often give: “Get comfortable being uncomfortable.”

With the pace of change in the world, driven by technology and other factors, this advice matters more now than ever. So it’s advice I now give to myself: I intend to expand my experiences beyond financial services toward organizations whose missions help evolve the way people work, share ideas, thrive and prosper. This mission is broad by intention because great people and cultures are common to all successful organizations.  

So with that, again I say thank you. I am excited for the adventures ahead.