When Tokes Ojo-Ade, vice president, T. Rowe Price Investment Services, and a senior manager in Individual Investors Marketing, joined T. Rowe Price four years ago, she knew she was coming on board with a distinguished and trustworthy brand. But after numerous collaborations with her colleagues during her tenure at T. Rowe Price, she realized the firm also has a meaningful purpose.

“As an asset management firm, we're helping people reach their long-term goals, most notably retirement. And while the bottom line is important, people here don't cut corners," she says. “We're focused on the greater good."

Last year, Ojo-Ade was part of a team that launched a digital discretionary investment management and advisory program for U.S. investors. She didn't personally know any of the associates assigned to that team, but that changed over the course of the project. “By the end, I had built so many new relationships with colleagues," she recalls. “In fact, my family moved in the fall of that year, and the folks in that room were instrumental in helping us narrow down our target location."

Ojo-Ade also reveled in the stimulating energy of designing a program from scratch. “The collaboration, spirited debates, fast-paced environment, and autonomy on that project were amazing," she remembers. And in September 2017, the same year that the program launched, T. Rowe Price was named a finalist in the category of product innovation for the Money Management Institute and Barron’s 2017 Industry Awards—an annual event that recognizes innovation and leadership in the investment advisory solutions industry. It also debuted at number 15 on Cerulli Report's list of digital advice providers in the fourth Quarter of 2017.

Ojo-Ade believes that women have to be proactive in pursuing opportunities. During her second year at T. Rowe Price, the firm partnered her with Cheri Belski, head of Integrated Sales in the U.S. Intermediaries organization, as part of a mentorship program. “She's a smart female leader in a predominantly male industry who knows how to navigate the waters while asserting herself positively," Ojo-Ade says. “Even though the formal program has ended, I still have Cheri as what I like to call an MFL—a mentor for life."

Ojo-Ade credits Belski with teaching her how to be her authentic candid self at work and also how to approach difficult conversations. “She's always a nice sounding board. It's good to have someone who will take your call or text whenever you need a second opinion," she says. “The fact that we both like Beyoncé and Jay-Z was an added bonus!"

When it comes to her career, Ojo-Ade, as an avid James Bond fan, would tell her younger self “never say never." Those who are just starting out in their careers should be open to new paths and never rule out a particular job, skill, or passion—even if it seems like an intimidating challenge. “Be comfortable with being uncomfortable," she says. In the end, it will only lead to growth.