Mergers & Acquisitions names 2021 Top 25 Most Influential Women in Mid-Market M&A, including Verit Advisors’ Mary Josephs.
Tell us about yourself.
I spent my early career in the banking industry. I decided to leave the large banking industry and started Verit Advisors in 2009. My objective was to create an ESOP and M&A advisory firm that provided a more thoughtful and unbiased approach to businesses as they look at ownership transition and related strategic alternatives. I truly enjoy working with middle market privately owned companies and watching them flourish after they implement an ESOP. 2020 ushered in a tipping point on the intersection of ESOPs and private equity. It is something our team has been working on for the past five years.
How are you advancing the state of women?
I have served as coach and mentor for young talent throughout my career. 2020 was especially difficult for younger associates who experienced greater job market disruption. Internships and job offerings getting cancelled and deferred seemed to be becoming the norm. I dedicated more time to calls, coachings, access, resources, and introductions. Helping them plan what to do to continue to grow professionally in spite of this pause. Ideas included: volunteering, toastmasters, taking technical or professional development classes (Python, for example: Doesn’t everyone want to code?)
How are you a champion for inclusion and equality?
I am proud of the progress in the groups I support, including The Chicago Network (TCN) and International Women’s Forum. TCN’s Women in the Forefront Luncheon brought together women, albeit virtually, to highlight the achievements of women and initiated an Equity Principles campaign.
