At NASDAQ, our aim is to promote economic progress for all. We help our communities, clients, employees and people from all backgrounds move to a stronger economy, create equitable opportunities, and contribute to a more sustainable world.
In celebration of Nasdaq’s Impact Month, we are celebrating both Financial Literacy Awareness Month and Global Volunteer Month, we are shining the spotlight on Principal-Sales Daniel Widdis. Daniel was recently nominated for the Nasdaq Objective Champion. This is an award that recognizes employees who surpass and demonstrate beyond our exemplary commitment to service. He sat down with us and shared how to integrate purpose into daily life.
Talk to us about your role and team at Nasdaq and what it entails.
I work for the Nasdaq Fintech Global Accounts team and manage sales relationships with Tier One Investment Bank clients in the Asia Pacific region.
Demonstrate community service leadership as a purpose champion. What drives your passion for repaying your favor?
My mother says, “Treat people the way you want to be treated,” and I feel this is a good mantra of life and work. I know how nice it feels when people get out of the way to help me, and that’s the feeling I like to go back and forth.
Tell us about your favorite volunteer experiences on the Nasdaq and outside.
My favorite volunteer event at Nasdaq was visiting a WWF protected wetland near the Chinese border. It was a real privilege as few visitors enter this beautiful area, home to many endangered animals. The Nasdaq Hong Kong team helped remove invasive plants. This was a tough job, but it was extremely rewarding. Outside of the Nasdaq, what so many volunteers meant to me was going back to my childhood school to help me dig wildlife ponds in the future. Walking around school seemed very small how I remembered it and it was nice to see some of my teachers still working there.
What is your definition of purpose?
For me, my goal is to maximize opportunities to benefit our community, whether in the workplace or in our personal lives.
What is the key to sharing and cultivating that purpose with others?
From the Nasdaq perspective, we are fortunate as employees to work for the company that encourages and offers opportunities to give back. There are multiple networks (Goodworks, Green Team, Apan, Win, Win) where budgets can be used to hold meaningful events both inside and outside the office. Providing encouragement and awareness of these networks to colleagues can help foster purpose across the company
Do you have any advice for those who want to return their community? Tips to balance it with work, family, and friends?
Community involvement doesn’t necessarily have to be a big commitment. Small gestures on one or two individuals can have a real positive impact on them. Often, personal interest is a great way to give back whether you’re an animal lover or volunteering at a dog shelter or if you’re a gardening fan you’re helping to maintain your outdoor community area.
