Services
Professional Soft Skills Training & Development
Our Unique Value Proposition
Offering 3+ Decades of Wall Street and Military Leadership Insights
Corporations invest heavily in early career "hard skills" training such as modeling, analytics and accounting, to develop competence in the entry-level roles. However, the need exists to develop the soft skills, self-management and wellness tools required to sustain a long and prosperous career in highly demanding fields.
We offer practical, experienced-based Professional Soft Skills training for corporate emerging talent professionals and aspiring students via in-person sessions, virtual instructor-led training and online/on-demand course content. Additional services include talent sourcing and keynote speeches.
“Beyond the Hard Skills”
Real-World Training For Emerging Corporate Professionals
Frank provides targeted group training, insights and guidance via customized corporate packages aligned to unique development stages: “Efficient Processor” (New hires/0-2 years), “Creative Problem Solver” (Associates/2-5 years), “Emerging Rainmaker” (Vice Presidents/5-7 yrs) , “Competent Manager” and “Impactful Leader”. Modules are constructed to focus on several themes, including Professional Soft Skills, Self-Management, Self-Development, Introspection, Teamwork, Leadership and Wellness.
“Wall Street Decoded”
A Comprehensive Guide for Aspiring Students
This full day seminar is delivered on campus (or VILT), and is designed exclusively for ambitious university students who aspire to thrive in the elusive Investment Banking and Sales & Trading careers fields. The experience includes a practical explanation of the Capital Markets puzzle, a dive into early career roles and clarity on dominant attributes sought, practical preparation tips,, recruiting process and interviewing insight, and proven keys to a successful internship and full-time career.
“From Classroom to Corporate"
Guidance, Expectations, Culture & Skills
The transition from university to corporate life is a challenging process, as students move from a structured academic environment to a fast-paced, highly demanding workplace. Campus life offers flexible schedules, theoretical knowledge, collaborative learning, binary measures of performance and built-in proximity to supportive peers and professors. In contrast, the corporate workplace demands time management, proactivity, practical problem solving, client prioritization, urgent timelines, organizational hierarchies, internal partnerships, and less acceptance of work errors. This training is designed for entry-level corporate professionals, and provides the guidance, expectations, culture & skills not learned in the school resulting in situational awareness, personal growth, professional development and a positive start.
"Climb To the Top"
Creative Online, On-Demand Training Course
Coming Q4 2024. "Climb To The Top: Self-Management, Development & Wellness" is an affordable, fun and comprehensive online, on-demand course offering. The 60+ episode course is available for individual, university and corporate subscriptions at a reasonable price billed monthly. The course provides global access and practical guidance to achieve career success with fulfillment and wellness, based on Frank's 3+ decades of experience in the US Army, Investment Banking, Sales & Trading and Talent Development.
“Navigating New Terrain”
Veterans Guide to Success in Corporate America
Every year, approximately 250,000 service members transition out of the military, creating a deep and evergreen talent pool of productive, mission-focused potential employees. This seminar shares real transition stories, tips learned, perspectives gained, and challenges faced by veterans who have established successful post-service careers. Audience includes military service members within one year of leaving the service, and recently transitioned veterans in corporations, universities and sponsored programs.
Targeted Talent Sourcing
Frank engages with a deep pool of students and emerging talent professionals, both entry level and lateral, looking for exciting opportunities within the Corporate world, including Finance disciplines like Investment and Corporate Banking, Sales & Trading and Private Equity. Specifically, Frank's personal journey of success resonates with many aspiring professionals including transitioning military veterans, first generation college students, and the multiple dimensions on the DE&I spectrum.
Keynote Speaking and Panel Discussions
Frank is available to speak on a wide range of topics including talent development, military-veteran issues, career transition, Recruiting, Investment Banking-Sales & Trading business and organizational culture.
"l heard Frank speak at numerous events geared towards veteran recruitment and breaking
into the finance industry from the military. He is a well-spoken, insightful, and experienced
speaker who knows how to engage his audience and deliver a message. His experience, both
in the military and in finance, give him credibility and authority on most any subject. On a
personal level, Frank has been a mentor to me, and other veterans like me. He is a caring
individual who truly preaches career-advancing advice. If you have the privilege of listening to
him speak, or to engage with him, I hope you take notes because what he is delivering is truth."
Victor PerezVictor Perez l Wells Fargo Head of Veterans Segment
"The list of military veterans with impressive public/private sector resumes is long and Frank's
is no exception. What sets Frank apart is his unique ability to break down his experiences and
gained wisdom into simple concepts that can resonate with anyone. The first time I met him
he was presenting on the relationship between the private side of investment banking and the
public side of sales & trading. Prior to meeting Frank, I often found myself in over my head
when the vague and complex world of "finance" ever came up. In 30 minutes Frank had given
me a comprehensive roadmap, easily internalized, that I use to this day as a Managing Director.
Always the optimist, Frank is an inspirational and magnetic spirit. His vast network of
relationships built over a career are a true reflection of what a special person he is."
Casey CarrollCasey Carroll I Wells Fargo Managing Director, Debt Capital Markets
"Frank has a lifetime of success and what I call a mastery of life skills. He has successfully
served our country, raised an amazing family, and navigated the difficult world of high finance.
Frank is one of the most impactful speakers I have seen. He has the ability to shed clarity, give
direction and motivate in a way that connects with whom he is talking to — especially when
Frank talks to younger generations. Frank has the ability to capture and hold the attention of
those he is talking to, allowing his message to not only be heard, but internalized. Frank's
selfless spirit and willingness to share his wisdom has made a meaningful impact on many."
Mark Adamson Wells Fargo
"Frank Van Buren generously shared his compelling story and advice, and it has inspired many
in our community of transitioning veterans. His communication skills and ability to explain the
complex world of high-finance to an audience, in practical terms that are digestible to the
veteran considering this career field, is absolutely vital in our mission to help those who
served our nation. I highly recommend Frank Van Buren if you are looking for an energetic,
knowledgeable and persuasive speaker to motivate an audience in a positive manner."
Justin NassariJustin Nassari I CEO Executive Presence
"l have known Frank VanBuren for more than 15 years, and the characteristic I would use to
describe his personality is "great communicator". Whether Frank is explaining a complicated
financial situation to a seasoned peer, or teaching basic professional skills to a classroom full
of new hires straight out of college, Frank is articulate, concise, informed and, most
importantly, effective. Frank's been a leader throughout his life, whether it's as an athlete,
military aviator, or senior finance profession, and people follow him because he's constantly
communicating the path."
Neil GiardinoNeil Giardino I Regions Bank Managing Director, Debt Capital Markets
"Frank served as a guest speaker for the Wake Forest Summer Immersion Business and
Entrepreneurship Institute and was both engaging and knowledgeable.
His ability to translate high-level finance and banking concepts into scenarios high school
students understand and can apply is unmatched! Thank you for helping develop and
positively impact our students and their future."
Kyla HollingsworthWake Forest Univ, Executive Director, Pre-College Programs
Frank is an influential speaker whose authentic and inspirational stories connect with a wide
variety of audiences. He articulates complex subject matter in practical and relevant terms.
His unique background combines with a passion for teaching and draws people in immediately.
More than just a skilled orator, Frank's affable and engaging personality allows him to connect
easily with his audience on a personal level. One on one, he tailors his content and provides
insights and guidance into finding success in all areas of life."
JD Schurter JD Schurter I Wells Fargo CFO, Structured Products Group
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"l heard Frank speak at numerous events geared towards veteran recruitment and breaking
into the finance industry from the military. He is a well-spoken, insightful, and experienced
speaker who knows how to engage his audience and deliver a message. His experience, both
in the military and in finance, give him credibility and authority on most any subject. On a
personal level, Frank has been a mentor to me, and other veterans like me. He is a caring
individual who truly preaches career-advancing advice. If you have the privilege of listening to
him speak, or to engage with him, I hope you take notes because what he is delivering is truth."
"The list of military veterans with impressive public/private sector resumes is long and Frank's
is no exception. What sets Frank apart is his unique ability to break down his experiences and
gained wisdom into simple concepts that can resonate with anyone. The first time I met him
he was presenting on the relationship between the private side of investment banking and the
public side of sales & trading. Prior to meeting Frank, I often found myself in over my head
when the vague and complex world of "finance" ever came up. In 30 minutes Frank had given
me a comprehensive roadmap, easily internalized, that I use to this day as a Managing Director.
Always the optimist, Frank is an inspirational and magnetic spirit. His vast network of
relationships built over a career are a true reflection of what a special person he is."
"Frank has a lifetime of success and what I call a mastery of life skills. He has successfully
served our country, raised an amazing family, and navigated the difficult world of high finance.
Frank is one of the most impactful speakers I have seen. He has the ability to shed clarity, give
direction and motivate in a way that connects with whom he is talking to — especially when
Frank talks to younger generations. Frank has the ability to capture and hold the attention of
those he is talking to, allowing his message to not only be heard, but internalized. Frank's
selfless spirit and willingness to share his wisdom has made a meaningful impact on many."
"Frank Van Buren generously shared his compelling story and advice, and it has inspired many
in our community of transitioning veterans. His communication skills and ability to explain the
complex world of high-finance to an audience, in practical terms that are digestible to the
veteran considering this career field, is absolutely vital in our mission to help those who
served our nation. I highly recommend Frank Van Buren if you are looking for an energetic,
knowledgeable and persuasive speaker to motivate an audience in a positive manner."
"l have known Frank VanBuren for more than 15 years, and the characteristic I would use to
describe his personality is "great communicator". Whether Frank is explaining a complicated
financial situation to a seasoned peer, or teaching basic professional skills to a classroom full
of new hires straight out of college, Frank is articulate, concise, informed and, most
importantly, effective. Frank's been a leader throughout his life, whether it's as an athlete,
military aviator, or senior finance profession, and people follow him because he's constantly
communicating the path."
"Frank served as a guest speaker for the Wake Forest Summer Immersion Business and
Entrepreneurship Institute and was both engaging and knowledgeable.
His ability to translate high-level finance and banking concepts into scenarios high school
students understand and can apply is unmatched! Thank you for helping develop and
positively impact our students and their future."
Frank is an influential speaker whose authentic and inspirational stories connect with a wide
variety of audiences. He articulates complex subject matter in practical and relevant terms.
His unique background combines with a passion for teaching and draws people in immediately.
More than just a skilled orator, Frank's affable and engaging personality allows him to connect
easily with his audience on a personal level. One on one, he tailors his content and provides
insights and guidance into finding success in all areas of life."
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