The First 90 Days: A Roadmap for Success in a New IRO Role with Luke Wyse

The First 90 Days: A Roadmap for Success in a New IRO Role with Luke Wyse
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In this episode of the Winning IR podcast, Mark Fasken speaks with Luke Wyse, Senior Vice President of Finance and Investor Relations at Triumph Financial, about the essential strategies for a new Investor Relations Officer (IRO) during their first 90 days on the job.

Focus on Listening First

The initial 90 days in a new IR role should be centered around learning, according to Wyse. He emphasizes the value of a “listening tour” to understand the company’s culture, processes, and key stakeholders. New IROs should spend time with executives, finance teams, and investors to get a solid grasp of the company’s story and current messaging before making any decisions.

Understanding the Company Story

Wyse highlights the importance of validating and understanding the company’s narrative. New IROs should write a comprehensive summary of the business strategy and share it with the executive team to ensure the messaging is accurate. This process helps solidify the IRO's understanding and ensures they can confidently communicate the company's story.

Building Strong Relationships

Building relationships with key internal stakeholders—such as the CEO, CFO, legal counsel, and communications teams—is critical for long-term success. Wyse recommends that IROs position themselves as strategic advisors, offering insight and value both internally and externally. These relationships foster alignment and strengthen the IRO’s role as a trusted resource.

Reviewing the IR Budget

Understanding and managing the IR budget is another essential task in the first 90 days. Wyse advises new IROs to review the current budget, ensuring it covers necessary tools and resources for a successful IR function. A well-managed budget not only supports the IR strategy but also demonstrates financial responsibility.

Final Takeaway

By focusing on listening, understanding the company story, building key relationships, and reviewing the IR budget, new IROs can lay the foundation for long-term success. These early actions position them as a strategic partner who adds value both inside and outside the company.

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