Three Takeaways from Our Interview with State Street Investment Management’s Allison Bonds Mazza

Rusty Vanneman

27 Oct 2025 — 2 min read

When Robyn Murray and I sat down with Allison Bonds Mazza, Managing Director at State Street Global Advisors, for Invest Well, Be Well, we knew the conversation would blend professional insight with personal depth. Allison has built an extraordinary career leading one of the most respected ETF organizations in the world — but what stood out wasn’t just her résumé. It was her story, her resilience, and her focus on process.

Here are my three big takeaways.

1. The Power of Determination

Allison’s career journey is a lesson in drive and grit. She started from the ground up and earned her way to the top through focus, discipline, and determination — qualities that never go out of style. In a world where we often celebrate instant success, her path reminds us that real achievement is built step by step, over time.

For those newer to the investment industry or any career, Allison’s story is a playbook on persistence: stay curious, stay hungry, and stay grounded. Success isn’t luck. It’s a mindset practiced daily.

2. The Power of Resilience

Resilience is one of the most timeless investment principles and Allison lives it both professionally and personally. She talked about how building resilient portfolios requires a long-term focus, diversification, and emotional steadiness. Those same traits showed up in her own life when she and her husband lost their home in the LA fires.

Her reflection that “so much of what was lost was just stuff” stopped me cold. It’s a perspective that reframes what really matters: Family, community, health, and the ability to begin again. For investors, advisors, and all of us navigating life’s inevitable volatility, that mindset is gold (like for some investors, GLD in investment portfolios!)

3. The Power of Process

As a former athlete and lifelong competitor, Allison knows that sustained success isn’t built on talent alone. It is built on process and systems. Sports analogies came naturally to her: whether it’s leading a high-performing team or constructing a portfolio, the goal is to create repeatable processes that drive long-term results. Nick Saban was one source of her inspiration - and she told a story of when she was able to interview him.

Her message aligns with what we often say at Rusty’s Bridge: process beats prediction. Markets change. Conditions shift. But a disciplined process, one that is grounded in purpose and consistent execution, endures.

To hear the full conversation, tune into Invest Well, Be Well wherever you get your podcasts.

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