From the beginning, Connie Mahmood made decisions at Allegiance Capital Corp. with her co-founder husband, David. But he served as the face of the investment bank. When illness claimed him last April, Mahmood had to step out from behind the curtain. “Work ethic and my passion for keeping Allegiance a top-tier firm is what drives me to lead,” she says.
What I do …
“We’re a very client-centric organization. We are staffed by industry professionals who were former business owners themselves, which helps us relate to our small business-owner clients. On a macro level, I try to reinforce with our bankers and business development professionals that their priority is to serve the client and get the results they are looking for. On a micro level, I serve as a coach and mentor to the staff, utilizing my 20-plus years of experience in the middle market M&A space.”
Who is your style icon?
“I appreciate the timelessness of Helen Mirren and Maye Musk. I view their appearance as sort of ageless. Isn’t 60 the new 50, or is 60 the new 40? These women come off looking natural and not forced. They always look great for their age.”
How does your work influence your style?
“I focus on our clients, who are typically the owners of privately held and closely held family businesses. They tend to be more conservative, so bright and flashy probably doesn’t win them over or engender professional confidence in the message we are trying to convey. A basic black or navy blue suit with a little color goes a long way; it’s not too flashy or bold.”
What inspires your fashion choices?
“I love pretty simple lines. I’m not big on ruffles, fringe, and the like. It has to be comfortable, so knits are my usual preference. I also prefer slim cuts, so it reinforces the need to put time in on the elliptical and treadmill.”
How would you describe your style?
“Pretty simple and basic, with a light splash of color. ”
What do you never leave home without?
“My wedding band.”
Go-to look?
“Dressing age-appropriate works best for me. That’s usually suit or blazer and pants.”
Favorite Store?
“St. John in Highland Park Village”
