I always love a challenge—especially an outdoor one!
With roots in Manhattan, Margot shares where her love of learning, adventurous spirit, and physical toughness come from.
BIG APPLE AT CORE
I was such a city kid! I used to go to Shakespeare in the Park every year, made monthly visits to the Odeon in Tribeca with my dad, and learned how to ride a bike in Central Park.
AN EARLY ASCENT
I climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro at 11 years old, and will forever feel empowered that 11-year-old me dove headfirst into adventure without any thought that my age or gender could limit me.
LATIN LIFE
I developed a passion for the Latin language in high school and continued with it in college. I spent my days reading ancient texts and learning ancient history and philosophy, and absolutely loved it.
It’s incredible to work with venerable investors who not only love to talk about work, but also care about who you are holistically.
It’s always great to start in childhood. Where did you grow up?
In Manhattan.
That’s cool!
Yeah, I loved it, I was such a city kid!
And can you share a formative childhood experience that has influenced who you are today?
Well…I climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro at 11 years old.
Okay, that is not the follow-up I was expecting.
(Chuckling:) My dad had it on his bucket list for when he turned 50. He was going with my older brother, and included me—even though I didn’t really understand what I was getting into.
That is the coolest formative experience I’ve ever heard.
Me too! I will forever feel empowered that 11-year-old me dove headfirst into adventure without any thought that my age or gender could limit me. It always reminds me of how tough I am, and really taught me to love a challenge—especially an outdoor one.
Are you the only child who has ever done that?
I was one of the youngest girls to climb it in the last 75 years.
That’s amazing. It must have been fun to grow up in your family.
It was! My parents are proud nerds who took me to plays and museums…they instilled in me intellectual curiosity and a passion for learning—even if I did fall asleep in a few Shakespeare productions, and got into a little trouble for playing with my brother in the Guggenheim!
Jumping ahead: what did you study in college?
I was a double major—economics and classics. I developed a passion for the Latin language in high school and always knew I wanted to continue it in college. I spent my days reading ancient texts and learning ancient history and philosophy and absolutely loved it.
And what gets you excited about working at VMG?
The people! They’re so smart and kind. It’s incredible to work with venerable investors who not only love to talk about work, but also care about who you are holistically.
I still can’t get over that a little kid from Manhattan had the guts to climb the tallest mountain in Africa.
Never underestimate a city kid!
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