Today we’d like to introduce you to Capera Ryan.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Capera. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I grew up in Dallas, Texas. My parents are both 6 generation Fort Worth and when they married they moved to Dallas. I was born in Dallas and attended the Episcopal School of Dallas until I went away to prep school at the Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, CT. I then attended Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. Upon graduating from Vandy, I moved to NY and worked at Sotheby’s where they sent me to get my graduate training in Gemology at the Gemological Institute. After almost 5 years in NY working as a jewelry expert, I moved back to Texas where Christie’s hired me to be the Managing Director of the Southwest Region of the United States. Three years ago I was appointed Deputy Chairman of the Americas. I now travel the world working with both private clients, institutions, museums and financial and estate advisors… anyone in a decision making capacity. I work with both buyers and sellers. We do insurance appraisals, estate tax appraisals as well gift tax appraisals along with the heart of the business which is auctions.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I think we are at a very interesting turning point in the role of women in the work force. I would never say it is easy being a woman in the work force but I think huge strides are being made across industries to create working environments that are comfortable for everyone.. Simply said I think everyone has a strength and role to play in business and we must respect the talent of the individuals.
Please tell us about Christie’s Auction House.
I am Deputy Chairman for the Americas for Christie’s Auction House. I liaise between clients worldwide and our global expertise to assist clients with all the services Christie;s offers from auction, private sale to appraisals. We are based in London but all auctions in the US happen in NY. I travel the world meeting with individuals interested in buying and selling. We have come off a very strong month of the Spring Sales. We are the art leaders in the Art World and we continue to have market share because of the great expertise and relationships of my colleagues.
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
I think it is important to find people in different industries you respect and find time to meet with them and ask questions about what has been their secret to success. Ask them about what they value in the workforce, what traits are important and what they have found to be true in their experience. Ask the hard questions about challenges they have faced and how they have overcome those challenges. Everyone has a story to share. There is much to learn from people in all industries and what I have often found is much of one’s success is building relationships.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.christies.com
- Phone: 214-599-0735
- Email: cryan@christies.com
- Instagram: @caperaryan
Image Credit:
Christies
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