In more than two decades on Wall Street, Shelley, a senior manager at a leading US bank, has never felt so unnerved as by the present crisis. But she is determined not to let her mask of optimism slip in front of the team of people still working for her in the wake of recent job losses.

As a young worker, she recalls watching managers’ faces closely during difficult times. Now, this financial services veteran believes her calm presence and persistent hard work will comfort her staff. During the turbulence she has tried to stay visible, supportive and upbeat, telling her staff: “It won’t be like this for ever. We’re transitioning from point A to point B.”