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"As advisors, we miss the opportunity to teach clients how they can use their wealth to live purposefully now, you know, in the moment. We may or may not have forever."
Welcome to WomenShare: A Celebration of Women in Financial Services. In today's episode, hosts Joanna Ehresman and Leah Alter sit down with the extraordinary Marcia Miller, a wealth advisor with over 25 years of experience at RFG Advisory.
Marcia, who is celebrating 11 years cancer-free from breast cancer, shares her journey of gratitude, highlighting personal and professional triumphs. She discusses the power of small actions leading to significant change, the generosity of people, and the importance of seeking guidance from knowledgeable individuals.
We dive into the unique challenges faced by female veterinarians, a profession where women represent 80-90% of the workforce, and how Marcia's podcast, "Making Hay," offers tailored financial advice to support their demanding careers. She emphasizes the importance of purposeful living, making memories, and enjoying life without financial stress.
Join us as we explore the evolving role of women in financial services, the impending "great wealth transfer," and how women are redefining financial priorities and client-advisor dynamics. Don't miss this captivating conversation with Marcia Miller, a true advocate for empowering women through empathy, financial education, and purposeful living.
Tune in, subscribe, and be part of the WomenShare community as we celebrate women's unique contributions and transformative journeys. Thank you to RFG Advisory for supporting our mission and to Marcia for sharing her incredible story with us today!
Key Takeaways:
1. The Power of Small Actions and Generosity: Leah Alter and Marcia Miller emphasize that small actions can create significant change. Marcia highlights the importance of seeking guidance from knowledgeable individuals, showcasing the generosity and willingness of people to help.
2. Personal Health Journeys: Both Leah and Marcia share their impactful personal health stories, with Marcia celebrating 11 years cancer-free from breast cancer and Leah discussing her experience as a BRCA1 carrier who underwent preventative surgery. Their stories underscore the importance of gratitude and proactive health management.
3. Financial Empowerment for Women: Marcia underlines the significance of empathy, clarity, and eliminating feelings of guilt and intimidation for women regarding financial issues. Budgeting and self-care are portrayed as essential aspects of a fulfilling financial life.
4. Purposeful Living and Wealth Management: The episode stresses the value of connecting money with personal purpose and rewarding experiences. Marcia advocates for enjoying and spending wealth during the peak years of happiness rather than hoarding it for potential future inheritances.
5. The Evolving Role of Women in Finance: Marcia discusses the cultural shift in the financial industry, noting increased female representation and opportunities. She highlights the unique contributions women bring to financial advisory roles and the importance of acknowledging women clients, particularly with the upcoming "great wealth transfer."
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"What we tend to forget is that business relationships are still relationships, and in no other way do we act transactionally in our relationships to maintain them."
Welcome to WomenShare: A Celebration of Women in Financial Services. This week, we're joined by Julie D'Anastasio, a remarkable expert in creating memorable events and retention strategies. Julie focuses on fostering emotional connections and building communities, particularly in the tech-driven financial services realm.
Throughout this episode, Julie shares invaluable insights on a range of topics, from the importance of human connection in business to creative event planning strategies. Julie highlights her own personal and professional journeys, offering listeners an abundance of wisdom and practical advice.
Key Takeaways:
The Importance of Human Connection: Julie underscores the significance of creating intentional and consistent human connections in business. Over-reliance on digital communications can erode meaningful relationships, whereas thoughtful gestures, like themed events and personalized client interactions, can foster loyalty and community.
Innovative Event Planning: Julie shares effective strategies for building a sense of belonging through events. She emphasizes the need for creative and intentional experiences that transcend mere social drinking. For instance, themed events like the widely successful carnival, which brought joy and nostalgia to participants, including host Leah Alter.
Authenticity in Business Relationships: Authenticity is a pivotal theme in this episode. Julie and the hosts discuss how being genuine, true to one's values, and embracing one's strengths can inspire others. Julie introduces the concept of being an "inconvenient woman," a woman who stands up for herself and knows her worth, as opposed to conforming or people-pleasing.
Practical Tips for Connection: Julie offers simple yet impactful tips for breaking the ice and fostering connections at events. Using name badges with conversation prompts and colored lanyards to differentiate groups are practical suggestions that help ease networking and build rapport.
Evolving Work and Inclusion: Julie discusses the evolution of work from impersonal, factory-like jobs to roles driven by passion. Integrating emotions and human elements into the workplace is essential for creating more inclusive, satisfying career experiences.
Career Advice and Women Empowerment: Julie shares invaluable career advice, encouraging women to embrace their unique skills—like multitasking and crisis management—in leadership roles. She calls for recognition of women's contributions and stresses the importance of not settling for what is merely convenient for others but instead striving for authenticity and excellence.
Thoughtful Gestures in Client Retention: Both Joanna and Julie emphasize that thoughtful gestures—such as sending Thanksgiving pies or congratulatory cookies—can significantly enhance client experiences and foster long-lasting relationships. They argue that community building and emotional connections are key retention strategies, especially in industries like financial services.
Special Initiatives for Community Engagement: The hosts highlight successful initiatives like "Cocktails for a Cause," which emphasize community support without direct sales pitches. Julie and Leah discuss balancing heart-driven efforts with data-driven outcomes, showing that authenticity often leads to unexpected positive results.
Looking Forward: The episode concludes with appreciation for Julie's participation and encouragement for listeners to subscribe to WomenShare for more empowering content.
Subscribe to WomenShare to keep up with more inspiring conversations...
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"You wanna make sure that it's someone who aligns with your values, someone who recognizes the value that you bring to the table, someone who's willing to to contribute to achieving the goals that you set out to do together."
Welcome to another episode of WomenShare, a celebration of women in financial services. In today’s episode, we're exploring the evolving landscape of financial advisory with Marissa Comerford and Kerry Davis. Marissa and Kerry, both senior vice presidents from Gregory FCA, share their expertise on promoting proactive career growth, leveraging technology in marketing, and managing work-life balance effectively.
In this episode, Leah and Joanna highlight the importance of internal efforts and resources in campaign success. They discuss with Marissa and Kerry the growing trend of financial advisors utilizing social media to share authentic, personalized content rather than relying on clichéd and recycled materials. Kerry Davis emphasizes the role of AI in enhancing content creation efficiency while maintaining authenticity. Marissa Comerford applauds the proactive adoption of new marketing strategies and technologies within the industry.
Key Takeaways:Importance of Internal Investment: Leah Alter emphasizes that the success of any campaign is directly linked to the effort and resources dedicated internally. Organizations that prioritize internal investment are more likely to see substantial returns.Proactivity in Career and Life: Kerry Davis highlights the significance of being proactive. She advises against waiting for promotions or directions and encourages seeking out opportunities and presenting them. This proactive approach applies to both professional advancement and personal growth.Role of AI and Social Media in Financial Services: The discussion with Kerry Davis and Marissa Comerford underscores the increasing use of social media by financial advisors to present authentic content, moving away from canned material. They also touch on the positive role of AI in enhancing content creation efficiency without compromising authenticity.Balancing Professional and Personal Life: Both guests share insights on maintaining a work-life balance. Kerry Davis and Marissa Comerford discuss their routines involving self-care activities like fitness, cooking, baking, and reading. Emphasis is placed on celebrating personal milestones and ensuring time for self-care amidst professional responsibilities.Effective Collaboration with Agencies: The episode delves into fostering productive relationships with agencies like Gregory FCA. The hosts and guests highlight the importance of alignment in values, goals, and approaches between clients and agencies. Effective collaboration and ongoing engagement are vital for successful marketing and PR strategies, emphasizing an integrated partnership rather than a vendor-client relationship.This episode underscores the importance of proactivity, authenticity, and strategic partnerships in the financial advisory landscape. The discussion provides valuable insights and actionable strategies for women in financial services, encouraging them to take control of their careers, embrace technological advancements, and maintain a healthy work-life balance for overall success.
Listen to the full episode to gain deeper insights into these topics. Don’t forget to subscribe to WomenShare and share our mission to empower women in financial services. For more information about Gregory FCA, visit their website or connect with them on LinkedIn. Special thanks to our sponsor, Catchlight, and check out their platform "Grow Organically" for more on wealth management growth.
Because when women thrive, industries revolutionize. Join us in creating inclusive spaces and celebrating strides towards female empowerment.
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"Most of the career advice I received, I ignored. That might have been the secret to my success."
Welcome back to WomenShare: a celebration of women in financial services. Today, hosts Leah Alter and Joanna Ehresman bring you an inspiring conversation with Mary Beth Franklin, a trailblazer who turned skepticism into success. Mary Beth Franklin, a seasoned journalist and certified financial planner, shares her unconventional journey in the financial services industry.
Known for her expertise in Social Security and Medicare, Mary Beth defied the advice of experts who dismissed her niche focus as too narrow. Instead, she trusted her deep knowledge and harnessed it to build a wildly successful business, culminating in the creation and hosting of the television program "Social Security and You." Despite initial doubts, Mary Beth’s intuition proved right, as her insights found a ready market eager for her specialized knowledge. Mary's achievements recently earned her a prestigious Telly Award, a testament to her influence and expertise.
Throughout the episode, Mary Beth recounts her dynamic career trajectory, from her early days breaking norms in journalism to becoming a go-to authority on Social Security and Medicare. Initially launching her career in the bustling hub of Washington, D.C., she honed her skills in various roles, including as a Capitol Hill reporter and public information officer. After transitioning to freelance work to balance family commitments, she discovered her niche in writing about personal finance for older adults—a topic few had ventured into.
Mary Beth’s breakthrough came with an article on maximizing Social Security benefits, garnering widespread attention and cementing her niche. Her career continued to flourish as she negotiated a unique arrangement with Investment News, allowing her to combine her journalism with speaking engagements. Now selectively engaging in speaking opportunities, Mary Beth continues to influence and educate, demonstrating the power of specialization and intuition in career success.
Key Takeaways:
Belief in Niche Expertise: Mary Beth Franklin’s success story underscores the importance of trusting your deep knowledge and finding the right market for it. Despite initial skepticism, her insights into Social Security and Medicare proved to be highly sought after.Career Flexibility and Innovation: Mary Beth’s ability to negotiate a flexible work arrangement allowed her to balance journalism with speaking engagements, exemplifying innovative career management in the financial services industry.Importance of Mentorship and Diversity: The episode highlights the growing need for supportive environments and mentorship, especially for young and aspiring female CFPs, to foster diversity and inclusion within the profession.Impact of Technology and Flexibility: The COVID-19 pandemic spurred the use of technology like Zoom for client engagement, offering geographic flexibility and enhancing work-life balance, particularly benefiting women with caregiving responsibilities.Career Adaptation and Resilience: Mary Beth’s journey from traditional journalism to becoming a certified financial planner and public speaker showcases the importance of resilience and adaptability in career advancement.Support for Women CFPs: As an advocate for increasing diversity, Mary Beth emphasizes the need for more women in the financial planning industry, arguing that a diverse profession better serves a diverse client base.For more about Mary Beth Franklin’s work, including her books, shows, and speaking engagements, visit her website at marybethfranklin.com, where you’ll find valuable resources on Social Security claiming...
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"You ask yourself this question: What am I holding to that it wants to be released in my life right now?"
Welcome to WomenShare, a celebration of women in financial services. In today’s episode, hosts Joanna Ehresman and Leah Alter sit down with Shannon Schottler, a professional coach specializing in life and career transitions. Shannon leads us on a journey through the complexities of embracing new identities and managing life’s big transitions with confidence.
Shannon Schottler: A "Zingy Lemon Sorbet" to Embrace Change
Shannon Schottler uses the metaphor of “zingy lemon sorbet” to describe the exhilarating and experimental phases of transitions such as promotions, impending births, or marriages. These moments are brimming with excitement and a dash of trepidation as individuals dive into new roles.
Fighting Imposter Syndrome
Both Joanna and Shannon discuss the common phenomenon of imposter syndrome, particularly prevalent during significant life changes. Feelings of self-doubt often come to the forefront, yet Shannon offers insights on building confidence through intentional experimentation, self-compassion, and active support.
Support Strategies During Transition
Shannon's advice centers around restoring oneself through self-care, reflecting on experiences, and embracing experimentation. She likens this restorative process to maintaining a full tank of gas, essential for navigating transitions smoothly and effectively.
Experimentation Mindset: Taking Action
Transitioning from planning to action is crucial. Shannon advocates for hitting the ground running with small, manageable trials rather than succumbing to overthinking. This approach stands as a practical means to combat hesitation and uncertainty in new ventures.
Imperfect Beginnings and Supportive Environments
Embracing the messiness of new endeavors is necessary. Shannon shares a heartfelt story of her daughter learning to bake, underscoring that growth flourishes in environments that accept imperfections. Surrounding oneself with a supportive community is vital for healthy transitions.
Integrating Personal Identity: Shannon as the Farmer
A highlight of Shannon’s journey includes her transition to becoming a farmer, an identity rooted in her upbringing on a Wisconsin farm. This new role, filled with hands-on skills such as building fences and driving a skid steer, not only fulfills her personally but enriches her coaching practices, bringing grounded, relatable metaphors to her clients.
Financial Transitions: Common Pitfalls and Strategies
On the financial front, Shannon illuminates three major pitfalls in transitions: succumbing to generic financial fears, viewing transitions as permanent, and engaging in cyclical worrying. She advocates for fact-based, present-focused planning and strategies to manage fixed versus variable expenses effectively during these periods.
Creating a Culture of Contributions and Self-Care
Shannon's coaching philosophy transcends mere financial success. She encourages building a culture where contributions are celebrated over accolades or wealth accumulation. Importantly, she reiterates the necessity of self-care, equating it to having the energy needed to embrace life changes fully.
Key Takeaways
Excitement of Transition ("Zingy Lemon Sorbet"): Embracing the thrill and experimentation during life transitions.Combatting Imposter Syndrome: Techniques to overcome self-doubt through trial and support.Practical Experimentation: Importance of acting on small, manageable trials to navigate new paths.Restoration Through Self-Care: Necessity of maintaining mental and physical... -
"I've never had to think about what it is like to be on a leadership team where there are no other women or there are no women at all."
Welcome back to WomenShare: A Celebration of Women in Financial Services. In today's discussion, our hosts Leah Alter and Joanna Ehresman sit down with industry trailblazers Meredith Lambert and Yelena Melamed from Catchlight, an innovative firm dedicated to transforming how financial advisers manage and convert leads using AI.
In this episode, we celebrate Meredith and Yelena’s recent accolade from wealthmanagement.com and dive into the dynamics of their successful collaboration, focusing on mutual respect and aligned goals. They share invaluable advice for women striving to shine in tech and finance – touching on courage, confidence, and the power of failing elegantly.
Join us as we explore Catchlight’s groundbreaking lead routing model, which revolutionizes adviser-client matching through data-driven insights, enhancing both efficiency and client satisfaction. Meredith and Yelena also discuss their personal milestones, celebrate small wins, and offer inspiration drawn from their own professional journeys.
Let’s dive in to discover how diversity, trust, and innovative thinking are shaping the future of fintech, while our amazing guests highlight the importance of seizing opportunities and believing in one’s capability to thrive in a male-dominated industry. Stay tuned for an empowering conversation packed with actionable insights and uplifting wisdom.
Key Takeaways:
Improvements in Advisor-Client Matching: Catchlight’s data-driven matching model enhances adviser-client relationships, leading to better satisfaction and outcomes.
Importance of Diversity: The episode stresses the need for more women in financial services and the benefits diversity brings to the industry.
Confidence and Opportunity: Both guests encourage women to trust their abilities, step into opportunities, and not let self-doubt hinder their career progression.
Failing Elegantly: Embrace failures as learning opportunities, and use them to innovate and solve problems creatively.
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"Screw waiting for a seat at the table. I'm going to build my own table."
Welcome to WomenShare: a celebration of women in financial services. In today’s episode, we had the honor of speaking with Mahalene Dulay, founder of Modern Wealth Collective, which offers a holistic, community-focused approach to financial advising. Mahalene joined us to dive deep into her journey of creating an inclusive financial advisory firm that serves historically underrepresented communities with authenticity and empathy.
Mahalene opened up about the profound impact of her Filipino heritage on her professional path. She shared how the value of community ingrained in Filipino culture steered her towards creating a financial advisory firm that does more than just crunch numbers. Through Modern Wealth Collective, Mahalene reframes traditional financial advisory tactics to focus on community, advocacy, and building genuine, empathetic relationships with clients.
Mahalene’s story is deeply rooted in her parents' pursuit of the American Dream after migrating from the Philippines. Watching their hard work as business owners sparked her dedication to supporting others in their financial endeavors. Starting her career in a large financial planning company during the 2007 real estate collapse, Mahalene learned invaluable lessons that would shape her future business practices. The transition to founding her own firm in 2018 brought ample personal and professional challenges, but it also offered an immense opportunity to fulfill her mission of inclusivity in the financial sector.
In this episode, Mahalene also discusses the importance of authenticity in branding, particularly through the use of social media. She emphasizes finding a balance between being consistent and making realistic, sustainable efforts in content creation. Additionally, she explains how tools like Canva allow her to create engaging visuals without the need to be constantly on camera.
Key Takeaways:
Community-Centric Financial Advisory: Mahalene Dulay’s Modern Wealth Collective places a strong emphasis on community, serving women of color and historically underrepresented groups with empathy and authenticity. Her firm goes beyond financial advisory to engage deeply with clients' personal and financial stories.Redefining Marketing: By shifting the focus from niche marketing and avatars to serving community needs, Mahalene demonstrates how genuine connections trump transactional interactions, leading to long-term client relationships.Effective Use of Social Media: Leveraging tools like Canva for authentic content creation helps balance a social media presence without the constant need to be on camera. Consistent, yet sustainable, efforts are key to maintaining audience engagement.The Four D’s Framework: Mahalene stresses the importance of the four D’s—Do, Delegate, Delete, Defer—as a practical approach to balancing professional workload and personal life. This framework allows individuals to prioritize essential tasks, seek help where necessary, and eliminate or postpone less critical activities.Celebrating Wins: A crucial point Mahalene brings to light is celebrating both small and big achievements. This practice contributes to sustaining motivation and a sense of purpose.Support Systems: The necessity of community support, including from family, friends, and colleagues, is paramount in pursuing both personal and professional goals. Emotional support systems and business networks play pivotal roles in one’s success.Valuing Time Over Money: Echoing the sentiment that time is irreplaceable, Mahalene advises individuals to be mindful of their time investments, focusing on activities that truly matter and bring joy.Building Authentic... -
"I believe in this mission of helping educate women, helping women live financially fearless."
Welcome back to WomenShare: a celebration of women in financial services. In this episode, our Leah and Joanna sit down with Christine Wedell, cofounder of StrongHer Money and a prominent financial advisor at Volare Wealth Advisors, to discuss holistic financial planning with a focus on the importance of financial stability, health, and social connections for a successful and happy retirement.
Christine Wedell, who describes herself as a "financial life coach," brings a unique perspective to financial planning. For Christine, it’s not just about managing money but also about envisioning a fulfilling life. She shares her own journey from growing up in a financially tense household to becoming a successful financial advisor dedicated to empowering women with financial knowledge.
Key Takeaways:The Three Pillars of a Happy Retirement:Financial Investment: While necessary, financial investment is only one aspect. Christine emphasizes that financial planning should integrate life vision and purpose, not just wealth accumulation.Social Network: Christine underscores the importance of spending quality time with loved ones. A robust social network helps prevent loneliness and boosts mental well-being, which are crucial components of a fulfilling retirement.Health: Both mental and physical health are vital. Christine advocates proactively investing in health before retirement to ensure reduced healthcare costs and better mobility in the future.
Holistic Client Care:Christine believes that caring for clients should go beyond financial advice. She nurtures a deep, familial-like bond with her clients, sharing in both their joys and struggles.She promotes the idea that women, with their empathetic and nurturing traits, make exceptional financial advisors.
Career Advice and Industry Insights:Christine delivers impactful career advice with phrases like, "Get comfortable being uncomfortable" and "No is a complete sentence."She identifies a need for more women in the financial advisory industry, attributing the current underrepresentation to the profession’s “salesy” image. She advocates for a more educational and nurturing approach to financial advice.Christine discusses her transition from banking to financial planning and the importance of financial education for women, regardless of their wealth status.
StrongHer Money and Mentorship:"StrongHer Money," co-founded by Christine, is an initiative aimed at educating women and boosting their confidence in managing finances.The first public event for StrongHer Money faced logistical challenges, but it reaffirmed Christine's mission to provide an inviting space for women to discuss financial matters openly.The importance of having visible female role models and mentors in the industry is highlighted, as Christine credits her own growth to mentorship from Shannon Spotswood and Stephanie Bogan.
Partnership with RFG Advisory:Since joining RFG Advisory in 2017, Christine has found a supportive environment to further her mission. She emphasizes prioritizing the mission over profits, believing that financial success will naturally follow purpose-driven efforts.
Health and Financial Wellness:Christine integrates physical fitness into her financial advisory approach, advocating for holistic wellness. She organizes events focused on stress relief and physical fitness, promoting activities that enhance both health and financial longevity.
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"People that really value life, value taking care of themselves and their overall well-being and really on a mission to live an intentional life, those are the people that we wanna work with."
Welcome to WomenShare: a celebration of women in financial services. In this episode, Leah and Joanna sit down with Yesenia Beckmann, the passionate co-founder of Well Traveled Wealth. This episode dives into how Yesenia builds a lifestyle-centric practice that seamlessly integrates her personal values, leadership ethos, and unwavering commitment to authenticity.
Yesenia Beckmann, recently commended for her innovative approach in financial advising, shares the intimate details of setting expectations with clients, creating supportive office structures, and the fine art of balancing work with family life. She provides a transparent look at her schedule and emphasizes the importance of being present, whether in client interactions or family moments. Yesenia also underscores the role of heart-to-heart conversations in fostering genuine client relationships.
A notable segment of the episode discusses the evolution of the financial advisory field from predominantly in-person meetings to virtual interactions. Both Yesenia and the hosts discuss the unique challenges and opportunities this shift presents, particularly emphasizing the critical need for more female voices in the industry. Yesenia stresses the importance of mentorship, leadership, and representation, citing her own experience as a Latina without significant representation as a motivational drive.
Joanna playfully references a Saturn car commercial to highlight the significance of personal connections and seeing the faces behind the business. Yesenia agrees, discussing the effectiveness of Well Traveled Wealth’s client family wall and their strategic use of personal content across social media platforms for client engagement and education.
Through personal anecdotes, Yesenia openly shares her struggles and accomplishments, touching on the challenges of celebrating personal achievements and the continuous quest for personal growth. She mentions that her firm, founded with her husband in 2018, is distinguished by a higher number of women advisors than men, reinforcing its dedication to gender inclusivity.
Leah and Joanna commend Yesenia's profound impact and express gratitude for her candid storytelling and steadfast commitment to nurturing a balanced and fulfilled life for her clients and herself. The episode concludes with Leah and Joanna thanking Yesenia, reminding listeners of the incredible value of staying true and authentic in their professional journeys.
Key Takeaways:
Client Expectation Management: Yesenia highlights the importance of setting clear expectations with clients and establishing boundaries to ensure a balanced work-life dynamic.
Balancing Virtual and In-Person Interactions: The shift to virtual client interactions has brought unique challenges and required a different approach to understanding clients’ emotional needs.
Representation and Mentorship: There is a pressing need for greater representation of women in financial services and strong mentor relationships to support and guide new entrants in the industry.
Personal and Professional Authenticity: Yesenia advocates for living authentically both personally and professionally, ensuring client relationships are built on trust and genuine connections.
Lifestyle-Centric Financial Advising: Well Traveled Wealth focuses on clients who value balance, well-being, and intentional living, offering unbiased recommendations centered around clients' best interests.
Heart-to-Heart Conversations: Building strong client relationships through meaningful, authentic conversations is a cornerstone of Yesenia's approach at Well Traveled...
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"Money is like blood in a body. It connects all parts and its health matters."
Welcome to another episode of WomenShare! Today, we have an incredibly insightful conversation lined up with our guest, Liz Hand, a distinguished financial advisor and mindset coach. Liz joins hosts Leah Alter and Joanna Ehresman to dive into the critical role of self-awareness for both financial advisors and their clients. We'll explore how an authentic approach can foster healthier family and community relationships and how the purpose of money can shift from consumerism to promoting goodness.
Liz opens up about her own journey to becoming a mindset coach, the impact it has had on her life, and her practice's evolution as she worked with fellow advisors and friends. We dive deep into the challenges financial advisors face, including codependency, excessive responsibility, and compassion fatigue. Liz shares transformative strategies to manage these issues, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and balancing natural strengths with recognizing warning signs of unhealthy behavior.
Throughout the episode, we discuss the delicate dance of maintaining energy and emotional well-being, the power of intuition in the feminine heroine’s journey, and the value of being authentic in one’s career and personal growth. Liz also gives us a sneak peek into her latest endeavor—writing a book that marries mindset and money.
Get ready for an enriching episode filled with practical wisdom, heartfelt stories, and actionable advice for anyone aiming to navigate their financial and personal lives with greater self-awareness and authenticity.
Key Takeaways:
1. Self-Awareness Leads to Transformative Change: Financial advisors who cultivate self-awareness can help their clients achieve significant, positive changes in various aspects of life.
2. Balance and Boundaries in Responsibility: Recognizing and addressing the tendency to assume excessive responsibility is critical in maintaining advisor well-being and effective client relationships.
3. Authenticity Attracts the Right Clients: Being true to oneself, particularly on social media, helps in attracting clients who resonate with one’s genuine message and approach.
4. Adapting to Client Needs: Understanding and addressing immediate client concerns and short-term goals creates a more reassuring and trust-filled relationship.
5. Eradicating Compassion Fatigue: Advisors can preserve their health and efficiency by practicing emotional detachment and understanding that each client’s journey is unique and right for them.
Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and insightful conversations on WomenShare, where women in financial services come together to learn and grow. Subscribe, rate, and review our podcast to stay updated and connected with our empowering content. Because when women thrive, industries revolutionize.
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Welcome to WomenShare: a celebration of women in financial services. In this episode, our special guest is Atricia Roberts, Chief Operating Officer and partner at Curo Private Wealth. Atricia joins hosts Leah Alter and Joanna Ehresman to discuss the imperative of embracing diversity in the financial services industry and the unique challenges she has faced and overcome in her career.
During her 20-year journey in the financial sector, Atricia has become a stalwart advocate for diversity and inclusion. She shares her insights on the significant role that women and people of color are poised to play in the changing landscape of wealth. From reaching out to historically black colleges and universities to mentoring upcoming talent, Atricia’s story is a testament to resilience, authenticity, and the power of inclusive leadership.
Atricia also offers practical advice on balancing work and personal life using the metaphor of juggling rubber and glass balls. She promotes her podcast, "Living Rich Lead with Curo," which delves into financial and personal life matters. Moreover, she shares her new-found passion for golf and emphasizes the importance of finding joy outside of work.
This episode is brimming with inspirational insights, heartfelt reflections, and actionable advice for those looking to make a difference in the financial industry.
Key Takeaways:
Embracing Diversity in Financial Services: Atricia emphasizes that the face of wealth is changing, with women and people of color taking a bigger share of wealth due to a substantial wealth transfer. This shift necessitates an industry-wide embracement of diversity and inclusive practices.
Unique Backgrounds Build Trust: Atricia highlights the importance of connecting with clients on a personal level. She believes that advisors, particularly women and people of color, can use their unique backgrounds to build trust and stronger relationships with clients.
Challenges and Triumphs: Reflecting on her early career at Merrill Lynch, Atricia candidly discusses the struggles she faced as a young black woman advisor in a predominantly white, male environment. Despite the setbacks, she found mentorship and guidance that helped her embrace her authentic self.
Proactive Diversity and Mentorship: Atricia discusses the slow progress in diversity in the financial planning industry and stresses the importance of being proactive in considering diverse candidates for roles. She also underscores the value of mentorship and sponsorship in creating opportunities for underrepresented groups.
Balancing Work and Personal Life: Using the analogy of juggling rubber and glass balls, Atricia shares her insights on maintaining a balance between professional responsibilities and personal well-being. Giving oneself grace is key to navigating personal and professional growth.
Support and Allyship: We discuss the significance of being an ally, especially for women and people of color in the industry. Supporting each other in various roles and responsibilities is crucial for fostering a more inclusive environment.
Creating Inclusive Opportunities: At Curo Private Wealth, Atricia is actively involved in initiatives such as a summer internship program focused on diversity and inclusion. These efforts are essential in opening up opportunities for women and underrepresented groups in the financial services industry.
With mutual admiration and heartfelt discussions, this episode of WomenShare is a reminder of the importance of vulnerability, authenticity, and proactive engagement in fostering diversity and inclusion in the financial services industry. Join us in celebrating the strides made and the ongoing efforts towards a more inclusive future. Because when diversity and inclusion thrive, the entire industry evolves and prospers.
Listen to Atricia's podcast,
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Welcome to WomenShare: a marketing guide for women in financial services. In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Dana Rhodes, Chief Operating Officer at Axtella and a prominent advocate for women in the financial industry. Dana shares invaluable insights about her career, battling perfectionism, and the importance of finding joy amidst life's challenges.
In this episode, Dana opens up about her journey in the financial industry, sharing how she battled perfectionism and found wisdom in the advice to have faith that things work out. She reflects on the influence of her mentor, Kristen Leclair, and the joys of being a positive role model for her independent and tech-savvy daughter, Caroline.
Together, we explore the evolution of the workplace, especially with the rise of remote work, and the importance of mentorship and collaboration in building a world-class operations division at Axtella. Dana also discusses her new role where she's blending brokerage and advisory operations for improved service.
Tune in to hear her humorous insights about interoffice mail, transitioning to new technology, and the rewarding experience of finding joy amid challenges. Plus, don't miss Dana's thoughts on attracting the next generation of female advisors and the flexibility that remote work brings to this evolving industry.
Key takeaways:
Struggles with Perfectionism: Dana opens up about her journey to overcome perfectionism and the transformative career advice she received, stressing the importance of having faith in the process.Mentorship and Gratitude: Dana highlights the indispensable impact of her mentor, Kristen Leclair, on her professional growth, underscoring mentorship's snowball effect within the industry.Technology Adaptation: Humorous insights arise from Dana’s adaptation to remote work tools and technology, illustrating generational differences and the necessity for continuous learning in the modern workplace.Symbiotic Learning: Dana speaks about the symbiotic learning relationship with her daughter, offering a fresh perspective on the mutual benefits of diverse skill sets and experiences.Positive Role Models: The discussion emphasizes the importance of role models and mentors in nurturing the next generation of female professionals, with Dana reflecting on her efforts to instill confidence and independence in her daughter.Joy Amidst Stress: Dana underscores finding joy in the midst of stress and challenges, focusing on uplifting experiences and positive aspects of life as a crucial coping mechanism.Industry Evolution: Dana covers the evolution of the financial industry, particularly concerning technology and remote work, making it more inclusive and accessible for women, especially working mothers.Empowerment Platforms: Dana introduces the Nova Women's Collective at Axtella, a significant initiative aimed to support and empower women in the financial industry through connection and learning.
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“I want women to have choice around what path they want to have in terms of career.”
Welcome to WomenShare: a celebration of women in financial services. Today, we are joined by LeeAnn Rasachak, the inspiring CEO of WomenVenture–a nonprofit dedicated to supporting women entrepreneurs in building sustainable businesses and creating wealth for their families.
LeeAnn Rasachak joined Women Venture after a successful career in the financial services industry, driven by a desire to make a substantial impact on her community—especially during significant moments like the 2020 racial reckoning and the pandemic. With a strong background in PR, communications, digital transformation, and leadership within large corporations, LeeAnn's transition to her current role has been both a challenge and a rewarding experience. She credits the support of her team and community and highlights the confidence she gained through her journey.
In this episode, we discuss the complexities of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, creating a solid business case for DEI that ties goals to outcomes and focuses on metrics important to business leaders.
WomenVenture has been an integral part of the community for over 45 years. The organization provides business training, development, consulting, and affordable capital to women entrepreneurs. LeeAnn shares ways to support Women Venture, including shopping at women-owned businesses listed in their directory, engaging with their social media platforms, and making monetary contributions. The nonprofit also welcomes volunteers for mentorship, committee participation, and project-based initiatives, offering both in-person and remote opportunities.
Key Takeaways:
1. Embracing DEI: LeeAnn emphasizes the significance of making a business case for DEI, tying goals to measurable outcomes, and ensuring inclusivity. Progress over perfection is crucial, with incremental changes building up over time to create substantial impacts.
2. Creating Sustainable Businesses: WomenVenture's mission is to empower women by providing essential resources like business training, consulting, and affordable capital. The ultimate goal is to help women build profitable, sustainable businesses and generate wealth for their families.
3. Community and Support: LeeAnn highlights the importance of community support and harnessing the power of one's team. Building a supportive network is vital for overcoming challenges and achieving entrepreneurial success.
4. Encouraging Action in Organizations: LeeAnn offers practical advice for taking action within organizations, such as establishing Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), seeking executive sponsorship for DEI initiatives, and investing in resources for having difficult conversations, learning, and community immersion.
5. Volunteerism and Engagement: Supporting WomenVenture can be as simple as shopping at women-owned businesses, making financial contributions, or volunteering your time. The organization offers various opportunities for engagement, both locally and remotely.
For more information, you can connect with LeeAnn Rasachak on LinkedIn or visit WomenVenture.org. Special thanks to our sponsor, Axtella. For more details on how Axtella supports women in financial services, visit go.axtella.com/womenshare.
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"I live for these moments of celebration, small things, large things, and just continuing to realize all the positive things that are happening in life."
Welcome to WomenShare, a celebration of women in financial services. Our latest episode features the brilliant mind of Terri Kallsen, Senior Operating Partner at RISE Growth Partners and an advocate for women in leadership roles. In this episode, we discuss the transformative minds of women leaders and the powerful concepts shaping their journeys.
Throughout this conversation, Terri Kallsen shares her experiences and valuable lessons learned from her extensive career. She emphasizes the importance of visibility, noting that seeing women in positions of authority can inspire others and bring diverse, enriching viewpoints to the forefront.
We also explore the concept of the "huddle," a supportive, strategic gathering akin to those in sports, which plays a crucial role in empowering women both professionally and personally. This episode is a treasure trove of career advice where Terri discusses the significance of questioning existing answers and discovering solutions collectively. The method of the "6 thinking hats" for comprehensive decision-making is underscored as an essential tool in diverse team environments.
As we navigate Terri's story, we touch on her balanced life achievements, including personal milestones like becoming an empty nester and engaging in family endurance races, termed as "gold marble moments." Her reflections highlight the importance of celebrating life's victories and staying connected with loved ones.
The episode is filled with actionable advice on organic growth in the financial services industry, focusing on leadership, business management systems, and client experience. Terri underscores the significance of providing clients with options rather than merely ticking off quotas - a perspective that reinforces client trust and business growth.
Key Takeaways:
Visibility of Women in Leadership: Seeing more women in positions of power can inspire and provide a diverse range of perspectives, making the path to success feel achievable for others.
The Power of the Huddle: Drawing parallels to sports, Terri emphasizes the value of supportive, strategic gatherings for women to plan, strategize, and support each other in various aspects of their lives.
Collaborative Problem-Solving: Effective team collaboration and questioning answers is crucial. Tools like the "6 thinking hats" method enhance decision-making by fostering diverse viewpoints in team environments.
Celebrating Personal Milestones: Terri's "gold marble moments" illustrate the importance of celebrating personal achievements and staying connected with family, enriching both personal and professional life.
Providing Clients with Choices: Prioritizing client choices over simply meeting quotas leads to stronger trust and growth in financial services, exemplifying a client-first approach.
Breaking Financial Industry Stigmas: Increasing the number of women and minorities in the financial planning industry not only diversifies the field but also breaks down stereotypes, encouraging more young people to join.
Strategic Partnerships in Growth: RISE Growth Partners helps RIAs maintain majority ownership while offering guidance for their strategic goals, highlighting the role of supportive partnerships in business advancements.
Mentorship and Executive Conversations: Terri is committed to mentoring women and minorities, providing access to executive-level discussions to help them overcome industry fears and gain crucial understanding.
Let's continue building spaces where women can thrive, lead, and revolutionize the financial services industry. Stay connected with WomenShare and join us in advocating for inclusivity and celebrating female empowerment in finance.
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"It’s about being great where you’re at. Learn, challenge yourself, protect your current commitments, and excel in your present role. You’ll build the foundation for future success."
Welcome to WomenShare: a celebration of women in financial services. Today’s guest is Sarah Walter, Managing Director at Northwestern Mutual with 20 years of dedicated service within the company. In this episode, Sarah shares valuable insights on career growth, support systems, and the evolving landscape for women advisors and investors.
Sarah has held seven different roles at Northwestern Mutual and attributes her success to persistent mentors who saw her potential. Her journey is marked by a solid commitment to continuous learning, challenging herself, and excelling in her current roles. Sarah discusses the importance of leveraging the strengths of others, particularly within smaller offices without extensive marketing teams.
Sarah, Leah, and Joanna reflect on the incredible opportunities at Northwestern Mutual, particularly in terms of training and development support for advisors, with an astounding 98% of new recruits coming from non-industry backgrounds.
Key Takeaways:
Be Great Where You Are: Sarah Walter emphasizes the importance of excelling in your current role, learning, and challenging yourself. This dedication builds a robust foundation for future success in the financial industry.
Support Systems and Shared Services: Smaller offices can thrive by adopting shared services and leveraging strengths within the organization. Sarah mentions Northwestern Mutual's significant support, ensuring even less resourced offices can deliver comprehensive marketing strategies, client events, and community partnerships.
Mentorship and Community Involvement: Both mentors and community involvement play critical roles in career advancement. Sarah highlights how local offices build their brand through events and community engagement, enhancing visibility and trust.
Training and Development: Northwestern Mutual invests heavily in the training and development of new representatives. Their national training program provides resources on the sales cycle, product know-how, insights from seasoned advisors, and much more, fostering a sense of preparedness among new recruits.
Inclusivity and Diversity: Creating an inclusive environment is pivotal for fostering a sense of belonging and ensuring the best performance from advisors. Northwestern Mutual's focus on DEI initiatives and training in various languages illustrates their commitment to meeting the needs of Gen Z and diverse communities.
Generational Wealth Management: The firm has seen substantial growth by focusing on generational planning and wealth management. This includes maintaining relationships over generations and meeting the evolving needs of their clients.
Entrepreneurial and Leadership Opportunities: Sarah, the first female managing director in her office in over a century, underscores the entrepreneurial leadership opportunities within the company. She emphasizes that one can build a meaningful and passionate career in the industry.
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“I truly believe that we are better together than we are alone. And for advisors to feel like they have support behind them, especially independent advisors, and that they have a family of people that actually care about them. I knew that I needed to go back to that because I that's what I really love.”
Welcome to WomenShare: a celebration of women in financial services. In today’s episode, we’re uncovering the strategies behind growth and success in the financial advisory space.
Our guest is Abby Salameh, the Chief Growth Officer at RFG Advisory and one of the founding partners of Investment News. She is an industry pioneer with over 25 years of building growth services for independent financial advisors and she’s giving us her insights into the crucial aspects of event communication, marketing automation, and ROI analysis.
We also explore the support that RFG Advisory provides to advisors for branding and marketing strategy implementation, resulting in an impressive 19% organic growth rate. Abby emphasizes RFG's hands-on approach to developing and executing marketing plans, which sets them apart in the industry.
Key Takeaways:
1. Event Communication & Marketing Automation: Abby Salameh highlights the significance of tracking event communication and registrations. The integration of marketing automation tools can streamline these processes, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of event-driven campaigns.
2. Utilizing Data & AI for Marketing: The episode underscores the pivotal role of data analytics and artificial intelligence in creating targeted marketing strategies. Leveraging these technologies helps in understanding audience behavior and improving campaign outcomes.
3. Importance of Visualizing Data Insights: Abby advocates for the visualization of data insights to make informed marketing decisions. Visual data representations can help in identifying trends and measuring the impact of marketing efforts.
4. Ongoing Marketing Optimization: Continuous optimization of marketing strategies is crucial. Abby and the hosts stress the need for regular assessment and tweaking of campaigns to ensure sustained success and optimal ROI.
5. Setting Realistic Campaign Goals: It's essential to set achievable and realistic goals for marketing campaigns. Abby discusses how understanding what does not work is as important as knowing what does, leading to more refined and effective strategies.
6. Amplifying Referral Processes: Reflecting on the power of referrals, Abby shares how RFG Advisory supports advisors by providing tools to amplify their referral processes, harnessing the potential of word-of-mouth marketing.
7. Integrating Sales and Marketing: Achieving a flywheel effect through the seamless integration of sales and marketing teams is highlighted as a critical factor for success. This alignment ensures a cohesive strategy that drives growth.
8. Support for Independent Financial Advisors: RFG Advisory’s commitment to supporting independent financial advisors is emphasized, showcasing their hands-on approach in helping advisors grow their businesses organically.
9. Career Insights and Advice: Abby fondly reflects on her diverse career journey in financial services, discussing the evolution of her roles and the valuable lessons learned along the way. She emphasizes the transient nature of career phases and the opportunity cost associated with success.
10. Empowering Women in Financial Services: The conversation also touches upon Abby's early career challenges and the importance of fostering a supportive environment for women in the financial services industry.
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Welcome to WomenShare: A Celebration of Women in Financial Services. Sound different? Since launching, we have been the marketing guide for women in financial services. This is the first episode with our updated mission.
On today’s episode, Joanna Ehresman and Leah Alter are reflecting on the journey we’ve taken with this podcast, from starting as a marketing guide to becoming a vibrant community celebrating the voices and impacts of women in financial services. We’re sharing how we came to the decision to shift our focus, what will and will not be changing as we move forward, and what we’re looking forward to in coming episodes.
While this show, and the personal connection between the hosts, was initially grounded in marketing, our community's feedback has led us to embrace a more holistic celebration of women’s achievements across the financial sector. We underscore the importance of community, especially through mentoring and sponsorship.
WomenShare is more than just a platform; it’s a community fostering real connections and support among women. Looking ahead, we’re excited to bring even more diverse voices to the platform, including industry leaders and innovators who share our commitment to empowering women in financial services.
Key Takeaways:
1. Evolution of WomenShare's Focus: Joanna and Leah discuss the transformation of the podcast from a marketing guide for women in financial services to a broader celebration of women in the industry. This shift reflects our responsiveness to audience feedback and a desire to embrace more inclusive and diverse conversations about women's roles and achievements in financial services.
2. Engagement and Community Building: We are excited about the growth of our community, both in terms of the listener base and the interactions on platforms like LinkedIn. We emphasize the significance of building a community where women can connect, share experiences, and support each other, hence fostering a space of openness and safety.
3. Importance of Authenticity in Branding: Through our discussions and guest insights, Joanna and Leah highlight how important it is for financial advisors and businesses to maintain an authentic brand that truly reflects their values and origins. This authenticity attracts clients and builds trust, which is crucial for growth and retention in the financial services industry.
4. Role of Male Allies: We are reaffirming our commitment to inclusivity by recognizing the vital role that male allies play in the advancement of women in the financial industry. This episode discusses how support from men in the industry is crucial for creating a more balanced and equitable environment.
5. Future Guests and Exciting Topics: Looking forward, we are thrilled about the upcoming episodes featuring influential figures in the financial sector. Our future conversations on various topics will further inspire and empower women in the industry, and hopefully enhance the impact that we can have on our community.
We’re also excited to be announcing our new partnership as we welcome Axtella as the presenting sponsor of WomenShare! Axtella is dedicated to helping financial professionals take their practices to new heights.
If you’re ready for a firm that goes the extra mile for its advisors, visit go.axtella.com/womenshare.
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“It's such a gratifying thing to get to be able to know so many different families and to be part of their success stories is just wonderful. We just need more people to understand what a great industry it is.”
Welcome to WomenShare: a marketing guide for women in financial services.Today’s guest was recently named one of the top women wealth advisors by Forbes. Debra Brennan Tagg, CFP® is President of BFS Advisory Group and the creator of the DBT360 Financial Plan, a proprietary program that helps her clients use their money to have the life they want by prioritizing their goals, leveraging their resources, and addressing their risks, all through a framework of their personal values.
With a $30 trillion wealth transfer from men to women expected to take place by 2030, Debra is sharing her insights on the false narratives that have been fed to women and how the financial services industry will need to evolve over the next six years.
We’re also discussing the significant underrepresentation of women in wealth management and the pivotal roles of mentorship, education, and sponsorship in bridging the gender gap.
As we advocate for more inclusive spaces and celebrate the strides made towards female empowerment in the industry, let's keep the conversation going. Because when women thrive, industries revolutionize.
Key takeaways:
Impending Wealth Transfer: By 2030, women are expected to control approximately $30 trillion in financial assets, marking a significant shift in wealth dynamics. This presents both challenges and opportunities within the wealth management industry to cater to and empower this fast-growing demographic.Gender Gap in Financial Advisory Roles: Despite the potential, only 20-25% of financial advisors are women. This episode highlights the critical need for the industry to evolve and embrace more inclusive recruitment and retention strategies to balance gender representation in financial services.Strategic Inclusion Efforts: Debra Brennan Tagg discusses actionable strategies for attracting women to the wealth management profession. These include enhancing industry appeal through targeted educational initiatives and simplifying the entry points for both potential advisors and clients.The Importance of Mentorship and Sponsorship: The discussion underscores the pivotal role of mentorship and sponsorship in advancing women's careers in wealth management. Effective allyship, particularly from male colleagues, is crucial in fostering an environment that supports career advancement for women.Communicative Clarity and Client Confidence: Ensuring that financial advice is understandable and accessible is paramount. The industry must focus on clear communication to help clients, particularly women, feel confident about their financial decisions and the management of their wealth.
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“Empathy can be a skillset, too. Learning how to just be able to sit with somebody, learning how to ask, what do you need right now? Do you need me to fix it? Do you need advice? Do you need me to just listen?"
Welcome to WomenShare: a marketing guide for women in financial services. On today’s episode, Joanna Ehresman and Leah Alter are joined by executive and well-being coach, Holly O’Hanlon to get to the heart of financial services (literally).
Holly helps business leaders thrive by focusing on self awareness, well-being, and emotional literacy. In our conversation, we explore the intricate layers of emotional intelligence, breaking down concepts like empathy and vulnerability, and how these can be channeled in the workplace to foster deep connections and enhance well-being. Holly will guide us through understanding the spectrum of emotions beyond the basic "mad, glad, sad," and why naming and feeling these emotions is critical for high EQ.
Holly will share her insights on how to transform a client’s journey from transactional to relational dynamics, discussing how financial advisors and leaders can anchor themselves as the support clients and team members need during life's pivotal moments.
Key Takeaways:
1. Emotional intelligence isn't just buzzworthy – it's the foundation for deeper connections. Honing our capacity to feel beyond 'mad, glad, sad' is crucial. Let's learn the full spectrum of emotions for richer interactions.
2. Empathy is a superpower in leadership. To truly lead, we must be willing to sit with others in their emotions without judgment or an agenda to fix. It’s not about solutions; it’s about presence.
3. Vulnerability is about risk, exposure, and stepping into uncertainty. In finances or leadership, it breeds trust and authenticity. Dare to ask the deeper questions. It's transformational.
4. Stories we tell ourselves can shape our reactions. Understanding our emotions keeps us from reactive states and allows for meaningful conversations. Pause and reflect before you project.
5. Best career advice: Remember the kaleidoscope. Like its endless patterns, every challenge has multiple perspectives. Open up to different angles and you'll find innovative solutions every time
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“I believe in advocating using grassroots efforts, authentic engagement, and unyielding commitment, and those being the true catalysts for effecting lasting change. Those are essential in passing a bright shining torch to the next generation.”
Welcome to WomenShare: a marketing guide for women in financial services. On today’s episode, Joanna Ehresman and Leah Alter are joined by Maria Bethel, the senior vice president of marketing and communications at Axtella.
Maria and her team are championing diversity and inclusion in the financial services industry, especially when it comes to the representation of younger advisors. She is joining us today to discuss the importance of advocating for lasting change through grassroot efforts, authentic engagement, and unyielding commitment.
The next generation of advisors is filled with untapped potential and Maria is sharing her strategy to discover it, incorporating storytelling, social media, and thought leadership to inspire and engage young professionals.
Key takeaways:
1. The importance of grassroots efforts and authentic engagement in marketing, and unyielding commitment as true catalysts for effecting lasting change.
2. The significance of redefining the purpose and mission in the financial services industry to inspire the next generation of financial professionals and investors.
3. The need to address the limited public awareness and understanding of the independent broker-dealer and the transformative influence that financial professionals have in helping individuals realize their dreams and aspirations.
4. The necessity to meet the next generation where they are by utilizing social media platforms and visual content to effectively communicate and engage with them.
5. The career advice to speak up, always be respectful, and courageously share your voice, while balancing wisdom with intuition.
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