Author: Investor Magazine Staff Contributor

In a few words, what does being a “Trailblazer” mean to you, and how did your path into wealth management begin? When I started in a support role in the early 90’s, there were limited options for women in the financial services industry. But the women who stepped out of the standard roles broke the glass ceiling to open opportunities for me and future generations of women. I feel I’m standing on their shoulders and continuing to break glass for the incredible women coming behind me. When you first entered the industry, what did the landscape look like for women, …

In a few words, what does being a “Trailblazer” mean to you, and how did your path into wealth management begin? To me, being a trailblazer means enduring and honoring the test of fire forged by those who came before us. We have so much to learn on this journey, and most of it wouldn’t be possible without the mentors, friends, and role models who began clearing the way, giving us the courage and clarity to carry the work forward. I owe my start in wealth management to one of those mentors who helped me land a role on a…

In a few words, what does being a “Trailblazer” mean to you, and how did your path into wealth management begin? To me, being a trailblazer means creating your own path when there isn’t a clear roadmap, and then helping light the way for others who follow. Before entering wealth management, I built and led teams in large-scale national events, including PGA tours and major music festivals. When I became a mother, I wanted to translate that leadership and operational background into a more traditional career that allowed me to stay closer to home. I joined a local wealth management…

In a few words, what does being a “Trailblazer” mean to you, and how did your path into wealth management begin? To me, being a trailblazer means creating a new path instead of following an existing one and making it easier for those who come after me. My path into wealth management was unconventional. I have known several members of the Cyndeo team for years and, while working as a teacher, I supported them during their June 2020 transition over my summer break. I remained connected with the team, and when I was ready to pivot careers in the summer…

In a few words, what does being a “Trailblazer” mean to you, and how did your path into wealth management begin? To me, being a trailblazer means creating space where it did not previously exist and then holding the door open for others behind you. I entered wealth management early in my career in a support role and worked my way up by staying patient, being open to learning something new and challenging every day and leaving my ego at the door (which took time). I refused to believe my starting point defined my ceiling. I also learned early on…

In a few words, what does being a “Trailblazer” mean to you, and how did your path into wealth management begin? My father is in personal finance so I grew up in a home where we talked freely about money- I remember looking at stock prices in the newspaper at my kitchen table when I was maybe 5 or 6. My dads parents divorced when he was young and he witnessed the challenge his mother experienced as she picked up the mantle of financial responsibility unexpectedly. Borne out of that, my parents raised me to value financial independence and preparation…

In a few words, what does being a “Trailblazer” mean to you, and how did your path into wealth management begin? Being a trailblazer means having the confidence to follow your own path toward the destination that’s right for you.  Just as no two women are the same, neither should their journeys be.  My career path has been anything but linear giving me to opportunity to gather a unique perspective.  I’ve gained experience in banking, insurance, employer branding, recruiting, and nonprofit fundraising before ultimately finding my niche in wealth management.  Along the way, I also stepped away at times to…

In a few words, what does being a “Trailblazer” mean to you, and how did your path into wealth management begin? Being a trailblazer means leading with intention, setting a standard through your work, your values, and the way you show up for clients and colleagues, while helping expand what leadership in wealth management can look like. I began my career in wealth management in 2010, at a time when the industry was more male-dominated and traditional in its structure. What attracted me to the field was the ability to combine strategic thinking with meaningful, long-term client relationships. From the…

In a few words, what does being a “Trailblazer” mean to you, and how did your path into wealth management begin? To me, being a trailblazer means having the courage to confront fear and rejection head-on while relentlessly challenging conventional business norms—all in pursuit of meaningful progress that benefits everyone, rather than simply achieving first-mover status.  My entry into wealth management happened quite by accident. While attending college and studying Industrial and Labor Relations, I was working at a call center. When the company launched a new department, it gave me the opportunity to earn my Series 7 license at…

In a few words, what does being a “Trailblazer” mean to you, and how did your path into wealth management begin? To me, being a trailblazer means creating paths that didn’t previously exist. It’s about taking the initiative to step into new roles, assume new responsibilities, and embrace leadership opportunities that set the stage for others to follow. A trailblazer is confident, strategic, willing to take risks, and comfortable with the uncomfortable. My path into wealth management wasn’t linear. About a year after graduating college, I began my career in a recruiting role, but quickly realized it wasn’t fulfilling long-term.…