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? To me, being a trailblazer means building your own path instead of waiting for one to be handed to you. I started in this industry in 1996 in the operations department. I worked my way up from the mailroom and client service roles, learning the business from the inside out before becoming an advisor. That experience shaped everything. When you understand how accounts are opened, how systems function, and how service really works behind the scenes, you approach advising…

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 challenging the idea that there’s a predefined box and doing so with empathy, intention, and a deep respect for the people you bring along as you build something new. It’s about innovating while staying grounded in understanding the real needs, concerns, and experiences of others. My path into wealth management began in centralized services, where I supported advisors while helping design a scalable, centralized platform to improve efficiency and day today support. That…

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 not being afraid to tackle something new and not caring if you are the only one or one of a few doing it.  My path into wealth management began with my husband, Stephen Davis, wanting a female advisor on his team.  He talked with me for years about potentially coming to be a part of his team before I finally decided that was the path I wanted to take.  My former life was spent mostly…

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 new paths and breaking barriers and leading the way for others to follow. My own journey into wealth management began over 20 years ago in the Retail Bank Branches. I did not set out to work in this industry but I was fortunate to have excellent mentors and training.  These experiences were instrumental in shaping my career and igniting my passion for helping others understand financial literacy and creating and managing their…

In a few words, what does being a “Trailblazer” mean to you, and how did your path into wealth management begin? I think being a trailblazer means creating opportunities for yourself and also for those who might come up after you. Breaking barriers for yourself, isn’t blazing a trail it’s just working in your own self-interest. Truly building accomplishments with the intention of changing the experience for others is being a trailblazer. When you first entered the industry, what did the landscape look like for women, and what early lessons still shape how you lead today? I began this career…

In a few words, what does being a “Trailblazer” mean to you, and how did your path into wealth management begin? When I see the word ‘trailblazer’ my initial thoughts veer toward someone with an entrepreneurial spirit – someone bold, strong willed and outspoken. While those traits are admirable, I believe that trailblazers can be anyone who has an idea or suggestion (no matter how big or small) and is driven enough to use their skills to collaborate with others and carve a new path toward their end goal. I would fall into the latter of the two categories. My…

The Seductive Simplicity of “Average” If you’ve been investing for any length of time, chances are you’ve heard it: “The stock market has averaged 7–10+% annually over time.” It’s a line repeated in countless articles, retirement brochures, and even in conversations with some financial professionals. On the surface, it feels reassuring. If the market averages say… 8% per year, then over 20 or 30 years, your portfolio should perform nicely. The problem? Averages can lie. In fact, the math behind averages often hides the true impact on your portfolio, particularly in the short term while investors, especially retirees, who rely…

Providing a pathway to safety, justice, and healing for Ugandan children experiencing sexual violence. Every child deserves safety. Yet for millions of children, safety is not guaranteed. In Uganda, sexual violence against children is widespread, often hidden, and devastating. Rescue One More exists because doing nothing is not an option. Rescue One More is a nonprofit organization working to end sexual violence against children through rescue, justice, healing, and prevention. Founded in 2021 by a survivor and her family, the organization grew from one child’s rescue into a mission that now protects hundreds of children and educates entire communities. Rescue…

Inflation, taxes, and fear don’t discriminate. Even the most successful investors know the feeling: it’s late, the house is quiet, and you’re staring at the ceiling running through numbers in your head. Will my money last? What happens if the markets fall? What if taxes rise? The truth is, wealth doesn’t silence fear. In some ways, it amplifies it. You’ve worked too hard to build it, and you know how fragile it can feel in a world defined by inflation, shifting tax laws, and constant uncertainty. Fear is natural. But letting fear drive your financial decisions is dangerous. The question…

When investors evaluate a financial advisor, the “resume” isn’t just a sheet of paper. In reality, an advisor’s professional track record is a culmination of several elements: their U4 and BrokerCheck history, the firm they represent, their depth of knowledge, and yes what their clients say about them. But here’s where many investors go wrong: they get distracted by glossy credentials, big firm logos, or vague claims of being “fee only fiduciaries.” While those terms sound reassuring, they don’t always reflect what actually matters in practice. What Looks Good But Doesn’t Always Matter Alphabet Soup of Designations Some certifications are…