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 of 2022, an opportunity at Cyndeo made that transition possible.
When you first entered the industry, what did the landscape look like for women, and what early lessons still shape how you lead today?
When I entered the wealth management industry, I quickly noticed the lack of women in advisor and leadership roles, with many women concentrated in support positions. While Cyndeo is a smaller firm, it has made meaningful progress in promoting women into leadership roles, which speaks to our culture and values. However, there remains a broader industry-wide gap in women represented at the highest levels of wealth management.
An early lesson that continues to shape how I lead is the importance of being aware of different personalities and open to different ways of working. I’ve learned that effective leadership isn’t about a single approach, but about adjusting your communication and style to bring out the best in others. This knowledge takes time to develop, especially as I move into new roles, and it continues to influence how I collaborate, problem-solve, and support my colleagues.
What challenges have you faced along the way, and what mindset or skills helped you push through and keep going?
Coming into an industry where I had no prior experience or knowledge was one of the biggest challenges I faced. In addition, I was raised to be strong, independent, and comfortable sharing my perspective, which can be challenging when working with many different personalities. What helped me push through was maintaining a clear focus on my long-term career goals. I set those goals when I joined Cyndeo and have remained committed to them, using persistence to continue learning and growing along the way.
Where are you today in your career, and what unique perspectives do you believe women bring to wealth management and leadership?
Today, I work as an operations associate alongside our COO, where I’m focused on learning the ins and outs of our business. This role has given me a clear view of how each decision impacts the firm’s day-to-day operations and has deepened my understanding of what it takes to build a scalable, client-focused organization.
Women bring a valuable perspective to wealth management through our ability to be detail-oriented while also keeping long-term goals and potential obstacles in focus. We are often especially in tune to the human emotions and communication behind financial decisions, whether that means understanding family priorities or building trust over time.
In leadership, I believe women contribute a thoughtful, inclusive approach that strengthens both teams and outcomes. By combining operational excellence with empathy and transparency, we help create environments where people feel supported, aligned, and empowered to do their best an essential foundation for effective wealth management.
Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of women in wealth management, and what advice would you give to the next generation of trailblazers?
What excites me most about the future of women in wealth management is the momentum we’re seeing with more women stepping into advisor and leadership roles and helping shape how the industry evolves. Being a part of this period of change is energizing, and it’s inspiring to see women bring new perspectives to an industry that has traditionally lacked diverse representation.
My advice to the next generation of trailblazers is to stay persistent and be willing to advocate for yourself. Your path may not be linear, and it may take time to find the right role or niche, but don’t be afraid to explore different opportunities, make changes, and push for what you want. Growth often comes from stepping outside your comfort zone and trusting that each experience is moving you toward your ultimate path. If you had asked me five years ago whether I would be working in wealth management, my answer would have been a firm no. Yet this field has taught me more about myself, challenged me in ways I never expected, and helped me grow more than I can express. Looking back, I truly feel it’s where I was meant to be.
I would encourage any woman thinking about entering this industry to take the leap, no matter her background. Setting clear goals and staying committed to them can open doors you may not expect. Finance needs more women for the unique perspectives we bring, and it’s an exciting, constantly evolving field that presents new challenges every day.
More About Brandi Frantzis: Brandi is a graduate of the University of Florida where she received a BS in Family, Youth and Community Sciences as well as a minor in Education. She grew up in Lakeland and enjoys spending her free time with family and friends, in North Carolina, or traveling to new places. Prior to joining the team at Cyndeo, Brandi spent 7 years teaching 5th grade math and science in Hillsborough County. In 2020 Brandi worked at Cyndeo temporarily as a part of the firm’s launch helping with client onboarding.
