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 path to wealth management began as a result of my Mother insisting that I reimburse her for my health insurance for the time from when I graduated from college, moved to LA to study with the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and then moved back home. I needed a job, and I needed it fast.
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 started in October of 2007, I was one of three women in our satellite office with roughly 20 men (both advisors and client associates/junior advisors). Linda was a seasoned Client Associate with 35 years of industry experience under her belt and a wonderful mentor. Kim was our office manager and an absolute angel for hiring me. I learned within my first hour on the job that I needed to have thick skin, listen carefully, take detailed notes and not be afraid to ask questions.
What challenges have you faced along the way, and what mindset or skills helped you push through and keep going?
The biggest challenge(s) I have faced are self-imposed, more than anything. It took me a few years to feel confident enough to admit to myself I can excel in this industry and will continue to do so. I am absolutely my own worst critic, but I always appreciate advice or constructive criticism. I believe that you cannot grow or thrive as a teammate/individual if you are unwilling to hear and accept criticism.
Where are you today in your career, and what unique perspectives do you believe women bring to wealth management and leadership?
I am currently the Vice President of Operations, and I am also taking on more of our compliance responsibilities. While I cannot speak for all women in the wealth management realm, I recognized early on that as a woman, I was held to a different set of expectations than my male co-workers. I think that made me work harder and it taught me to be more flexible and adaptable to change.
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?
I am most excited about the growing camaraderie of women in wealth management. I love the men that I work with, but it was not until I had attended my first DWN event that I realized how much I missed and needed the presence of strong, intelligent women in the office. The advice that I would give to future trailblazers is the same advice I give my daughters every morning before school: “work hard, be kind, and listen to your teachers.”
More About Jackie Ellison: Before joining Presilium Private Wealth at its launch in 2022, Jackie spent her career embedded in the financial industry, with nearly 15 years of experience in investment operations and managing client relationships at Merrill Lynch. Her passion is to cultivate and maintain a positive and comfortable environment with our clients and their families through transparency and open communication.
Jackie’s focus at Presilium is to implement unified operational strategies that benefit clients and their long term financial goals.
Jackie earned a bachelor’s degree from Union College in Schenectady, NY. Jackie is an avid runner, loves stand up comedy, hockey, and baking. She lives in Moorestown, NJ with her husband, Robert, and their two daughters, Helen and Gloria.
