What has inspired you to stay at Bernstein for as long as you have?
What has kept me at Bernstein for the past seven years is really the combination of the people, the culture and the opportunity to continuously grow. I’m surrounded by colleagues who inspire and challenge me, and I’ve been able to learn from people with very different areas of expertise. I also value that Bernstein continues to evolve, whether through innovative investment strategies, new capabilities or the way we think about solving problems for clients. Most importantly, there is a high standard here for how we serve clients and how we work with one another. I’ve been fortunate to grow my career in an environment where I’m constantly learning, taking on more responsibility and becoming a better advisor.
How have your values and personal background specifically positioned you to work with your clients?
My background has given me a distinct perspective on what it means to trust someone with your finances. I grew up around professional sports and later played in the NFL myself, so I saw firsthand both the opportunities that can come with financial success and the consequences of receiving poor advice. That experience is a big part of why I take the responsibility of being an advisor so seriously. I know what it is like to be on the other side of the table, and I want my clients to know that the advice I give is in their best interest.
Which personal accomplishment makes you proudest?
I’m proudest of completing graduate school while pursuing my goal of playing in the NFL. I started the program while going through fall camp at Notre Dame, continued taking classes throughout my final season and then spent my last semester training for the NFL draft in Chicago while traveling back to South Bend for class. It was a demanding stretch, and looking back, I’m proud of the discipline it took to stay fully committed to both my education and football.