What inspired you to join Bernstein?
For me, it was two things. The people I get to work with and the people I get to help.
First, Bernstein is a firm singularly focused on creating the best outcomes for the client. Everyone I met with at the firm was exceptionally thoughtful and driven, and the colleagues I get to work with, like Anne Bucciarelli (Senior National Director of Family Engagement Strategies) and Christopher Steele (Director at the Institute for Trust & Estate Planning), are exemplary in their disciplines. The Bernstein advisor role is designed to be very collaborative in nature, so I get to wake up every day and partner with professionals from other industries like trust and estate attorneys, accountants and investment bankers to help my clients navigate complexity and achieve their financial goals.
Second, I love learning about the people I advise. Spending time uncovering what matters most to them, and identifying the right solutions for them and their families, fulfills me and aligns with who I am as a person.
Share one of your most memorable professional accomplishments with us.
One of my proudest accomplishments, both professionally and personally, was making the leap from directing commercials to writing, producing and directing my first feature film. Crafting the screenplay was a massive creative undertaking, but bringing it to life with a tiny budget, assembling a cast and crew, and securing distribution was even more daunting. People told me it would never see the light of day, but “The Pill” went on to win numerous festival awards, secured a global Netflix deal in 2012 and turned a significant profit across digital platforms. That experience taught me that with vision, grit and perseverance, even the most ambitious goals are within reach. I carry those lessons with me today, especially when advising founders and business owners. I’ve been in their shoes, and I understand what it takes to build something from the ground up.
What differentiates you from other advisors?
Coming from outside the industry makes me unique. I spent the first chapter of my career as a filmmaker and entrepreneur. I made dozens of commercials, worked on seven feature films and built startups from the ground up. These experiences honed my ability to adapt quickly, build trust in high-stakes environments and bring simplicity to complexity. These skills have become invaluable in my work as an advisor.
I approach each client relationship with deep curiosity and a creative mindset. I don’t see clients as portfolios, I see them as dynamic families and business owners with unique stories, goals and challenges. My mission is to understand what matters most to them and then design strategies that align with their personal definitions of success. I bring the same passion, dedication and outside-the-box thinking that fueled my work in film and entrepreneurship to every financial conversation I have.