What inspired you to join Bernstein?
When I began interviewing with Bernstein, I was at a point in my career where I’d found my passion in financial planning and wealth management, but I knew that my current firm wasn’t the right fit. I was looking for a company with which I felt better aligned and where I could put down roots for the long term. As I progressed through the interview process, it quickly became clear that Bernstein was that place. I was and am continuously inspired by the dedication to excellence that Bernstein exhibits in every facet of our private wealth practice, from the company culture to client service to our investment platform. I’m grateful to work with a group of individuals who share my values of integrity, intellectual curiosity and innovation. Along with my partners Don Braun and Will Furey, I have the privilege of helping our clients navigate the complexities of personal wealth with confidence. I’m lucky to be part of such an outstanding organization.
Share one of your most memorable professional accomplishments with us.
As evidenced perhaps by my political science degree, I never thought I’d be working in finance. Things changed in March of 2020. Searching for a job in a pandemic-stricken labor market was difficult, and when I received an offer for an entry level role at a financial firm, I jumped at the opportunity—much to my own surprise.
I quickly fell in love with the industry and with helping clients answer important questions around their wealth. As my career grew, so did my desire for a deeper understanding of the complexities and nuances of financial planning. Becoming a Certified Financial Planner was the logical next step in my career.
After months of studying, I passed the exam and was overwhelmed with a sense of pride and personal accomplishment. Becoming a CFP was a large part of what brought me to Bernstein, and I now have the opportunity to work on a team with two outstanding advisors who share my same dedication to delivering the high-quality advice that our clients deserve.
Which book had the most profound impact on you and why?
I first came across Anthony Doerr’s All the Light We Cannot See on a summer reading list my junior year of high school, and it quickly became a favorite. Since then, I’ve picked it up at many different points in my life and have always found solace in its pages. The story is one of profound hardship, resilience, and unexpected joy. Each time I’ve revisited the book, I was struck by the strength of the human spirit and the immense importance of human connection. Doerr won the Pulitzer Prize for the novel and has written a number of wonderful works since. I keep a copy on my bedside table as a constant reminder that the most important light is the one that exists inside of us all, the light we cannot see.