What inspired you to join Bernstein?
Prior to joining Bernstein as an associate, I spent two years working at a boutique wealth management firm in Chicago. When I relocated to Atlanta for personal reasons, I knew I wanted to work at a firm that placed clients first and had the highest level of integrity. From my first interview with Bernstein, it was crystal clear that I had found the place where I belonged. It became obvious that the firm is centered on a client-first approach, with the service culture of a boutique and the resources of a global money manager.
On my first day, and in my first staff meeting, the associates and coordinators presented their research on how other world-class service organizations go above and beyond for their clients, Next, they shared ideas on how we could incorporate their findings into Bernstein’s personal definition of client service excellence. From that point on, I knew I had joined the right firm that truly prioritizes people internally and externally.
What has inspired you to stay at Bernstein for as long as you have?
Each year I ask myself and my team to share their proudest accomplishments, personally and professionally, and to explain why they are at Bernstein. I’m always inspired by the answers and why people stay at the firm. A consistent one is “the people,” as we support each other, hold one another accountable, are serious but fun, intellectually curious, enjoy building relationships of depth with clients and each other, and always do what’s best for our clients. My answer to why I have stayed at Bernstein for many years, is certainly because of the people, and also because of the opportunity to make an impact every day. Some of the ways I do this are: by hiring and developing talent, fostering my team members’ careers, creating a more diverse, inclusive and equitable culture, finding solutions to new challenges and collaborating with business partners throughout the country. While a huge responsibility, I love positively impacting, and benefiting, our people, clients and the entire firm.
What passions do you pursue outside of work?
As a classically trained violinist, my joy comes from experiencing and sharing the Houston arts and culture community with my husband and two young boys. Together, we attend concerts at the Houston Symphony, dance shows at the Houston Ballet, and marvel at amazing actors and actresses at the Alley Theatre. To continuously learn and expand our perspectives, we also enjoy visiting our city’s myriad world-class art, science and cultural museums. Lately on the weekends, our favorite activity is riding our bikes. One of our favorite routes begins at the Montrose neighborhood to Rice University campus, Herman Park, and then to the Houston Zoo or along Buffalo Bayou Park. This is a beautiful, cultured and entertainment-filled city, and there’s no better way to experience its landscape than in the open air.