What has inspired you to stay at Bernstein for as long as you have?
Bernstein is a family. I began my career at a different firm in 2008, a tumultuous time, to say the least. Surviving that caliber of financial crisis taught me a valuable lesson: I needed to work for an organization that valued clients, placed their interests first and had a strong research culture. Like anything, these competitive advantages start with people and since day one I have been blown away by Bernstein’s. Every single person at Bernstein, regardless of their position, tenure or geographic location, is of the highest intelligence and integrity. While the caliber of intellect makes me feel like I’m in a think tank, our centralized thought makes Bernstein feel like a community. Every day it’s evident that we’re all in this together. In this ever-changing world we live in, it gives me great comfort to know that our people, and the strong values we collectively hold, will help us continue to be successful and provide clients with truly thoughtful and cutting-edge solutions.
What is the most fulfilling aspect of being an advisor to your clients?
Making a difference makes my job worth it. As an advisor, I’m always looking to positively impact my clients’ lives and empower them through education. I’m an advisor and their friend. The mark I make on their lives can come about in myriad ways: helping a business owner think through the various complexities of a sale, working with a multigenerational family to define what their wealth means to them—or structuring a client’s portfolio to align with their personal values. When a client is confident in my emotional commitment and dedication to their success, I know I am truly impacting their life. They no longer feel alone on their financial journey because they can call upon me at any point in time. As I always say, “It’s your money so you should have a voice.” Daily, I am driven to be accessible, provide consistent advice, and be a calming presence and a shoulder to lean on during challenging times. By coming to a consensus together, my clients have a choice.
Who has been the most influential person in your life?
Persons! My parents are relatively simple people and somewhat different from one another. However, they share a love for simple pleasures and the importance of strong principles. Neither one of them says much and they aren’t exactly full of emotion. Yet, I attribute the person that I am today and the respectful manner in which I approach others to them. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” is a saying that best sums up my tight-knit family. I have always been close with both my brother and sister, which I attribute to growing up in a family where we ate dinner together every night. My parents prioritized quality time, speaking your truth and dealing with confrontation kindly. I carry these qualities to work every day. So, it’s no accident that Bernstein, a firm I have called home for nearly my entire career, operates in exactly the same way. You attract what you give and I am grateful to my parents for providing me with such a strong foundation and moral compass.