What inspired you to join Bernstein?
My path to Bernstein can be traced back to the daily poker games I ran out of my parents’ house in high school. Poker tapped into my analytical nature and taught me how to use imperfect information to make good decisions as well as understand the concept of risk and reward. That experience spurred an interest in the capital markets, which led to a career in trading and then investment banking. I’ve never imagined myself doing anything other than working on transactions. But over the course of my career, I realized that something was missing from my professional life: developing meaningful relationships. It wasn’t until finding Bernstein that I understood that I could both operate with an analytical and strategic view of the markets while also building deep, impactful connections with clients. Bernstein’s highly collaborative culture offers a high level of support along with the resources that allow me to provide my clients with the best service possible.
What kind of experience do you offer to your clients?
Being trusted as a client’s advisor is a privilege that extends beyond managing portfolio allocations, models and market performance. And while my years spent transacting in capital markets mean I’m well versed in the strategies that help maximize returns, the most important experience I can offer my clients is the assurance that I’m on their team. I serve as a resource to them in all ways, from the most straightforward analysis of a career milestone to helping them take a holistic view of their professional goals and personal dreams over the phases of their lives. Money is a deeply significant part of every client’s story and the decisions they’re able to make, but wealth can be a daunting topic. My experiences have put me in the position to educate, guide and help translate my clients’ goals and dreams into financial reality.
If you didn’t work for Bernstein, what else would you be doing?
If I didn’t work for Bernstein and I was one foot taller (and 10 years younger), I would have liked to play center on the same line as Patrick Kane for the Chicago Blackhawks. And if I hadn’t just picked up chess two years ago, I wish I could have been a Grandmaster. Or, if I hadn’t left Australia after a semester abroad in college, maybe I’d still be surfing on Bondi Beach. My many hobbies make it too hard to pick just one favorite. (“What would I be when I grow up?”) But they do allow me to relate to people from all backgrounds with all kinds of interests. And because I do work for Bernstein—and following fast-paced market trends and understanding how they impact us all is a true passion of mine—there really isn’t a question of what else I’d be doing.