What has inspired you to stay at Bernstein for as long as you have?
I wake up every morning excited to learn from some of the brightest, hardworking, passionate and caring people in our industry. There are three things about the unique Bernstein culture that have inspired me to stay. In an industry with no lack of hubris, the Bernstein team is intellectually honest and rigorous. We strive to do better today than we did yesterday and to be better tomorrow than we are today. I also value Bernstein’s intellectual curiosity. It has always aimed to be more knowledgeable than other firms. Bernstein’s incomparable research is the best out there and it’s employed for the sole benefit of its clients. Third, and most important, is Bernstein’s unimpeachable integrity. We may not always be right, but we always do what’s right, without exception. That level of morality makes me proud to work here and helps me sleep soundly at night.
How have your values and personal background uniquely positioned you to work with advisors and clients?
Connecting emotionally and building trust and credibility is central to what I do. For both advisors and clients alike, I want them to know how much I care about their careers, their organizations and their path. I attract passionate people with big hearts who are willing to put themselves out there, be bold and vulnerable, and will connect emotionally with people and truly advise them in a meaningful way.
Through a process of deep discovery, my teams connect with people emotionally, helping them define and articulate their hearts and their heads. We serve the distinctive needs of uniquely successful individuals and their families including entrepreneurs, private business owners, corporate executives, family offices, and private foundations. When thinking about growing my team of successful, influential, next-generation advisors, I look for ability as well as likeability.
What passions do you pursue outside of work?
Since I was old enough to have a job, I found myself gravitating toward hospitality and the finer things in life. For me, sharing a meal is about connecting emotionally while enjoying each other’s company. I find tremendous value in understanding the origins of food and wine—the soil, the climate, and the farmers and winemakers. I do the same with people.
Because I worked in Manhattan for a decade, I am very connected to New York City. I’m a member of The Union League Club and The New York Athletic Club and a restaurant owner. I am also a budding oenophile. My son and I have achieved a Level I Sommelier designation. I have a particular interest in old-world red wine such as Burgundy, Bordeaux, and Rioja.
Since arriving in Tampa, my passion for hospitality has flourished. I am a member of Old Memorial Golf Club, the Tampa Yacht & Country Club, and The Stovall House. Finally, I was recently inducted into the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin Sous-Commanderie de l’Ouest de Floride.