What has inspired you to stay at Bernstein for as long as you have?
Bernstein invests in its people. As a firm, we attract and retain the best and brightest minds in the industry. However, what truly sets the Bernstein team apart is that we are always growing. Taking on the status of a Bernstein team member is similar to becoming a permanent student in the world of investments. Naturally, our clients benefit from the fact that Bernstein’s people are constantly undergoing an educational process. With research at our core and an accessible senior leadership team, we are privy to the best information and advice available, which puts us leaps and bounds above our competitors. As a whole, Bernstein always strives to be better than the day before. I would recommend Bernstein to any family member or close friend, the ultimate testament to how much I believe in the integrity and intellect of the firm. Every team member is an expert in their chosen area and is pushing toward the same goal—putting clients first. There’s no one I have more confidence in.
If you didn’t work for Bernstein, what else would you be doing?
Let’s say that I had another job outside of my Bernstein career. Growing up I played every single sport, which is why I would most likely work somewhere in the sports industry. Having always been involved in athletics, I understand the psychology and needs of a professional athlete. I also have always enjoyed coaching others and helping them understand new ideas and look at the world differently. So, all of that being said, off the top of my head, I think I would make a decent sports agent advocating on behalf of the players and looking out for their well-being. (Similar to what I do for my clients at Bernstein.) If I didn’t work directly with athletes themselves, perhaps then I could see myself as part of a management team. My ideal role there would be assisting with the creation of a team, balancing salary caps and handling contract extensions. However, I truly have always wanted to work in finance and feel lucky that I’m able to coach clients and colleagues in my current rol
What kind of experience do you offer to your clients?
Confidence. Our clients consistently feel confident that they are headed in the right direction. Our clients are confident that the planning we do together will create the best possible outcomes for their specific financial situation. Our clients are confident that they have invested appropriately in regards to their goals, big or small, because we take the time to understand them. I empathize with the fact that investing can be unsettling at times. In particular, I often work with multigenerational family members who are close to my own age. I understand how daunting it can be to buy a new home, and do a detailed analysis to remove any angst so they don’t have a worry in the world. While it’s natural to feel nervous no matter who your advisor is, our clients have confidence in the plan we co-create, which leads to better financial outcomes, a trusting relationship and long-term success in terms of their investments, decision-making skills and our partnership.