What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your job and why?
The most challenging aspects of the job are often the most rewarding. Tough times in the market certainly are a challenge but not necessarily in the way that you might think. In the current environment, I am hearing a lot of, “I wouldn’t want to be you right now” or “How are YOU doing?” The answer is I am just fine. This is my job to navigate volatile markets and this is really where my job becomes rewarding. Truly, the market is a fickle business partner but in 20 years in the business, I have found that sticking to time tested principles of investing gets me and my clients through the toughest markets. Keeping people on track is both challenging and rewarding.
To be honest, the most rewarding part of my job is when I am having a conversation with a client and I see them relax their shoulders and say things such as, “This makes sense — I get this” or “I can do this.” It’s those indelible moments where they truly connect their lives with our work together.
Who do you look up to or admire in business and why?
Without a doubt, the people I most admire tend to be a combination of awe-inspiring and human. They are funny, creative, interesting, and often pushing boundaries.
I am constantly inspired by our local startup community and the ecosystem that supports them. For the past four years, I have had the pleasure of meeting a lot of our local entrepreneurs at events like Forward Fest and through events with the Wisconsin Technology Council. The achievements of our startup community are astounding and felt worldwide. Their passion and leadership is a constant source of inspiration as they find ways to solve problems, old and new.
Think of Exact Sciences and Kevin Conroy; PerBlue and Justin Beck and Forrest Woolworth; Heather Wentler and Amy Gannon who founded the Doyenne Group; MERLIN Mentors; gener8tor; 100State; StartingBlock; David Van Sickle and Greg Tracy of Propeller Health; Taralinda and Dale Willis of Curate; and Erin Ogden and Jeff Glazer, attorneys who make sure those businesses have a solid foundation as they form and grow. I am missing so many names here but these are just a few.
What has been the high point of your career so far?
The high point was the first day I started as a financial advisor. I had worked in a variety of roles in this industry and my last role prior to become an advisor was director of marketing for a successful portfolio manager. Making that change has been the best decision during my time in this industry and I absolutely love working with my clients and building my own business.
Another highlight was teaching at UW–Madison in the Financial Life Skills program. Each semester I had the pleasure of working with 40 to 50 juniors and seniors and honestly, they taught me so much. I had no idea how much I would love teaching! This discovery translated into investing seminars that I developed for groups like Learning in Retirement and the UW Women in Leadership as well as local companies that seek financial literacy guidance for their employees. Public speaking has become a passion.
Thinking back on your career, what advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
I would have told myself to buy Apple stock! At 21, I could have purchased Apple stock for about $23.75 per share. (This is not a stock recommendation.)
Truthfully, I would tell 21-year-old me to find mentors and listen! In my 20s, I was lucky enough to meet one of my favorite mentors and we still have a relationship to this day. I have also had the opportunity to become a mentor, which I never would have dreamed of as a 21-year-old. Also, I would tell myself to stay open to opportunities and different paths — be flexible.
What would you say are the best things about living and working in Dane County?
I have been in love with Madison since I was a little girl and we lived here with my family in the 70s. We moved to Door County where I grew up, but I always felt the pull to Madison. I graduated from UW–Madison and I have not left yet.
I love the people and the friendliness of the community, especially the amazing women in this town — so much talent and generosity! Our philanthropic community is also a source of inspiration. I have had the pleasure of serving a number of charitable organizations such as the Dane County Humane Society Board. This town LOVES animals!
I love the beauty of the area and the limitless outdoor activities such as hiking in natural areas. I am a foodie, so our many wonderful restaurants and the Farmers’ Market are huge plusses for me.
Do you have any secret talents or abilities that people would be surprised to discover?
My superpower is my sense of smell. Not a secret but somewhat odd! I could always taste things that were subtle and I identify flavor notes in recipes and wines. Thus, I am pretty good at picking out ingredients and breaking down a recipe. This is a wonderful “superpower” when I’m at an excellent restaurant or savoring a special bottle of wine or cup of tea. (It’s a curse on a hot day at Summerfest.)
What are your guilty pleasures?
I will call them my “indulgences,” as I do not feel one iota of guilt for enjoying them! As you can see, food figures largely into my indulgences:
- The Double Smash Burger and cheese curds at Graze;
- Hubbard Avenue Diner pies;
- Budino di caramello at Osteria Papavero;
- ANY DISH with foie gras (OK, this one I do feel some guilt);
- Dairy Queen twist cones with crunch;
- Bravo TV;
- YouTube comedians (Charlie Berens, Lilly Singh, Trey Kennedy, Safiya Nygaard);
- Bob Ross; and
- Silly, fruity drinks and Key lime pie at the Key Lime Bistro on Sanibel Island.
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