Uneak White's Personal Brand Exploration Presentation
The 10 most empowering women leaders in wealth management 2021 (vol 2)(1) compressed
1. The
10
Most
Empowering
Women
Leaders in
Wealth
Management,
2021
Lisa Ladds Doche
managing director
Committed to Providing a High level of Professionalism and Personal Service to Investors
WEALTH FOR
WOMEN
ADDRESSING THE
WOMEN’S WEALTH
MANAGEMENT NEEDS
VOL 09 I ISSUE 01 I 2021
SHATTERING
THE GLASS
BRINGING A
COMPASSIONATE
APPROACH TO
THE TABLE
2.
3.
4. Bringing the
Next Wave of
Growth
ealth management is a field where creative and
Wstrategic business leaders are involved in
finding the right financial solutions for clients.
And the value women leaders bring in the industry is
praiseworthy. Their leadership quality of learning and
adapting to the situations and providing the best solutions
for the team as well as clients develop an environment of
growth.
What differentiates them as a leader is that they bring a
compassionate approach to the industry. They do not want
to put anyone at financial risks and thus, think of all the
possibilities in solving complex issues related to finance in
wealth management.
They embrace the power of technology and its impact on
the wealth management industry. They also face setbacks
but always decide to give it a try, which is why they are an
important part of the industry today.
Today, we are witnessing more and more businesswomen,
not just in wealth management but in different industries as
well. They exemplify what wonders effective
communication can do. Their work reflects their passion,
perseverance, and purpose. They enjoy their entrepreneurial
journey and care deeply about giving back. While setting an
example for the upcoming generation, they encourage other
women to join this industry.
Overall, it is their commitment to building relationships that
bring the best for the company as well as clients. Today,
they are making themselves a creative and strategic force of
the industry by staying ahead of the curve. They are
Editor’s Desk
5. bringing new perspectives to wealth management
that carry the potential to change the status quo of
the industry.
With an intent to acknowledge and admire the
significant contributions of such women leaders in
the wealth management industry, Insights Success
has compiled a list of The 10 Most Empowering
Women Leaders in Wealth Management, 2021.
Featuring on the cover is Lisa Ladds Doche. Lisa
has significantly contributed to the wealth
management industry by helping individuals,
families, and businesses make personalized financial
decisions about their future. Currently, she serves as
a Managing Director at the Doche Financial
Consulting Group with Baird Private Wealth
Management. As a comprehensive wealth advisor,
she provides an experienced approach to investments
and the planning process and brings 39 years of
extensive experience in financial services to the
table.
You will also get to see more of such women
entrepreneurs with their business journeys inside this
edition.
Lastly, do not forget to read the creative articles
written by the in-house editorial team.
Let's Cash in!
sourabh@insightssuccess.com
Sourabh More
6. Lisa Ladds Doche
Committed to Providing a High Level of
Professionalism and Personal Service to Investors
08
COVER STORY
7. ARTICLES Wealth For Women
Addressing the Women’s Wealth
Management Needs
16
Shattering the Glass
Bringing a Compassionate Approach
to the Table
28
Jenifer Sapel
Helping People Make Healthier
Decisions Around Money
20
Jo Eccles
Creating a Wave of Growth in the
Property Management Industry
24
Liz Miller
Simplifying the Financial
Lives of People
30
Margaux Fiori
An Empowering Leader and an
Astute Financial Advisor
34
C
O
N
T
E
N
T
S
9. Brief
Company Name
Fiori Financial Group
fiorifg.com
Margaux Fiori
CEO
Fiori Financial Group strucks the perfect balance as partners
when it comes to creating an effective and professional
financial management business.
UBS WEALTH
MANAGEMENT
ubs.com
Carol Johnston
Vice President-
Wealth Management Senior
Portfolio Manager
UBS Global Wealth Management provides comprehensive
advice, solutions and services to wealthy families and
individuals around the world.
Liz Miller
President
Summit Financial
Advisors
summitplace
financial.com
Summit Financial Advisors helps you achieve financial well-
being at the most personal level and it does this only for a
select group of clients who have outgrown mass-market
financial institutions.
Jo Eccles
Founder and
Managing Director
Eccord
eccord.com
Eccord understands what drives value, an in-depth knowledge
of the nuanced differences of each area, and proven expertise in
acquiring and managing properties.
WILMINGTON
TRUST
wilmingtontrust.com
Sharon Klein
Managing Director
Wilmington Trust has built deep and lasting relationships, put
the clients first, and provided innovative advice for complex
situations.
Nancy Weinga
Founder and
Managing Director
Weingard
Wealth Management -
Raymond James
raymondjames.com
Raymond James Financial, Inc provides financial services to
individuals, corporations and municipalities through its
subsidiary companies engaged primarily in investment and
financial planning.
Christina Yuni
Wealth Management
Advisors
Merrill Lynch
Wealth Management
ml.com
Merrill Lynch Wealth Management is one of the largest wealth
management businesses in the world.
Jenifer Sapel
CEO/President
Utor Wealth
utorwealth.com
Utor is a comprehensive Financial Planning firm that helps its
clients with how to use money as a tool to build a life that is
both meaningful and enjoyable.
Vanessa Martinez
Managing Director
and Partner
THE LERNER
GROUP
lerner.hightower
advisors.com
The Lerner Group represents over 150 years of combined
wealth management experience and has a profound
understanding of the financial and economic landscape.
Lisa Ladds Doche
Managing Director
Baird serves as a trusted financial partner to individuals,
corporations and institutions around the world.
Baird Financial
Advisors
rwbaird.com
Featured Person
10. Lisa Ladds Doche
Managing Director
The Doche Financial
Consul ng Group
Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated
11. Lisa
Ladds Doche
People are all different, and
you must be capable and
confident moving through
all the circumstances that
day brings.
Committed to Providing a High Level of
Professionalism and Personal Service to Investors
Cover Story
12. t doesn’t come as any surprise that the financial
Imarkets have undergone rapid evolution given the
advancements and innovations in various sectors,
wealth management being a significant one.
Fuelled by an explosive growth in mutual funds, investment
management, insurance planning, financial planning, and
more, wealth management has seen drastic transformation
and is paving the way for all. Many new players have
entered the market with state-of-the-art financial solutions.
Behind these, there are ingenious minds who are driving the
change in the industry.
Additionally, the wealth management industry has been a
historically male-dominated industry, which isn’t the case
anymore. It is evident that women can offer a unique
approach to working with clients and managing their
wealth. Women have always worked to empower others to
take control of their finances, and this aptitude is helping
shape a new way to think of wealth management.
Amongst those women, one such trailblazer is Lisa Ladds
Doche, who has significantly contributed to the wealth
management industry by helping individuals, families and
businesses make personalized financial decisions about
their future. Lisa serves as a Managing Director at the
Doche Financial Consulting Group with Baird Private
Wealth Management. As a comprehensive wealth advisor,
she provides an experienced approach to investments and
the planning process. She brings 39 years of experience in
financial services to the table.
We, at Insights Success, caught up with Lisa to unveil her
entrepreneurial journey, her viewpoint towards the wealth
management industry, and her role as founding partner of
the Doche Financial Consulting Group
A Road to Becoming Finance Advisor
Lisa needed a job to get herself through college, and there
was a six month wait to be a bank teller in Lubbock, TX!
As a result, she ended up with a job at a regional brokerage
firm called Schneider, Burnett & Hickman as the assistant
to the branch manager. Because it was a smaller firm, she
was able to get great exposure to the operations and
services of the financial industry. Meanwhile, she studied
and passed the FINRA series 7, her senior year at Texas
Tech University, and headed to Anchorage, AK to work in
the Sears store with Dean Witter Reynolds training program
in 1984. She was a young, professional woman on the
Alaska Frontier. She has also attended the Renaissance
Charitable Giving Institute in Indiana to deepen her client
guidance in estate planning and charitable giving.
13. Providing an Active Approach to Investments and
Planning Process
Lisa formed the Doche Financial Consulting Group with
Ron Demers and Maggie Loe. She believes that the key to a
long-term successful relationship is keeping the client
involved in this cycle of planning, implementation, and
monitoring. Recently, the Doche Financial Consulting
Group joined Baird, a privately held, international financial
services firm with offices in the United States, Europe, and
Asia and more than $300 billion in client assets. For more
than 100 years, Baird has helped families, individuals,
publicly funded entities, corporations, and institutional
clients achieve their financial goals across generations and
changing market environments.
As comprehensive advisors, the Doche Financial
Consulting Group provides an active approach to
investments and the planning process. Its practice focuses
on both the client’s financial position today, as well as on
their future financial expectations and obligations.
The team develops solutions and explains them with
understanding and transparency utilizing all the resources
of Baird. The group helps build, manage, preserve, and
transition wealth using the Four Cornerstones of Wealth
Management: Investments, Liability Management, Risk
Management, and Estate Planning Strategies.
Founding Principles
Lisa’s idea of impactful leadership lies in King Solomon’s
Philosophy in Wisdom and Wealth: “You are only as smart
as the people you surround yourself.” Supported by an
employee-owned firm, she has created a unique culture at
Doche Financial Consulting Group built on its founding
principles of integrity, transparency, teamwork and always
keeping clients first.
A Learning Approach
If you are a part of the wealth management industry,
gaining experience and constant learning are paramount.
Lisa asserts, “Working with families and business through
life stages provides invaluable experience to carry into
other similar experiences. At the same time, history does
not repeat itself. You must stay on top of trends and
products that are constantly evolving globally. The markets
are more than just the United States. You must develop
solutions with this in mind and explain them with
understanding and transparency.”
Talking about Robert Kiyosake’s “Powerful Presentations”
seminar, she says that it taught her communication skills
that have paved the way for her success. “This is a people
business, and you must be able to communicate and listen
effectively,” she adds.
Unlike some advi-
sors, our planning
cycle is active, not
passive.
14. Leveraging the Support and Culture of Baird
A company’s culture defines all the aspects of its business.
Stating the importance of positive work culture, Lisa says
“We cannot go it alone, even independents need firm
affiliations to execute their trade. With better execution
comes better outcomes. So, to thrive, and have your clients
thrive, choose your firm platform carefully.” At Baird , she
finds a culture that helps her and her team thrive. Moreover,
Baird’s commitment to being a great place to work helps
Lisa and her team attract and retain exceptional people from
across their industry, ensuring the quality and continuity of
their advice and service for their clients.
Constantly Being Responsive to the Clients’ Needs
Sharing her views on the pandemic situation, Lisa opines
that the pandemic forced families to reassess what was
important to them both personally and financially.
According to her, these shifts in priorities will drive the new
developments within the wealth management industry. She
is not convinced that virtual meetings will ever replace
direct dealings with clients, as work involved is personal.
But there is a technology and AI revolution that was thrown
to the forefront with the pandemic. She believes that the
firms that are the most responsive to their client’s needs will
thrive, and those out-of-touch will struggle to deliver
meaningfully.
Giving Back to the Family, to the Profession, and to the
Community
In Line with Baird’s own philosophy, Lisa believes that
people need to give back to their family, to their profession,
and to their community.
For decades, Lisa served on Boards such as Rotary, Big
Brother, Big Sisters, United Way, Cave Creek Unified #93
School Board, and so forth. It was invaluable, because it
takes this kind of service to understand what goes into
“making a community”.
She took some time away to focus on getting her kids
transitioned to college and on their own, which she also
thinks was important as a working Mom. “There is service
to family and there are times this needs to be a priority,” she
feels.
15. Professionally, Lisa believes if you find yourself at the top,
you have a moral obligation to work with those following to
be successful. Now she tends to focus more on “project”
service as opposed to board service because she has more
control on work-life balance.
A Take on the Change Affecting Younger Investors
Lisa is of the opinion that in the coming years many of our
younger investors will be left behind! She mentions that
with the recent Client Relationship and Regulation Best
Interest legislation, most wire-houses are taking the position
that they cannot afford to work with smaller (up and
coming) households in a full advisory capacity. This
generation will likely experience flatter markets due to
globalization of the industry, along with lower interest rates
for longer.
Paired with stymied wage growth in the U.S., these younger
investors need advice more than ever to effectively navigate
their financial paths. In Lisa’s opinion, they are being
forced into robo-advice, as an unintended consequence of
the legislation. Their investment success is hanging on 6-7
questions per account with no coordination to their over-
arching goals as a family or business, and their lives will be
dictated by the performance of those random accounts. As
opposed to having a plan, and then investing to drive the
success of that plan with purpose. Having more access to
professional advice could make a difference in their
outcomes.
A Strong Voice for Women in Finance
In her advice to the upcoming women entrepreneurs
aspiring to enter the financial services industry, she says,
“Women make the best financial advisors because we are
natural caregivers. But you must do it within business
protocols to be successful. You need to be able to look
people in the face, as opposed to deflecting your eyes
downward which is more natural for women. Pick your
head up, chest out, march in, and do business… and
business will come to you.”
Shaping the Direction of the Industry
The Doche Financial Consulting Group, has close to 69
years of collective experience. This does not include the
extensive support and resources it has through the internal
experts and wealth management specialists within Baird.
Because Baird is employee owned, everyone shares a
personal stake in the successes Lisa and her team help
create for their clients. Being privately held, Baird lets
them plan and act in their clients’ long-term interests
without the distractions that can come with outside
shareholders.
Lisa strongly believes that she and her team are growing
to meet the demands for the kind of comprehensive
services and wealth management advice they provide for
the individuals, multigenerational families and businesses
they serve. They will continue to add expertise to the
team, and Baird’s counter-cyclical mix of core businesses
broadens their capabilities for clients and diversifies their
sources of revenue, providing financial strength and
stability across market environments.
“Together, we will have a hand in shaping the direction of
our industry,” Lisa concludes.
Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated
16.
17. kimberly Khoury
Paving her Way in Sustainability Development
&
&
The
20
BUSINESSWOMEN
to Watch, 2020
SUCCESSFUL
Most
18. Addressing the
WOMEN’S WEALTH
MANAGEMENT
Needs
According to a report cited by the Oppenheimer
funds, women have been establishing new
businesses at twice the rate of men in the US alone.
This yields more than USD1.4 trillion in revenue annually.
The above statistical data is enough to imagine the kind of
potential that is being created by women in the wealth
industry. The face of the wealth management industry is
changing in more than one way as women take the lead in
different sectors of the economy.
Following are some of the aspects in which the wealth
management industry is changing gradually to
accommodate and represent more women in wealth
advisory manage the increasing number of women clients
acquiring and inheriting wealth –
Women and Financial Power
It’s no surprise that as more women are getting educated
and holding down jobs in possibly all sectors of the
economy, they are also becoming major shareholders in the
totality of the whole world’s wealth. Women are acquiring
more and more financial power, both at work and home, as
Wealth For Women
16 | September 2021 www.insightssuccess.com
19. they lead in both territories. A report by the Boston
Consulting Group suggests that by 2030, almost half of the
USA’s wealth will be held by two-thirds of the country’s
women, East/Southeast Asia and Europe, show similar
trends.
With women of all ages and social backgrounds taking up
leadership roles at home and work, they are speedily
acquiring financial wealth, which also needs to be managed
well. Who else would have a better perspective on
managing wealth than women themselves? Women are
gradually entering the wealth management sector and
bringing a much-needed transformation in the industry to
better suit women’s concerns.
A Compelling Segment
A staggering one-third of the world’s wealth is controlled
by women. This is a very large number, which means there
is abundant scope in this compelling segment of the
population that holds such a large chunk of the total world’s
wealth. Women’s needs and requirements are unique to that
of men, and it is important to recognize that to provide
wealth management services to this section of the
population. A report by the BCG suggests that women are
adding $5 trillion to the wealth pool globally each passing
year.
These numbers highlight the growth of women acquiring
wealth in almost all parts of the world, which drives a real
change in the wealth management industry that caters to the
needs of women.
Goal-based Investing
To bring a change in the wealth management industry, it is
important to recognize that women focus on goal-based
investing. These goals can be anything from setting funds
aside for a new business venture or philanthropic causes or
funds for their child’s education to planning their later years
when they finally retire.
For the most part, women look for strategies that will better
assure them security given the uncertainty of the events in
life for women. Wealth managers should keep this essential
point in mind while managing women’s wealth and plan to
invest considering the lower risk tolerance of women.
Ensuring greater reliability while strategizing women’s
wealth management will result in a satisfied client.
Financial literacy
As a result of the centuries-long deprivation of women from
possessing wealth, the lack of financial literacy in women
professionals and inheritors is one of the biggest challenges
that wealth managers face while dealing with women
clients. Even as women become more financially
independent, they still have a lot to catch onto to be
financially literate.
The one thing that wealth managers need to work on very
deliberately in the industry is, educating women
professionals and inheritors about their financial options in
a compassionate way. Sometimes financial concepts can get
daunting to understand, and this is where compassion will
play a part in bringing about a real fundamental change in
the wealth management industry.
Wealth with a purpose
As it goes, women are more aware of the societal impact of
their investment choices. Wealth managers need to
understand this aspect while creating an investment plan for
women as this shift has accelerated during the pandemic,
and women, along with younger generations, are making
responsible investment decisions to drive real change. A
target on Environmental, Social, and Governance impact to
assess the compatibility of a monetary product for a client
will result in a successful wealth management journey for
your company’s client.
The Future Ahead
With more women leaders venturing into the wealth
management industry to better manage wealth for women,
the day is not far when women will have better financial
literacy along with financial wealth. This objective can be
achieved with the help of wealth advisory firms guiding
women in better understanding the financial concepts that
seem intimidating to gauge initially. Looking at the shifting
trends, it would be appropriate to make an epiphany that the
future looks great for women venturing into the wealth
management industry.
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20.
21.
22. Jenifer Sapel
Helping People Make Healthier Decisions Around Money
ur financial system is complex, but our personal
Ofinancial lives don’t have to be. By focusing on
systems and strategies instead of products, anyone
can have a financially secure future regardless of their level
of income. Through financial planning advice and impact
investing, Jenifer Sapel is helping individuals with how to
use money as a tool to build a life that is both meaningful
and enjoyable.
Jenifer is leading as the CEO and President of Utor
Wealth. In our endeavor to find “The 10 Most Empowering
Women Leaders in Wealth Management, 2021”, we caught
up with Jenifer to unveil her entrepreneurial journey and
how she is significantly contributing to the wealth
management industry through Utor Wealth.
Below are the highlights of the interview:
Take our readers through your journey and the
challenges you came across CEO at Utor Wealth.
I started at and spent most of my career with a Fortune 50
company. Making the transition from employee to
entrepreneur was challenging and worth it. Learning that
being a founder and CEO means that for a while, you might
wear every hat, all the strategic roles, and implementor
roles – for example, the CFO and the bookkeeper. I’m a
creative and strategic thinker, so my biggest challenge was
learning to prioritize projects. I got amazing advice from
Dana Malstaff of BossMom when she suggested giving a
benchmark to each project. For example, I wanted to start a
financial education business; it was a bit of a distraction.
Now, I have a benchmark in my Financial Planning practice
that triggers picking that project back up again.
What opportunities do you and Utor Wealth offer for
financial growth with investment solutions to
Individuals and Corporates?
We excel in the strategic overview of our client’s financial
life and then offer tactical solutions that align with the
larger objective. It’s all too common that people get excited
about a specific product or opportunity without being
grounded in a strategy first. That is like packing for a
vacation when you don’t know what the destination is.
Secondly, we love our Impact portfolios. These portfolios
often own the same holdings as a traditional portfolio, but
we use fund managers who use shareholder advocacy and
other strategies to engage with the companies for a more
sustainable future.
What is your idea of impactful leadership? What style of
leadership do you personally prefer at Utor Wealth?
I’m a big fan of the Brene Brown style of leadership that
she describes in both her Podcast, Dare to Lead, and book
Daring Greatly. I’ve been an overachiever and avid reader
most of my life and have to fight the “know-it-all”
tendencies. As one of 4 members of the first Advisor
Teaming consultants at MetLife, I learned that higher
quality and better-adapted solutions come from asking the
entire team to contribute. Now I spend the majority of my
Leadership Development in learning how to foster a safe
and inclusive environment and asking great questions.
What makes Utor Wealth a preferred choice for your
clients over the competition?
We believe that there’s a lot of great competition out there
and that many of them are better suited for some people
than we are. Our clients love us because we generally
maximize the utility of money (Utor is Latin for: to use, to
employ, to enjoy). We keep our solution simple and show
ways for how they can contribute to a sustainable world in
all five ways they use their money: earn, save, invest, give
and spend.
The 10 Most Empowering Women Leaders in Wealth Management, 2021
20 | September 2021 www.insightssuccess.com
23. Jenifer Sapel
CEO and President
Utor Wealth
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25. Taking into consideration the current pandemic and its
impact on global economies, how are you driving the
company to sustain operations and ensuring the safety
of your associates and employees at the same time?
Prior to the pandemic, we were meeting with 70% of our
clients virtually and only 30% in our office. The pandemic
forced a 100% virtual model, which is safer for our team
and our clients. Currently, all members of our team are
mothers who like and need the flexibility to manage the
other demands of life and have vulnerable people at home.
We see no reason to put anyone at risk if it isn’t necessary.
Our productivity has maintained and even increased in
several months, and we look forward to navigating our
options as the pandemic continues to unfold and evolve.
What people, what books, what life factors have
influenced and impacted you?
As mentioned before, I’m a huge Brene Brown fan. I also
love Tara Mohr and her book Playing Big. Both these
women have a way of presenting well-researched ideas,
challenging the status quo, and offering not only a different
perspective but also a forward-looking path for navigating
challenges. Like every human, all of my life’s experiences
have impacted who I am and how I show up on this planet.
Most notably, my financially insecure upbringing, I entered
this career as a way to live differently than how I grew up.
I’ve seen a lot of loss in the last 5 years with multiple
miscarriages and the deaths of 2 of my closest family
members. These losses have given me tremendous clarity in
my priorities and broken my heart open to love the
humanity and frailty in all of us.
What is your thought on the necessity for businesses to
align their offerings with newer technological
developments, especially when it comes to innovative
thinking to solve complex problems?
As a mother of two under 3 years old, it’s a lot of fun to
wonder what technology holds for them in the future and
how our lives will be different.
In business, we love and embrace technology that
automates repetitive processes, facilitates easier
collaboration on workflows, and offers convenience for our
clients. We focus our human capital development on things
that machines are not capable of – empathizing with fear or
offering a few different ways to look at a recommendation.
In what ways have you or the company contributed to
the community? If given a chance, what change would
you bring in Investment plans for solving the most
complex financial problems?
While our entire team donates both time and money to
causes, our specialty in impact portfolios makes a larger
dent in solving complex global issues like climate change
and equity.
What would be your advice to the up-and-coming
women entrepreneurs aspiring to venture into the
finance industry?
Find an environment where you are confident you can
thrive. I spent too long in offices that were toxic and limited
my potential.
Investment advice offered through WCG Wealth Advisors
LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor. Utor Wealth is a
separate entity from WCG Wealth Advisors and The Wealth
Consulting Group.
“Our portfolios are impact focused meaning,
along with your nancial objectives, we invest
to also make positive changes for the
environment and humanity as well.”
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26. Jo Eccles
Creating a Wave of Growth in the
Property Management Industry
Jo Eccles
Founder and
Managing Director
Eccord
24 | September 2021 www.insightssuccess.com
27. The rise of female entrepreneurs in the last decade
has grown exponentially. It takes sheer will and an
intricate understanding of the industry one works in
to become a leader that inspires others. One such leader in
the world of high-end real estate is Jo Eccles, the Founder
and Managing Director of Eccord.
Eccord was established in 2006 to bring professional
representation to buyers of prime residential property. Jo
has been leading Eccord for over 15 years and the company
is now consistently ranked as one of London’s elite buying
agents and manages over £1.5bn of prime and super-prime
properties in the capital.
We, at Insights Success, crossed paths with Jo Eccles in
search of 'The 10 Most Empowering Women Leaders in
Wealth Management, 2021,' In the following interview,
we get a detailed insight into her journey thus far.
Below are the highlights of the interview.
Take our readers through your journey and the
challenges you came across till your current leadership
position at Eccord.
I founded what is now Eccord back in 2006, so 15 years
ago. Initially, we were a pure buying agency specializing in
sourcing homes and rental investments in central London,
with most of our clients working in finance, as that was my
background.
Over time, however, our client base has expanded
considerably – while our finance client following remains
strong and we work with lots of bankers, private equity, and
hedge fund leaders, we also now act for sports and media
personalities, Rich List families, and many private offices.
Client demands have changed and so have market
conditions, so we have expanded our expertise to diversify
the business and meet changing needs.
For example, in the wake of the financial crisis, there was
very little buying demand, so our acquisition team started
providing a rental and relocation service in response to
many of our clients wanting to sit out the market and rent
rather than buy.
Then, when the market recovered, many of our rental
clients turned into buying clients, plus we emerged from
those couple of years with a highly regarded relocation
service which we have since won numerous awards for and
is relied upon by global companies when relocating their
VIP employees and families to and from London.
Over the years, we also responded to demand for high-end
property management services for rental investments and,
more recently, private homes. Demand for our property
management services has grown considerably and now
represents 50% of Eccord revenue.
What is your idea of impactful leadership? What style of
leadership do you personally prefer at Eccord?
Two and a half years ago, I spent three months doing what
was almost a mini-MBA alongside running Eccord, and that
was a catalyst to realizing how important leadership is,
knowing what you stand for as an individual and a
company.
Since then, we have spent a great deal of time becoming
really clear on who we hire, what our company ethos is, and
the clients we represent. We understand our reputation is
everything and our service levels are what makes us stand
out, so attracting the right talent and leading the team to
share the same values is imperative to keep our service
levels consistent. It's something we're continuously
focusing on and always trying to improve.
In terms of my own leadership style, I am very straight-
talking and transparent. Everyone knows what I'm
passionate about, what's important for the business, and
where they stand.
What people, what books, what life factors have
influenced and impacted you?
My late father was a big influence on me; he was incredibly
hard-working and built a very successful career from
humble beginnings. He loved property, so my love for real
estate was instilled in me at a young age, and he also
Do what you
love and
learn at every
opportunity.
‘
‘
‘
‘
The 10 Most Empowering Women Leaders in Wealth Management, 2021
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28. encouraged my siblings and me to follow our passions and
'do what you love.’
In terms of books, the best one I have read recently is 'Shoe
Dog' by Phil Knight, the founder of Nike. I absolutely loved
it, and for me it perfectly captured the highs and lows of
running a company, alongside the sacrifice and sheer
determination that goes into making a success. The apparent
emptiness that came following his IPO was very powerful
too.
I think all life events shape you and I'm a firm believer that
happens for a reason – every situation is an opportunity to
learn and having a growth mindset is essential. You need to
be open to feedback to improve as an individual, a team and
a company.
What makes your organization's strategy and financial
advice a preferred choice of your clients over the
competition?
London residential property as an asset class is quite
complex in that it has so many layers to the decision to
invest in it. Some clients are entirely investment and
numbers driven, but many of our clients will live in the
properties we acquire for them, or they may designate them
for potential future use by themselves or their children. So,
the enjoyment factor needs to be weighed up and combined
with expected returns.
In terms of Eccord being appointed over our competitors,
our track record is absolutely critical and sets us apart. Over
the last 15 years, we have represented private clients on
more than 350 acquisitions, and we manage the largest
portfolio of rental investments and private homes compared
to our peers. Our experience and the fact that we can
source, acquire, rent out, run and manage all of our client's
London residential assets completely in-house with an
established but boutique setup is extremely important for
our clients and the families we represent.
What would be your advice to the up-and-coming
women entrepreneurs aspiring to enter the investment
advisory world?
My advice is to genuinely live and breathe the asset class
you're working with every day. You need this passion to be
the best informed, have the best track record, and develop
real expertise and value add. Also, client relationships
should always come first, in my opinion – revenue will
naturally follow if you're doing a good job. People do
business with people they like, and as long as you maintain
integrity and put your clients first, demand will come and
clients will remain loyal.
To know more, you can visit www.eccord.com
and @joeccles on twitter
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29.
30. Bringing a
Compassionate Approach
to the Table
There’s something to be said about the people, both
men and women, who feel that a woman can’t do
certain things. On second thought, there’s nothing
to be said about this mentality. It’s all been said before.
These are relics of the past, and we should just leave them
in the past. At present, many women occupy the most
dignified roles as some of the top thinkers, creators,
entrepreneurs, educators, politicians, and world leaders.
And they are just getting started.
Significantly more women are earning growing prominence
and power in the financial sector, particularly in the realm
of asset management. According to the Boston Consulting
Group’s ‘global wealth report’, women owned nearly one-
third of the global wealth in 2016, and that factor is
growing fast.
Wealth management has always been a male-dominated
field. Not only are men the great majority of financial
counsellors (female participation is barely 15% across
channels), but men are also significantly more likely than
women to make financial decisions. Men are the primary
financial decision-makers in two-thirds of affluent homes in
the United States. This, however, is about to change.
Female clientele is becoming increasingly important to
private banks. But one might ask, what are the main
characteristics and distinct approach patterns that have
made women the new face of the wealth management
arena? How exactly are women contributing to the evolving
dynamics of the finance world?
Let us look at some of the characteristics from the arsenal
of the ladies in the wealth management game and bringing a
compassionate approach to the table.
Shattering the Glass
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31. Multitasking Aficionados
People who are adept at multitasking must maintain
attention and discipline in order to avoid succumbing to
temptation and engaging in distractions such as conversing
with co-workers or checking social media while doing job
duties. But, perhaps most significantly, and maybe
counterintuitively, multitasking necessitates a great deal of
patience.
According to research, the female brain is better in patience
and attention, just as the male brain is better at learning
capacity. This indicates that with practice, both males and
girls may become good multi-taskers, albeit females have a
tiny advantage.
Humanising the Mortgage Industry
The mortgage industry is tough. Even with record low
interest rates, purchasing a home or refinancing a mortgage
is becoming more difficult, and some consumer advocates
are concerned that the pandemic’s aftermath will
disproportionately affect those who have the most to lose.
The prospect of a mortgage causes the feeling of
helplessness in many. But with the graceful and
empathizing touch of female advisors, the process can
become a whole lot easy.
The inherent talents of the ladies, such as abundant
patience, high emotional intelligence, exceptional
communication skills, and the habits of listening to
everyone and giving them an equal say in crucial matters,
just mean women can naturally humanize the mortgage
industry.
The Win-Win situation
The notion that someone must lose in order for someone
else to succeed has been debunked time and time again. The
word compassion, which used to hold a negative
connotation in a business sense, has been turned over its
head. The feminine perspective acknowledges that
compromising is about listening to the other person,
understanding other’s needs, and then finding a suitable
solution accordingly.
The People-whisperers
The psychological community agrees that females are
generally more interested in people, whereas males are
generally more interested in things or devices. More studies
show that the female perspective is more inquisitive
towards other people; more open to pursuing knowledge
about other people’s feelings, desires, goals, and needs. All
of these qualities make for the best people-whisperers.
Women are just better at dealing with people than men are,
as a general rule.
Conclusion
It would be cliché to state that women are “making new
paths for themselves” or “breaking the ceiling”, or some
bromide of that sort. The reality is that women are already
the top players of the wealth management game.
Women make it to the top on the basis of their skills, their
competencies, their exuberance, their vitality, their never-
give-up attitude, their adaptability, and devotion to their
goals, as well as the work that they love. Their femininity
only works as an advantage; Just remember how they sport
a happy-go-lucky smile while they take the top job.
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32. Liz Miller
CFP®, CFA, President
Summit Place Financial
Advisors, LLC
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33. Liz Miller
Having an enriching experience of 30+ years in the
finance industry, Liz Miller, CFP®, CFA, is the
epitome of visionary leadership. Liz serves as the
President at Summit Place Financial Advisors, LLC.
Before launching Summit Place, Liz held increasingly
senior roles at different financial service organizations.
Her team at Summit Place offers a personalized goal-
oriented approach to help people achieve their financial
objectives. Combining her experience and expertise, Liz
has significantly contributed to simplifying the financial
lives of people.
In an interview with Insights Success, Liz sheds light on her
professional journey and how Summit Place is helping
people enjoy coordinated financial well-being at the most
personal level.
Below are the highlights of the interview:
Take our readers through your journey as a business
leader until your current position at Summit Place
Financial Advisors, LLC.
After years of managing institutional and individual client
investment portfolios, I resigned my partnership at an
investment management firm the morning Lehman Brothers
declared bankruptcy in 2008. I launched Summit Place in
the middle of the financial crisis, unsure if I would have a
business to run by the end of the year. But after hearing
more and more non- investment questions from my clients
over the years, I had a vision to uniquely advise multi-
generational families on their investments and legacy goals
while coordinating the best advice among their other
professionals.
One source of our successful growth has been my vision
that the niche market of clients with $5-$25M in assets had
out-grown the financial industry’s cookie-cutter approach to
clients and was looking for coordinated, holistic wealth
expertise. Leading a start-up financial services firm, it is
tempting to take on every client that is looking for an
advisor, but I kept to my vision and held the team focused
on our target clients where we knew we could offer
enormous value. Internally, we regularly discuss what that
client looks like and what they seek in financial services.
Also, from the firm’s beginning, I had a vision to include
every generation of a family, as I recognize that strong
relationships with younger generations help assure family
continuity, stewardship, and general accord. Long before
the industry mentioned “millennials,” we were offering
them dedicated service and advice as passionately as we do
for their parents. This has been a second source of growth,
as we consistently see maturing parents looking for a firm
that will include, respect, and “educate” their adult children.
What makes your organization a preferred choice for
your clients over the competition?
We know that genuine relationships grow over time, and
when carefully built, they can last generations. This is the
core of our approach to clients. Unlike many firms that
assign hundreds of clients to advisors and put growth as
their first annual business goal, Summit Place puts
exceptional client experience as our top goal. We are
committed to maintaining a team that has the time each day
to think about our clients, what is happening in their lives
and their potential needs. We want to anticipate how we can
help before our clients reach out to us.
The 10 Most Empowering Women Leaders in Wealth Management, 2021
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34. Summit Place also stands out in the crowded financial
services industry by targeting a growing and ignored market
niche: those with $5-$25 million in wealth whose financial
complexity demands more than mass-market solutions.
There are now so many more rules and laws around taxes
and estate planning that many families with wealth have
become overwhelmed trying to understand and coordinate
all the facets of their financial lives. Summit Place offers
coordinated financial services based on a full view of our
client’s circumstances. We help clients consider how all
parts of their financial life work together and we communi-
cate with all appropriate professionals, sharing expertise
and building vetted solutions to present to our clients.
What is your idea of impactful leadership? What style of
leadership do you personally prefer at Summit Place
Financial Advisors, LLC?
I believe impactful leadership is a style that leads each
member of my team to a greater level of success and
satisfaction. It focuses on the end goals of the firm while
executing with an eye toward the development of
employees. I lead with individual goals for employees that
encompass both task-oriented goals at the firm as well as
professional development toward the employee’s stated
desires.
I lead with a blend of an authoritative strategic vision
married to participatory engagement and support. I value
collaboration and positive thinking and believe each of my
employees is capable of more than they yet realize. I am
committed to helping them get there for their personal good
that ultimately supports and serves the firm.
What is your thought on the necessity for businesses to
align their offerings with newer technological
developments, especially when it comes to innovative
thinking to solve complex problems?
In the past few years, we launched “MySummitPlace.com”
linking to a third-party provider for a more interactive
experience that appeals to all generations of our clients. Our
site provides secure document organization and storage of
financial statements, meeting presentations, and important
documents. These can be shared with us or kept private;
they can also be shared with other allied professionals on a
document-by-document basis. The site also aggregates all
our clients’ financial assets and liabilities for a full view in a
single sign on. Clients can also generate reports for their
We recognize that the
best way to build your
unique wealth strategy is
to fully appreciate your
circumstances, concerns,
and aspirations. That is
why we begin with you
and your goals, never
with products.
‘‘
‘‘
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35. own financial management needs at their site. Our younger
clients embrace the aggregation of credit card accounts and
budgeting within their site. They also enjoy having mobile
access on their tablets and phones. This implementation has
enhanced client management from our end as well. It used
to be a complex and manual process to gain a full view of
our clients’ financial assets. Today, we can view our client’s
full financial picture and integrate the information into other
tools to deliver truly personalized solutions. This is critical
for our complex clientele that rely on us for our unique
perspective and expertise to their full wealth situation. Now,
we are able to manage investments to their investment
policy with real-time reviews of their other assets.
In what ways have you or the company contributed to
the community? If given a chance, what change would
you bring in Investment plans for solving the most
complex financial problems?
I care deeply about giving back. Based on our work, we
have been honored for more than five years as the top
financial services firm in Summit, NJ based on our
outstanding service to clients and the community.
Additionally, I serve on the board of directors of the
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc, helping
to bring qualified and ethical financial planning to the
broader public.
A few years ago, I established a mentoring program for
young women entering the financial services industry. BE
ME- Believe Envision Mentor Empower - invites women
from local universities in their Junior year through
professionals up to 5 years out. We meet virtually monthly
to discuss career topics and share support for each other. I
believe that developing and supporting a more diverse
community of financial professionals is the single biggest
change our industry can make to solve our future
challenges.
I am also an alumni interviewer for my alma mater sharing
my experiences with students interested in Penn and
Wharton, and I am a member of the Women’s President’s
Organization supporting other female professionals.
What would be your advice to the up-and-coming
women entrepreneurs aspiring to enter the finance
industry?
I believe that it takes many different characteristics to be
successful in the financial industry. The thing that may be
most important, in my opinion, is the understanding that
lasting relationships grow over time. I’ve always felt
committed to building authentic connections with clients
and prospects who provide growth to the firm and my
employees who contribute to it. Secondly, these days it is
important to embrace media outlets to build credibility and
a strong public image. I bring attention to my expertise and
Summit Place through radio and television spots and
articles. Finally, I believe you must be strategic to be a
successful financial leader. Not only do you need a strategy
in place for your firm today, but where it will be in 5 years
and what business moves you will need to make to support
your clients to stay ahead of an evolving industry.
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36. Margaux Fiori
An Empowering Leader and an Astute Financial Advisor
rom taking care of families to taking care of
Forganizations, women have taken huge strides in
breaking through the glass ceiling in many
industries. Many sectors have witnessed the marks of
women. When it comes to the finance sector, there are a
number of successful women professionals who are playing
key roles in shaping the landscape of the industry. With
their exemplary leadership skills and extensive knowledge,
they have not only made noteworthy contributions in the
finance sector but have also inspired other women to step
up. Among those women, who have left an indelible impact
on the finance industry, one such woman is Margaux Fiori.
Margaux has worked in the investment and financial
services industry since 1997. She is the Founder and CEO
of Fiori Financial Group and is a registered representative
with Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., Member
FINRA/SIPC.
Margaux has a tactical investment style that includes wealth
management, financial planning, estate planning,
supplemental retirement income, asset preservation with
insurance, and corporate planning. In addition, she is also a
Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®).
A Tumultuous Start
Margaux started her career in 1997 at Morgan Stanley
during a raging bull market. She found herself in a male-
dominated industry with little support or comradery. She
was expected to produce like one of the males in the
industry but was never fully part of the team. After a high
octane start, she had to pick up the pieces after the severe
market crash. Just as she was beginning to stabilize, she
was hit with another major setback due to 9/11. She was
severely doubting whether being a financial advisor should
be her career, however, she decided to give it one more try
as she is not the one who gives up easily. She is now
thankful for her tumultuous start because it gave her the
moxie which led her to where she is today.
An Inception Tale
Fiori Financial Group is a multi-family office, housed under
one roof, which provides comprehensive solutions and
Margaux Fiori
CEO
Fiori Financial Group
Financial Advisor, RJFS
34 | September 2021 www.insightssuccess.com
37. services that high net worth families require. It is a
progressive, leading-edge provider of full-service,
personalized financial strategies. It is its goal to have an
open house, where all clients are welcome.
Its story began 16 years ago. Both New Jersey natives with
Italian roots, Margaux Fiori and Scott Verlangieri built the
company's foundation on the values of family and loyalty.
They had a vision for their investors and their advisors to
have relationships rooted in trust. While their temperaments
and energy levels are quite contrasting, the two of them
have struck the perfect balance as partners when it comes to
creating an effective and professional financial management
business.
Margaux's larger-than-life personality and limitless ideas
matched with Scott's dedicated work ethic and unyielding
integrity has nurtured an unparalleled work environment.
Together, they have 43 years of the collective experience
and have spent the past 16 years crafting an exemplary team
of individuals who value the growth of their business just as
much as the growth of their relationships with their clients.
When you choose Fiori Financial Group, you become part
of their family. With the strong partnership of Margaux and
Scott, the Fiori Financial Group team is equipped with the
drive, talent, and ambition necessary for success.
Having Nimble and Flexible Operating Philosophy
When the pandemic hit, Fiori Financial Group had just
completed constructing its new building. It enabled the
organization to control its work environment much more
easily and focus on protecting its clients. Due to Fiori
Financial Group's nimble and flexible operating philosophy,
it was able to quickly transition to and accommodate all
types of working environments.
Being Positively Influenced by Competitive
Environment
Margaux was an avid reader of Warren Buffett, Ray Dalio,
George Soros, and Jim Rogers. The books of these authors
have greatly influenced her.
Moreover, Margaux grew up as an ice skater and was
influenced by the highly competitive environment she faced
every day to be the best. Her motto was to always work
harder and never let them see her sweat. She carried that
principle with her throughout her investment career.
Winning the Game Together
Margaux believes in empowering leadership. Being a team
leader, she focuses on identifying the strengths of her team
members and leveraging their collective abilities to
accomplish their goals. She is lucky to have a very diverse
group of team members who all feel like they are winning
the game together.
Margaux mentions that the team at Fiori are tactical
managers that are intimately involved in implementing their
strategies on a daily basis. The group offers customized
strategies for its clients depending on their risk tolerance
and financial needs.
Enlightening Emerging Leaders
In her advice to the up-and-coming women entrepreneurs
aspiring to enter the finance industry, Margaux says "Be
yourself! Women are natural nurturers, which is a huge
advantage when dealing with sensitive topics such as
money and investments. Having the ability to build caring
and deep relationships is a requirement to be successful in
this industry."
When it comes to investing, we live it, we breathe it, we have an
absolute passion for our client's success, and it's that passion that
keeps us plugged into the market. We are gatekeepers to our
client's financial goals.
‘‘
The 10 Most Influen al Leaders in Wealth Management, 2021
Securi es offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.,
member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through
Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Fiori Financial Group is
not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James
Financial Services.
Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Raymond James. The
informa on has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable,
but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or
complete. Some investments men oned may not be suitable for all
investors. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Inves ng
involves risk and investors may incur a profit or a loss.
Phone: 954-763-2600
Address: 205 SE 20th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
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