People often ask me why I chose to take on a leadership role within the financial services industry. Why did I leave behind the thriving practice I had worked so hard to build over the years? That’s a great question—one I’ve often asked myself!
Something that is important to note is that, unlike in most industries, a transition to leadership in the financial services industry isn’t necessarily a promotion. It’s just a different career path.
For me, one major reason I chose to take the leadership path is that I felt like I could make a bigger difference by doing so. My experience since then has proven me right. While the work I did for my clients made a positive impact in their lives, nothing has been as fulfilling as being able to introduce someone to this great business and being a part of their professional development and success. As I look back over the last decade plus, I see individuals reaching their fullest professional potential and providing a life for their families that few people will ever get to experience–because of the work that I and my leadership team have done.
The second reason I chose to pursue a career in leadership was to force myself out of my comfort zone. Planning and the client interaction came naturally to me. It was tough, but at the end of the day, very doable. Leadership, on the other hand, is a much more challenging endeavor for me. But I love the challenge, and I love being put into a position that allows me to stretch myself.
A career in leadership has allowed me to more fully develop attributes that translate into other important areas of my life, mainly that of being a father and a husband. I have become more patient. I have learned that not everything is black and white, and that there are always two sides to each situation. I have grown to be more empathetic. I have also learned that not everyone is motivated by the same things that I am.
I have learned how to make difficult decisions and how to communicate difficult news to others. I’ve learned what it means to “agree to disagree” and how to maintain a good relationship with someone despite our differences.
Above all, I have learned that when a good leader truly believes in someone and is willing to spend the time to see their potential through, that they most certainly will meet their fullest potential. It’s those experiences that fuel my fire more than anything and make me look forward to the many years of rewarding work to come in the leadership side of financial services.
Securities, investment advisory and financial planning services are offered through qualified registered representatives of MML Investors Services, LLC Member SIPC www.sipc.org OSJ 6330 S 3000 E, Suite 600, Salt Lake City, UT 84121 (801)943-6277
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