In the ever-dynamic exploration of leadership in the world of wealth management, the Center for Women in Financial Services’ collaboration with Investment News shines a spotlight on the powerful journey of women in financial services from leadership roles to influencing critical decisions to propelling better outcomes for clients and businesses alike. Here are five key lessons that the Center learned at the Investment News Women’s Events:

1. Inclusivity Drives Effective Leadership: Embracing inclusivity in decision-making is a key factor in becoming a more effective leader, as demonstrated by the experiences and transformative decisions shared by the industry executive.
2. The Power of Authenticity: Authenticity emerges as a potent platform in wealth management, fostering trust with clients, enabling diverse perspectives, and serving as a catalyst for business growth—highlighting the importance of being true to oneself in the industry.
3. Strategic Model Selection for Growth: Success in wealth management involves recognizing and leveraging the unique strengths of different business models, whether as a broker-dealer, independent advisor, or RIA, offering opportunities for advisors to optimize their approach and potentially reshape their professional lives. Learn more about this from our Research.
4. Collaboration for Future-Proofing: Fostering collaboration within the industry is identified as a strategy for future-proofing businesses, emphasizing the collective approach to staying ahead in the evolving financial services sector and meeting the changing needs of clients.
5. Harnessing Unique Perspectives for Innovation: Women advisors and clients, with their distinct perspectives and approaches, are driving innovation in wealth management, suggesting the importance of identifying and capitalizing on unique opportunities for long-term success in the ever-evolving financial landscape.

As we reflect on these lessons, one thing becomes clear: The future of wealth management is bright, driven by the innovation, collaboration, and authenticity of women leaders who continue to redefine success in this dynamic industry. The Center for Women in Financial Services will continue to collaborate with organizations to foster inclusion for the industry at large. 

The American College of Financial Services is proud to announce the combining of leadership for the Center for Special Needs and the Center for Women in Financial Services. This exciting move follows the retirement of Hilary Fiorella, former executive director of the Center for Women in Financial Services. Moving forward, both centers will be led by Executive Director, Joellen Meckley.

“The Center for Women in Financial Services has made great strides over the past few years supporting the advancement of women in the industry. I am thrilled to join the team as we continue working toward a more equitable future together,” 
Joellen Meckley, Executive Director. 

The Center for Women in Financial Services appreciates your continued support as we undergo these exciting changes. We encourage you to take part in this journey moving forward, as we, along with the Center for Special Needs, work together to transform the landscape of financial services and create a more inclusive industry.

 In her recent article featured in Financial Advisor Magazine, Sophia Duffy, an assistant professor of business planning at The American College of Financial Services, discussed the effectiveness of tools such as revocable living trusts (RLTs) in planning as one ages.

Duffy compares the RLT to power of attorney (POA) and explains how RLTs can be even more effective than a durable POA.

Read on to learn more about this topic as Duffy enlightens readers to the usefulness of this tool!

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Their services improve the quality of life for veterans and their families and reduce potential factors that can contribute to veteran suicide. These services act in support of their vision to create stability for military families in crisis.

USA Cares was launched through a grassroots partnership between WAVE-3 TV in Louisville, Kentucky, the Mid-South Division of Kroger Food Stores, and the Association of the United States Army Fort Knox Chapter. The organization was dubbed Kentuckiana Cares, with a goal to raise funds to help military families in financial crises through the sale of “Support Our Troops” yard signs. In October 2003, in response to the increasing number of requests for assistance, Kentuckiana Cares evolved into what is now USA Cares, a 501(c)(3) national non-profit organization that has assisted thousands of veterans and military families facing hardships related to service.

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As we approach the end of the year, I have reflected on many of the Center’s accomplishments including

• Scholarship opportunities and career services support for those in our military community in transition
• Community building through:
  • Execution of multiple thought leadership webinars
  • Implementation of a military resource group providing networking and career opportunities for our scholars
  • Development of military consumer financial education programs through partnerships with military financial educational foundations
• Execution of the Ninth Annual Clambake and Soldier-Citizen Award Ceremony, honoring this year’s recipient former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Michael Mullen, USN (Ret.), and a Leadership Symposium led by Maury Stewart Lecture Marquee Speaker Colonel Nicole Malachowski, USAF (Ret.), the first female U.S. Air Force Thunderbird pilot.

These successes are only possible with your dedication to supporting our mission of assisting active-duty, guard, reserve service members, veterans, and their spouses in transition.

A special thank you to our center founding partner and sponsor Penn Mutual and Advisory Council.

With your generous support, the Center will continue expanding our offerings and opportunities for those moving from military service into their next chapter in the civilian force, as well as assisting their spouses in their careers in financial services.

I wish you and your families happy holidays and ask that you keep those currently serving our country in your thoughts and prayers during the holiday season.

Very Respectfully,

Phil Easton

Executive Director, The American College Center for Military and Veterans Affairs 

I want to extend the deepest feeling of gratitude for giving me this scholarship and the opportunity to learn from such an impactful organization. Everything I learn in this course will be put to work as I try to help more Active-Duty Military and Veteran families in their pursuit of financial security.

Giving back to the military community fills me with purpose and this opportunity will enhance my ability to provide families with better service as they pursue their goals.

Thank you!

Respectfully,

Jesse M. Underwood