Why did you become a financial advisor?

Two years ago, I transitioned out of the startup/tech world to become a financial advisor.

3 Reasons Why I Became a Financial Advisor:

1. I’m still “making the world a better place." The level of financial literacy in the United States is low…really low. If you don’t know the advantages and disadvantages of different savings vehicles or how higher interest rates affect your day to day, you’re not alone. In fact, you have lots of company! And that’s an issue because personal finance is one of the few areas in life where simply “not knowing” can cost us real time and money. As an advisor, I take immense pride in guiding people from all walks of life to better understand themselves, what they want out of life, and how they can get there with practical steps.

2. I love finding solutions. I admire startup employees because they’re inventing and building today for a better tomorrow. That takes a lot of passion and creativity. I believe that financial advisory teams are similar. We actively listen and peel the proverbial onion with clients to find the best solutions that will help them achieve future goals. As our clients’ lives and priorities change, we too iterate, to ensure “product-market fit” year after year.

3. I love to learn. I’ve always been somewhat of a nerd. And the world of personal finance offers tons of opportunities to gain new knowledge and skills. I’m educating myself constantly and the cool part is that I can specialize and apply theory to client situations every day. Whether it’s a strategy, a new investment product, or an update to rules and regulations, there’s always plenty out there to feed my curiosity.

Why did you choose Baird?

First and foremost, it’s the people. When you’re pivoting in your career, it’s really important to join a team/firm that a) values what you bring to the table and b) is supportive during the transition. Everyone (and I mean everyone) at Baird has not only been super friendly but has also been willing to take the time to assist in my development. Second, Baird’s reputation is bar none. Baird continues to build on its foundation of ethics, respect, and inclusivity, which is evident in how it treats its clients and associates.