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March FPA DEI Learning Series: Women in the Lead: Navigating the Financial Landscape as Female Financial Advisors
- Registration Closed
Join us for an insightful and empowering panel discussion that delves into women's unique experiences, challenges, and triumphs in the financial advisory sector. "Women in the Lead: Is it Different for Female Financial Advisors" brings together a diverse group of accomplished women who have risen to leadership roles in the financial industry.
This thought-provoking discussion will explore the distinctive aspects of the financial advisory profession from a female perspective, shedding light on the evolving landscape and the opportunities available to women in this field. Our panelists, comprised of trailblazing women with extensive experience, will share their journeys, discussing the barriers they have overcome and the strategies that have propelled them to success.
Topics covered will include:
- The impact of gender diversity on client relationships.
- The role of mentorship and support networks in fostering career growth.
- The importance of community to help build the business/career that you want.
- Why is a career in financial services a great place for women to excel?
- How men can support female advisors and more.
The panelists will also address the changing dynamics within the financial sector, highlighting the increasing recognition of the value that diverse perspectives bring to decision-making and client service.
Whether you are a seasoned financial professional, a budding advisor, or someone interested in the broader dialogue on gender diversity in the workplace, this panel discussion promises to provide valuable insights, inspiration, and actionable takeaways. Join us as we celebrate the achievements of women in finance and explore how the industry can continue to evolve towards greater inclusivity and equality.
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Gretchen Halpin
Co-Founder
Beyond AUM
Gretchen Halpin is a strategic visionary with over 25 years of leadership and marketing experience. In her work with financial professionals and teams, Gretchen's primary focus is to accelerate and guide organizational growth in a positive, sustainable way. From successful entrepreneur to jack-of-all-trades strategic consultant, Gretchen's career path and journey to success have been guided by one true passion: to help people create the life and business they want, even when that means challenging the status quo.
Gretchen specializes in pioneering strategy and growth initiatives that drive success across every aspect of a business — from vision and objectives, to marketing and business development, to the overall client experience. Her top priority is to ensure that all decisions and initiatives are aligned with the mission and values of the firms in which she works. Gretchen has helped firms achieve success by elevating their brand identity and story to internal and external audiences, seizing new business opportunities, driving organizational change and translating strategy into action across all levels of the business.
But her ability to morph big-picture ideas into action and results goes beyond her current focus; it derives from her experience as the driving force behind several successful business ventures, including Soothe Your Senses, an organic aromatherapy product line she launched in 2001. What started as a passion for health and wellness expanded into an international spa brand — with retail distribution in 30 U.S. states and five countries — that grew 250-percent annually for eight years.
As a co-founder of Beyond AUM, Gretchen and her team created and implemented a growth, marketing and technology plan that led an RIA firm to grow from $1 billion in assets under management (AUM) to more than $5 billion in AUM in five years. Under her leadership, Beyond AUM continues to assist firms, big and small, to reach their goals. Gretchen believes in working directly with advisors and their teams in order to cultivate a deep understanding of the importance and impact of their service and help support their client relationships. These experiences drive Beyond AUM's passion to see the RIA industry continue to thrive into the future.
Under the direction of Gretchen and her fellow co-founder, Beyond AUM's marketing strategy was recognized by My Perfect Client and Masters in Accounting, and the team led the development of a personal finance blog that was named a Top 50 Financial Advisor Blog by Michael Kitces in 2014 and 2015. Gretchen has been a featured speaker at numerous industry events and conferences, hosted by leading organizations such as eMoney, the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) and Financial Advisor Magazine.
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Diane S. Bourdo, CFP®
President
The Humphreys Group
Diane joined The Humphreys Group In 1989, became a Principal In 1993, and has been President since 2005. During the last 25-plus years she has been extensively involved in all aspects of work with clients, tackling investment and financial planning issues. She is particularly passionate about helping women get smarter about money – and to see the ways in which they already have money competence. Diane strongly believe in a culture of continuous learning – whether that applies to investment strategies, new financial planning opportunities or strengthening our team. To that end, she ensures that we continually improve our clients’ experience, encourage innovation and spur growth.
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Laura Jansen, CFP®, CPA, CFT-I™
Senior Wealth Advisor
Ironwood Investment Counsel
Laura has been in financial services over 25 years, serving clients in both wealth management and family office capacities. She is active in the advisory community collaborating with other professionals to identify and address the unique financial planning issues affecting women clients, as well as advocating for women advisors in the industry. Laura and her family reside in the Phoenix area, where she spends time outside the office volunteering for various charities through National Charity League.
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Liz Gillette, CFP®
Founder and Senior Advisor
Curio Wealth
Liz Gillette is a Founder and Senior Advisor at Curio Wealth, bringing 15 years of invaluable professional experience to the company.
Liz’s first-hand experience with financial scarcity in childhood—and graduating college with over $100,000 in debt—led her to financial advising. With her resilient mindset, she turned the fear of debt collection calls, economic turmoil, and a sparse job market into life lessons and a fulfilling career. Melding personal experience with financial acumen, she advocates for disciplined consistency on the path to financial empowerment. Liz’s professional mantra emphasizes aligning spending with values, urging against judging others and fostering intentional financial choices. Striking a client-centric balance between future savings and present enjoyment, she guides individuals toward reaping the rewards of their hard work at ideal life stages.
In her current dual role, Liz seamlessly balances her responsibilities as a leader and an advisor, guiding individuals and dual-income couples in their 30s and 40s. Her clients – often navigating the complexities of work, life, and caregiving – benefit from her unique approach that ensures both partners have their voices heard and responsibilities shared.
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