Women Advisors Forum
t
Image by Tina Smothers Photography
Correcting the Gender Imbalance
Mohrman-Gillis said that part of the problem stems from a lack of awareness among young women that they can make a career as a financial advisor.
"We need to correct this image that financial planning is all about numbers. It's fundamentally about relationships, listening. Those are skills that women succeed in. We need to get that message out. We need to change that perception. Successful women in the profession need to be visible as role models to women considering the profession."
Image: Marilyn Mohrman-Gillis and Eleanor Blayney. Photo by Tina Smothers Photography
'A Lack of Networking'
"There is simply a lack of networking and professional development and professional role models. We don't have enough women in the profession ergo we don't have women leaders. We don't have enough women leaders; we don't have enough women professionals. We have to get out of this vicious cycle and turn it into a virtuous cycle."
Image: Marilyn Mohrman-Gillis and Eleanor Blayney. Photo by Tina Smothers Photography
Get Specialized
"We're not in the business of asset allocation, we're in the business of monetizing our personalities."
Image: Michelle Smith. Photo by Tina Smothers Photography.
The Importance of Mentors
"I remember going to meetings with him, and clients saying, 'I trust you,' or 'Thank you so much for helping my family, would you talk to my kids?' So much of this gratitude and trust. He was making a big difference in people's lives, and I just knew that this is what I wanted to do."
Image: Sherri Stephens. Photo by Tina Smothers Photography.
'I didn't seek to go hire women'
"I didn't seek to go hire women, but I think we attracted women to the business because of the culture at our organization," she said. "We're gender neutral, but family friendly."
Eusey added, "We try to lead by example. Not just modeling behavior, but also enabling our employees to do it as well."
Image: Shannon Eusey. Photo by Tina Smothers Photography.