Catherine came out of the womb competitive and fiercely independent. She started working when she was 12. She used her income to purchase a dream bike and got hooked on earning and saving. By 18 she opened her first retirement account. In her 20s, she worked herself through college and grad school. Understanding her money and what it could do for her empowered her life. And more importantly, she loved the confidence it provided her.
But, it wasn’t until she became a financial advisor that she realized how many women did not share her love of investing. Discussing money made them feel anxious, ashamed, and fearful about the future. So she began talking about finance in a way they understood – no jargon and no mansplaining. She started to teach them how their money can impact their life and create opportunities for the future.
That is why she does what she does.
Her true purpose is to educate and empower women to take full ownership of their financial life, to learn and grow as they build their confidence and create exciting opportunities for their life.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
I start my day looking at my money-related client tasks. What is the most urgent? Investing idle cash? Prodding the insurance underwriting along? Solving financial planning puzzles? Some money issues are pressing, and others take longer to cogitate and implement.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I offer all of my clients (mostly breadwinner women – entrepreneurs and executives) their bespoke financial planning website. All of their money data lives and breathes in the system – so we can ‘see’ how their financial decisions impact their long-term strategies and goals. I’m a visual learner, and it is great making these esoteric money concepts come to life!
What’s one trend that excites you?
AI, of course! How can we best use it to streamline tasks and workflows, so that my brainwaves can be focused on solving complex wealth and tax puzzles, and interacting with clients and prospects.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Having a CRM that works the way I need it to. I’ve been using Salesforce for years – and I know how to optimize its offering to best support the needs of helping my clients.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Probably, GO-ENTREPRENEUR earlier. I’ve been working in finance for over 2 decades. When I started on Wall Street there were 25% women, and fast forward, we still have that same percentage of women in finance. I suffered through too many male bosses I had to babysit, and watch them be in positions of leadership they didn’t deserve — all while raising my 4 daughters!
I decided to start my business when I had had enough. I was done babysitting, and I wanted to be the master of my own universe.
I would encourage more women to consider entrepreneurship earlier in their careers.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you.
You can always find the good! I’m an eternal optimist — and while sometimes that results in my own heartbreak, for the most part it helps me live in a way that is more joyful for me.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Exercise. Fit it in, always. I used to push 4 babies in a jogger, and always found time. I think I need it as much for my mental health as for my physical health.
Find what works for you, and stick with it. When I plan for clients and they have high expenses for personal trainers, I’m always supportive. Whatever YOU need to fit in fitness.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
Eat chocolate! I’m Swiss (by marriage) — and all good Swiss people de-stress by eating chocolate.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Network, network, network. Always ask how you can help. Write thank you cards (real ones!). Connect people. Love on your clients.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Referencing one of my answers above – sometimes I think it too me too long to pull the plug on a terrible (usually male) boss.
If you feel sad or stressed by your current work situation, work hard to change it.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
I’m in a financial planning association where reporters can submit their requests for article input. This has helped me get access to many financial publications – CNBC, USA Today, Reuters, etc. Reach out to your organizations and look for something similar to help you share your wisdom and get exposure.
Every dollar in the market, as early as you can get it invested, will help you achieve your long-term goals. It’s never too late or too early to start investing.
And for women in particular, INVEST AGGRESSIVELY!
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
SalesForce — everyone needs a good CRM. I’ve tried many. You can configure it in a way that works best for you.
What is the best $100 you recently spent?
I love reading books about entrepreneurs. Right now I’m loving, “Buy back your time” — and I also always recommend “Profit First” – especially if you’re early in your entrepreneur journey.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast from which you’ve received much value?
Yes — I love Huberman lab, personally, as well as several financial planning podcasts, where others in my industry share their journey. I always learn something.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
Ted Lasso! I love the optimism, the cultural awareness, and the fact that they tackled heavier issues such as mental health and anxiety.
I also love Bad Sisters. We hosted a party in Dublin for friends and I took them all swimming to ‘the 40 foot’ — you should watch the show to know what I’m talking about!
Key learnings:
- Start investing aggressively as early as possible.
- Be bold – take risks.
- Find advisors that work with your style (don’t get your financial advice from TikTok or Insta).
- Join professional associations and look for mentors in your journey.
- Be kind – always ask how you can help.
- Stay positive.