How She Did It: Laurie Stefanowicz
This post is part of our Woman Evolve(d): How She Did It series
Each month we feature inspirational women who are undergoing career reinvention or have made it to the other side. Read about how they did it and take away usable tips from their career journeys! This month we’re featuring Laurie Stefanowicz, investment advisor and wealth manager. What is your personal mantra, mission or manifesto? Put your head down and work :) What inspired you to launch your current career/launch your business? I combined several things: took elements of previous jobs, my strengths of communication and organization, balance of being a mom and running a household--found I really enjoyed working with clients and solving difference problems. What is unique about returning/pivoting in midlife? Challenges & opportunities? I pivoted earlier in my life and career--went from a natural fit of sports marketing to sales to finance. If you have a great foundation, strong work ethic and surround yourself with a strong team, you can learn and be part of anything new. Trust yourself that with hard work you can do anything. What’s one intention you have for your work in 2020? In the beginning of 2020 it was to strive for more balance---but that has been derailed a bit--so right now I am focusing on leading my team through adversity What are you most passionate about right now? I am in a position to guide and be a resource for people that have anxiety around their finances. It is during times of volatility that people's true appetite for risk or vulnerabilities come out (not being on top of their finances, not having a plan, less risked adverse than they thought etc.). I can bring calmness and clarity at this time in their lives and beyond. What does a typical day look like for you? Everyday is different and that is why I love my job. Most of time is spent with clients, talking with and planning for them, then I spend time analyzing the markets and coming up with ways to assist and educate more investors.
What’s the one thing that has advanced your career in the last year? My former partner and I merged (sold) our firm last summer. I am now partner with a great team, have expanded my platform and depth and continue to grow as a professional Who’s your “tribe” when it comes to professional inspiration or support? My family -- my husband is my steady rock, my children are amazing -- independent, smart, hardworking and beautiful. They make me proud to be their mom and wife. Favorite book, app or podcast? Too embarrassed to admit, but when I read outside of work -- it is definitely from the "pink and green" section. You’re granted an extra hour in the day, how do you spend it? Doing something for myself--always last on the list. The advice I wish I had given to my 20 year old self is… Keep running! The advice that I want to give to my 75 year old self is... Enjoy--be happy and content with what you have and just enjoy family and retirement. Best career advice for other women? Don't put yourself in a box, think about your strengths and go after it. Take risks, it is the only way to move forward. work/ life balance is hard--but you can have a life and work! When did you feel you got “you” back? Not sure I have yet but I feel like I might in the next few years :) What’s up next?
Continue to make my mark in this industry, focus on my teenage girls and their educational success.
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