3 Military Values That Drive Success in Wealth Management

Beginning a career as a financial advisor was much like my days as a naval officer. There were long days, weeks and months while I was building a career. While the markets are open during specific hours, one of our greatest values to clients is being available when they need us. Life simply does not happen in a 40-hour work week. One of the rewards of a strong work ethic in this profession is the ability to have substantial control over one’s life path. 

Teamwork

There are no “individual contributors” in the military. Behind every outstanding individual performance are teams of people who support the work. While a pilot may execute a mission flawlessly, there is a maintenance crew that prepares the plane for the mission, and a briefing team that prepares the pilot. 

The wealth management business is supported by teams of professionals, from system operations to research analysts to wealth planning specialists. We cultivate strong leaders who inspire our teams to collaborate on a singular goal: serving clients with diligence, integrity and care. 

Veterans — as well as others who have performed military service — pursuing a wealth management career find the profession provides many opportunities that align with the experiences of military service. It is an opportunity to serve people in a different way; a way that is supported by the values of integrity, work ethic and teamwork.

Deborah Shepherd graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1984, in one of its first classes that included women. She then served in the Navy for five years before joining Merrill in 1990 as a financial advisor. Today, she is a member of Merrill’s senior leadership team, serving as Texas South Division Executive and leading the efforts of over 1,400 financial advisors across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Kansas and New Mexico.