How Women Sponsors Elevate Wealth Management

On #IWD 2025, we honor the achievements of women – and celebrate their role in driving financial independence and empowerment. ?

Our Role as Sponsors??

Sponsorship is a crucial driver of change in wealth management because it is active and advocacy-driven. At Choreo, we leverage the power of community through leaders who not only provide guidance but also use their influence to open doors for others by advocating for high-visibility projects and career advancement opportunities. Women who have access to experienced sponsors gain confidence, leadership skills, and industry knowledge, allowing them to thrive in the wealth management sector. Our advisors exemplify this commitment, creating supportive networks that help women take control of their careers and their financial future.?

Our Momentum program is designed to harness these opportunities by empowering female advisors, fostering leadership skills and access to wealth management expertise to help drive lasting impact across generations. Our advisors benefit from community-building networks, practice management, and targeted sales training. With wealth management still lagging in gender equality, we developed Momentum at a critical time—aligning with the Great Wealth Transfer, which is set to shift trillions of dollars into the hands of women.???

Choreo financial advisor Mary Saylor spoke to me about a significant challenge she sees firsthand: “Many women face a persistent gender gap in financial literacy and confidence. Despite growing access to financial education, women often have less confidence in managing investments and planning for long-term financial goals. This can be especially evident when we work with widows, single moms, or divorced women who weren’t actively involved in household finances. Additionally (and possibly even more challenging), many women are now the primary breadwinners in their households, juggling demanding careers, family obligations, kids’ schedules, and household duties, which often leaves their finances on the back burner.”??

Helping Drive Certainty Around Wealth Planning???

Despite increasing participation in financial decision-making, many women still express uncertainty in managing their wealth. Historical factors, societal expectations, and personal experiences all play a role in shaping these perceptions.??

In my conversation with Mary, she further explained why tailored support is essential: “Compounded by the gender pay gap and career interruptions due to caregiving responsibilities, it’s crucial to provide more tailored financial advice and support. As a female advisor and a single mom, I’m proud to break barriers in the financial industry while helping women take charge of their wealth. Financial planning isn’t just about numbers – it’s about empowering women to take control of their wealth journey and feel confident in their financial decisions.”??

A Case for Holistic, Generational Financial Planning??

One of the most powerful ways wealth management can serve women is through a holistic, generational approach. Recently, we worked with a client navigating multiple life transitions that required thoughtful financial planning. Our client, a woman in her second marriage, was suddenly faced with the terminal illness of her spouse, forcing her to make financial decisions she had never handled before. At the same time, her daughter was going through a high-conflict divorce, further highlighting the need for specialized financial guidance. By addressing their unique challenges with a multigenerational strategy, we helped them find stability and clarity during a difficult time.??

Through tailored estate planning, trust structures, and real-time financial education, our advisors provided the technical expertise and emotional support and trust necessary to navigate these challenges. This case underscores the importance of a trusted financial partner who understands the nuances of life transitions.??

Inspiring the Next Generation: Women Taking Ownership of Wealth??

The next generation of women is entering the financial landscape with a fresh perspective and eagerness to take control of their wealth. Choreo financial advisor Robin Patin told me: “It’s very exciting to see women, especially younger women in Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen Alpha, who understand that they are in full control of their money and will likely be for their entire lives. And they’re ready to learn how to manage/invest their money.”??

She also highlighted the evolving role of financial advisors in the digital age: “Women are also on social media – we have so many rules about social media in the field, but the reality is it’s where Gen Z and Gen Alpha get nearly all their financial knowledge. I think wealth managers can be the voice of reason and experience in a sea of bad social media advice if we can have more access to produce information for social media.”??

Building on Robin’s point, and according to Forbes, we are in the midst of a significant shift of wealth from the Baby Boomer generation to younger generations, with women poised to inherit a substantial portion of this wealth. In fact, women are expected to control much of the $30 trillion in financial assets that Baby Boomers will possess by 2030. Also, over the next few decades, nearly $40 trillion is expected to be transferred to widowed women from their spouses. By 2025, more than 60% of the world's wealth will be in the hands of women, driven by factors such as longer life expectancy and being primary beneficiaries of wealth transfers. This underscores the growing economic influence of women and the importance of tailored financial planning to address their unique needs and goals.??

?My Own Lessons??

As a leader in the industry who benefitted tremendously from working with a brilliant sponsor and mentor, I have witnessed firsthand the power of sponsorship, financial education, and community in transforming the careers of women (as advisors and as clients). My own journey has reinforced the importance of:??

• Resilience: Yes, navigating a male-dominated industry requires confidence and persistence. So, allow yourself to see patterns others may miss, ask questions that unlock new opportunities, and offer fresh perspective that helps disrupt traditional thinking?.?

• Curiosity: More than an intellectual trait, harness it to be your competitive advantage.???

• Sponsorship: Nurture a support system – it'll be invaluable in your career growth.??

• Telling a Great Story and Paying It Forward: Craft a compelling narrative around yourself AND (for advisors) the investment strategies and planning approach you use. Your clients don’t just invest in asset classes; they invest in futures they believe in. A leader who can frame wealth planning as a purpose-driven story builds a deeper trust that will resonate with clients - and your next generation colleagues and teammates.??

For women aspiring to leadership in wealth management, my advice is to seek out sponsors, stay engaged in industry conversations, and never underestimate your ability to lead and innovate. Embrace your curiosity and out-of-category experience – they aren’t just assets; they’re the keys to long-term success in an industry that rewards fresh perspective.? After all, wealth management is not just about numbers—it’s about relationships, influence, and vision. Believe in your ability to lead with confidence and create lasting financial legacies.??