Pivot!

Pivot (v): (especially in a business context) completely change the way in which one does something.

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To say that I’ve chosen to make a significant a pivot in my professional life would be accurate, if not understated. The ultimate decision to pivot came down to removing ego and emotion from the decision making process. I’m going to share here with the hopes that someone else facing a pivot moment will trust themselves – and the process – and in the process understand the why for the decisions they make for their professional career.

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As I sat with “what do I really want to do?” A few things became salient:

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·?????? I want to help people.

·?????? Finding a career path that leans more into work to live, as opposed to live to work, is where my heart leads me.

·?????? I’ve made a significant commitment to my physical health in the last few years and wanted a career where that commitment would be congruent (think: ability to work out, ability to eat healthy foods).

·?????? As I climbed the fundraising leadership ladder, I spent less time than I wanted doing what I’m most passionate about: spending time in person with donors, facilitating their philanthropic impact goals. I want more in-person contact executing within my chosen profession.

·?????? Working in an office, with people, in real life – is really important to me.

·?????? Travel is something I enjoy personally, but don’t necessarily need professionally. (read: point 2)

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It became obvious to me that thinking outside of my paradox as a fundraiser was important. I want to work with people. To help improve lives. To make the life of the next generation better. To facilitate good.

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The answer became clearer: moving to the other side of the table and joining the rank of financial advisors made sense:

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·?????? With more than 10,000 boomers having a birthday every day, the need for financial planning has never been more acute.

·?????? A dearth in diversity in the industry means LGBTQ+ people don’t always seek the help they deserve because they’re not comfortable with sharing important parts of their life which means that financial, retirement and estate plans aren’t always tailored to meet their unique needs.

·?????? Being able to work with people to strategically align their finances could enable them to make significant multi-generational transfers of wealth to facilitate education, or create multiplied opportunities for philanthropic giving.

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At Habitat, I helped make homeownership possible for hardworking people. At MDA, University Hospitals and Phoenix Children’s Hospital, I helped make healthier futures possible for children facing life-changing medical diagnoses. Now, I get to work with hardworking people on their financial health and the establishment of their legacy.

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I’m excited to join the ranks of Strategy Financial Group, based in Phoenix and Chandler, Arizona. A locally owned investment advisory, Strategy has served families for more than a decade with comprehensive retirement and wealth planning services. Fundraisers know this by heart: IRA assets are the best to give to charity since they’re not taxed but they are when inherited by a person! Sadly, a simple reminder like that doesn’t typically enter the conversation in many standard financial services conversations. I was attracted to join Strategy because their approach to retirement and wealth planning is similar to my approach to fundraising: make sure the client (in my prior life: donor) is provided the most comprehensive information to enable their decision. From there, partner with them to achieve their vision. Provide accountable reporting. Proactively seek improved solutions. Be a trusted partner in achieving something important.

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I’m not running away from fundraising. I’ll continue to be a volunteer fundraiser and chair the development efforts for the Kellefson + Tollenberger Center for LGBTQ Philanthropy at the Arizona Community Foundation. Instead, I’m running toward a new challenge that continues to offer me the opportunity to help improve lives for generations to come while also improving my own life balance. I’m excited for more nights at home and early mornings at “my” gym. I’m excited for quiet nights with my husband and more time with our families.

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If my Strategy Financial Group colleagues or I can be helpful to you – we’re here to be of service.

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Onward!