Are You Being Averaged Up?

I love the mantra that you're the average of the people who you spend the most time with. Look around yourself - your family, friends and coworkers. You're an average of their opinions, interests, idiosyncrasies and other characteristics (good & bad.)

I had the chance this afternoon to head up to UNC Asheville for Camp Girl Boss. It seems like there's a thousand different camp opportunities for kids these days, but this one is really unique. Emily Breedlove has created this camp to empower girls to be entrepreneurs, to be bold and set their own course. I think it's wonderful!

Two of our team members were involved with the camp this week, Financial Advisor Leesa Childress Sluder and Kelsey Rosen. Leesa was a mentor and worked with one girl specifically on her book project, helping her to develop a business plan, look at marketing, etc. Kelsey who is our Marketing Coordinator, helped participants with graphic design.

Leesa took the initiative to get involved with the camp and I'm so glad she did. I encourage all of our employees to get out into the community and do good! Kerry Keihn, Associate Financial Advisor and Director of Operations went through the Leadership Asheville program. This program prepares professionals to be leaders in the community. She is now on the Young Professionals Board at Pisgah Legal Services. PLS provides legal services to community members who can't afford them.

Neill Yelverton, my business partner has been active with Dogwood Alliance for the past few years. He's now their Board Chair and works closely with their staff to enhance the effectiveness of the organization. He's also invaluable to me in the business. As we've grown considerably, he (along with Kerry) has had the knowledge and insight to put systems in place to allow us to serve our growing client base better.

My point is that I have great people working around me who care. They care about our clients, our colleagues and our community. They're also really smart. They're insightful, empathetic, and driven. They're dedicated and see the impact that responsible investing brings to the world.

I love working with them - they make me a better person. As a team, we celebrate the victories and work through the losses. We're always supportive and want the best for each other: I think that's why we've been so successful!

Next week, take some time and pay attention to the people you spend the most time with. Are they averaging you up or are they averaging you down. If the people around you aren't lifting you up, find some people who will.

Peter Krull is CEO & Director of Investments at Earth Equity Advisors, LLC, a B Corp and leading socially and environmentally responsible investment management firm in Asheville, NC. He is on the 2018 Investopedia 100 list of the most influential financial advisors in America.