There is certainly a business case for diversity and inclusion – and it has helped those advocating for cultural change in the financial services industry. Today, companies face unprecedented challenges due to the global pandemic and issues around social injustice. It is imperative now, more than ever before, to have diverse representation and inclusive practices.
The economic might of women is large and growing. According to research by McKinsey and Company, women control a third of U.S. household financial assets — that’s more than $10 trillion. The report states, “By 2030, American women are expected to control much of the $30 trillion in financial assets that baby boomers will possess.”
M Financial’s Magnet Program, now in its second year, is a cutting-edge professional development program that guides and empowers financial professionals while allowing them to create a blueprint for entrepreneurial independence. Prudential and John Hancock recently announced their investment in the program as gold sponsor carriers.
So much has changed over the course of the past few months in our country and worldwide. One of the things that remains is the value of life insurance and the invaluable importance of having a diverse group of knowledgeable professionals in the industry.
Your career path isn’t always as straightforward as you might think. Sometimes your family nudges you in a particular direction, sometimes your favorite movie inspires you. That’s the case for two up-and-coming financial professionals and community influencers in our Magnet Program.
In September, M Financial announced new strategic relationships with PNC Financial Services Group and The Links, Incorporated. These relationships will generate new opportunities for current and new financial advisors with M Financial and add diversity to both Member Firm services and clients.
If you are a woman executive in the world of insurance and financial consulting, you no doubt find yourself in the minority. In the financial industry, women make up over half of the entry-level workforce, but fewer than one in five C-suite positions are held by women, according to Closing the Gap, a study conducted by Leanin.org and McKinsey & Company.
Linda Cahill, co-owner and principal of Enza Financial, challenges the notion that men are best suited for the insurance industry. When it comes to the financial services sector, she believes the market for women is huge — and hopes to see more women bring their skills and talents to the industry.
Kristi Barens, Principal at Mullin Barens Sanford Financial, says that success in the insurance industry requires preparation, mentorship, and the right mindset. Kristi is now a powerful force in the executive benefits industry and a founding partner at her firm, yet when she chose to move from a Senior Manager to an Advisor role almost 20 years ago, she had concerns about leaving a comfortable salary for a commission-only job.
In every new career journey we embark on and every new company we join, we all want to feel valued and supported. Any role is more satisfying when we have someone in our corner who encourages and champions our growth – and that’s exactly what a good mentor does.
