It’s Still a Boys’ Club, but We’re Working on It!
by Alix Kusler
I started my career in financial services in 2009. At the time, our firm had six advisors on the team: five men and one woman. I passed my licensing exams in 2011, and that summer, I attended my first industry conference. I was so proud to represent my team and learn more about the business. I was crest-fallen when one of the first advisors I met asked me whose assistant I was. Although in retrospect, I was angry and self-righteous about it; in reality, I stuttered something indiscernible, eyes downcast, then quickly joined a different conversation.
Fast-forward 15 years later where I am now one of the two owners of the same firm I started with. I was recently at a conference that celebrated some of the top advisors in the industry and once again proud to be there, this time as an owner. My family was with me, and as we sat down for dinner, one of the gentlemen at our table turned and asked my husband about his financial planning business. When I spoke up that he was an engineer (with a Master’s degree and doing impressive things) and I was the advisor, the poor man was flustered and apologized. I was honestly a bit shocked, although I shouldn’t have been too surprised.
Of course I forgave him, and I don’t tell this story to fault him; I tell it simply to recognize how little has changed over the course of the last 15 years. Case in point: on our team, I am the only female advisor with four (fantastic!) male advisor colleagues.
What I’m realizing at this stage is that I can’t wait for others to make room at the table for more women in finance. I need to be the one dragging over a chair from another table and inviting women to sit next to me. For our first step in making more room, we started offering scholarship to undergraduate women in finance in 2025. We were able to help two amazing women with their education to help them start off strong in their careers.
Women are so underrepresented in the industry, and so well-equipped for it. There seems to be an understanding that our work is all about research, numbers, and spreadsheets, and while that is part of it, the core of what we do is build and maintain relationships. We help regular people plan for their futures. This involves empathy, patience, and a willingness to sit with people through both the good and the bad – things that so many women are innately skilled at. My heart is to get more women involved in this business so that they can thrive in their careers and help individuals and families just like I am honored to do every day alongside my team.
Have any ideas for helping to make women more aware of this fantastic career field, or know any women you think would do well in this business and may want to learn more about it? Please reach out to us!
We are still accepting applications for our 2026 Women in Finance Scholarship. If you, or a woman you know, would be interested in applying, click here for more details.
Important Information
Content in this material is for general information only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All investing involves risk, including loss of principal. There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification and asset allocation do not protect against market risk.
Investing includes risks, including fluctuating prices and loss of principal. Bonds are subject to market and interest rate risk if sold prior to maturity. Bond values will decline as interest rates rise and bonds are subject to availability and change in price. International investment involves special risks such as currency fluctuation and political instability and may not be suitable for all investors. Investment in real estate and commodities may be subject to risks including illiquidity, lack of diversification, and sensitivity to economic, political, or regulatory developments. Prior to making an investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation.
