24 Jul Spotlight on Lindsey Stuart
Spotlight on: Lindsey Stuart ®
Investment Advisor
Stuart Investment Advisors
Quick 10!
#1 Briefly tell us about your business.
I am an Investment Advisor with Stuart Investment Advisors. We are a family-led, independent, fee-only fiduciary firm, serving individuals, families and organizations, often across generations. We are based in Austin, Texas and have begun transitioning the business from a founder-led firm (my father) to a multigenerational one.
#2 What is the most rewarding part of being a financial advisor?
I have been a financial advisor for a little over 2.5 years. The most rewarding part has been not only working alongside my father and learning from him and deepening our relationship, but also connecting with female clients and helping to demystify the world of investments. I also love having control over my own calendar!
#3 What is the most challenging part?
The most challenging part has been getting up to speed and feeling confident about the various aspects of investments and financial planning. I spent the first 20 years of my career in education, public service and philanthropy, and I never really paid much attention to this world. Some of the challenges are due to the breadth of our work, and my own feelings of confidence in grasping it all and being able to provide sound advice to our clients.
#4 Knowing what you know now, what piece of career advice you’d give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to keep doing what you are doing – be passionate, stay focused and purpose-driven, seek out mentors, and be open to possibility.
#5 What is one idea to further move the needle in attracting, retaining and/or advancing more women in financial advising?
What WLA does is such a smart way to try to address the problem of getting more women in (and staying in) the profession. I was connected to WLA through wonderful women advisors who I look up to. I think mentorship programs like with WLA, and/or connecting with other women in the field and learning from them in informal ways plays to our strengths.
#6 What’s one of your superpowers that has nothing to do with wealth management?
I am a champion sleeper! I recently bought myself an Oura ring, and I love tracking my sleeping prowess!
#7 What’s one of your non-negotiable self-care practices?
Exercise! Whether it’s a hike or walk (now with my weighted vest!) or pilates or yoga, I try to find at least 30-45 minutes/day for this self-care practice. I also am loving craniosacral therapy to engage my parasympathetic nervous system and lean into mind-body connection and relaxation.
#8 Who is a women who has had an important impact on your life or career?
So many women have helped me along the way, it’s hard to choose just one! But I would probably say my boss from my 9 years in the Office of Innovation and Development in Austin ISD. She hired me and cultivated my inner leadership capabilities. She had the winning combination of being both a visionary leader and supportive manager – she helped me learn to lead (and manage) with empathy, positivity, and vulnerability.
#9 What are three of your all-time favorite books?
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia-Marquez (which I read in Spanish in college and again in English later in life)
Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
Bel Canto by Ann Patchett
#10 If your life were a movie, what would the title be?
“Cultivating Joy, Abundance, and Wonder within the Balancing Act”