Part I: Working Toward Connection
They say the best life lessons are learned from our own mistakes. Anna Katharyn (AK) Hendrix admitted she’s made a few financial mistakes along the way but realized that when you find out that it isn’t all about money, everything shifts. It’s how you feel about your financial situation and perspective on what money can allow you to do that everything comes into focus.
“I’ve always loved math, but I quickly realized that financial advising is about much more than numbers,” smiled Hendrix. “I love sitting down with folks one-on-one to get to know them and then offer financial advice based on analytical problem-solving within the context of emotions and behavior. I’ve found a career where I could help people make confident financial decisions during important life transitions”
For Hendrix, she’s learned the financial advising industry from the ground up and has always traveled along her career path with a trial by fire mentality. She’s served in every type of role from receptionist to client service to compliance, trading, and operations to wealth strategist and now a wealth advisor. You might say she has keen and extraordinary insight from her first-hand experiences.
When she began work in the advising industry in the early 1990s Hendrix admitted there were limited roles for women and very few in visible leadership roles. She shared that the good news is that today we recognize that diverse perspectives lead to better outcomes for our clients. This isn’t about better skills — it is about more skills. Leadership today in the financial advising industry is broad and collaborative which creates more opportunities for all.
“We are seeing more women serving as leaders within advisory firms,” Hendrix shared. “What’s particularly exciting is that the definition of leadership has expanded. Women are leading innovation and growth, but also investing in the client relationship experience, mentorship of younger team members and prioritizing community involvement.”
The Women’s Alliance of Financial Advisors has built a community where women advisors can share experiences, exchange knowledge, and support one another throughout their careers. Hendrix was drawn to the organization’s educational and mentorship initiatives and now serves as co-chair of its Southeast Member Circle, which launched this year. Her involvement reflects her commitment to fostering meaningful connections, creating opportunities for women to learn from one another, and advocating for the continued advancement of women in financial advising.
“I enjoy helping women build confidence through access to resources and expanding their network in financial services,” said Hendrix. “I believe in sharing practical experiences, whether that is discussing career growth, leadership development or balancing professional and personal priorities.”
Working to connect women who understand both the opportunities and challenges that come with building a career in the financial advising industry is a priority for Hendrix. Some women, said Hendrix, think they must carve their own path. She’s determined to make sure other women don’t have to do it alone.
“Success is not a solo journey,” Hendrix reflected. “When women support other women through mentorship and open doors for one another, everyone benefits, including our clients, families and communities. The Women’s Alliance has provided a platform for this that was so needed.”
Continue reading Anna Katharyn (AK) Hendrix’s story in Part II.
Anna Katharyn Hendrix, CFP® is a Managing Director in SCS’s Private Client Group with more than 30 years of experience working with ultra-high-net-worth families. She helps clients approach wealth with clarity and purpose, reflecting SCS’s commitment to helping wealth creators and independent thinkers navigate the complexities of significant capital through investment management, wealth advisory, and family office services. To learn more about Anna Katharyn, read her bio.
