28 Oct Spotlight on Colleen Schon
Colleen Schon, WMS, CIF®
Managing Director | Sr. Vice President, Investments
Anthem Advisors of Raymond James
Quick 10!
#1 Tell us a bit about your business.
Colleen Schon, Managing Director, Sr. Vice President Investments of Anthem Advisors of Raymond James. My office is in Clarkston, MI, and I live in Grand Blanc, MI. Our niche is, “What is Your Anthem,” for individual clients that are retired and looking to retire, along with focusing on multi-generational families.
#2 What is the most rewarding part of being a financial advisor?
The most rewarding part is the client relationship and making a difference in their lives. Watching clients that are like extended family making their “anthem” come true makes me the happiest!
#3 What is the most challenging part?
The most challenging part are the emotions of being so close to clients that when they hurt and are facing life challenges or are in the final days of their life – I hurt, too. I cry, too. It is a blessing and the curse of being so much a part of their lives.
#4 Knowing what you know now, what career advice would you give your younger self?
Stay true to yourself no matter the circumstance.
#5 What is one idea to further move the needle in attracting, retaining, and advancing more women in financial advising?
Start in high school with financial literacy and advocate to the girls on the flexibility of the career along with the empowerment of being financially self-sufficient.
#6 What is one of your superpowers that has nothing to do with wealth management?
Intuitively knowing when someone is hurting and speaking of it in a comforting way that helps rather than hinders.
#7 What’s one of your non-negotiable self-care practices?
Two positives for every negative.
#8 Who is a woman who has had an important impact on your life or career?
In life – my mom who has persevered many life challenges who taught me to be tough while also being kind. In career, Marlene Barrett, who was my mentor in the business and my business partner. She taught me the ins and outs of the business while letting me explore to do the way that fits ME best. I also had the privilege of taking care of her in her final years of battling dementia (she did not have any children or family who could do it with her) and was with her when she passed away.
#9 What are three of your all-time favorite books?
Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
Pursue Possibilities by Susan Goodman
#10 If your life were a movie, what would the title be?
The Warrior Within