24 Jul Spotlight on Lauren Moon
Spotlight on: Lauren Moon, Ph.D., AAMS™
Financial Advisor
Bluewater Wealth Advisors of Raymond James
Quick 10!
#1 Tell us a bit about your business.
I am a financial advisor for Raymond James & Associates in sunny St. Petersburg, Florida.As a third-generation advisor, our team specializes in working with extended families, and I leverage my background in psychology to better listen, understand, and empathize with clients so they can enter the next phase of their lives with confidence.
#2 What is the most rewarding part of being a financial advisor?
The most rewarding part of this job is being a part of the joy that clients have when they realize they’re able to make their dreams come true because of the financial choices they’ve made. Whether that’s retirement, a second home, or supporting a loved one, it’s incredible to be able to look at the numbers and confidently say to them “Yes, you can do that!”
#3 What is the most challenging part?
Working hard to ensure I’m not getting stuck in a rut is my greatest challenge. Staying fresh takes intention and time, and it can be hard to carve out those moments to work ON the business not IN the business.
#4 Knowing what you know now, what career advice would you give your younger self?
There is no bad knowledge. Learning is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, and even if you’re not learning about exactly the thing you’ll need for your career, learning about all different topics means you have a broader wealth of ideas to draw from. I think younger me realized this to some extent – but current me is so grateful to have a deep pool of knowledge to help serve and connect with all kinds of clients. If I had hyper-focused only on things that I thought would serve me in a specific role, I would not be as capable as I am today.
#5 What is one idea to further move the needle in attracting, retaining, and advancing more women in financial advising?
I think doing whatever we can to de-mystify our work is critical. There are so many women who would excel as advisors but aren’t exploring the option because they have the wrong impression of what we do every day. So, whether it’s in front of a classroom of young women, at a networking event in your community, or simply with friends on a Friday, adding personal anecdotes about what financial advising really entails is something I think would help more women envision themselves in this role.
#6 What is one of your superpowers that has nothing to do with wealth management?
I’m a fearless cook! When I’m not at the office, I’m often trying new recipes and having fun experimenting in the kitchen.
#7 What’s one of your non-negotiable self-care practices?
Reminding myself that ‘no’ is a complete and acceptable answer. By saying no to the things that don’t light me up and fill my cup, I leave room for the things that do. For me, it’s the most important way to care for myself.
#8 Who is a woman who has had an important impact on your life or career?
Ms. Mary Conage, my second-grade teacher, has always had such an important part in my life journey. She was the first person from outside my family to pour into me that I was capable of anything I put my mind to. I never lost the confidence she gave me. It’s amazing what can happen when you have someone that believes in you!
#9 What are three of your all-time favorite books?
I love reading but some top books are:
The Art of Racing in the Rain (Garth Stein)
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue (V.E. Schwab)
The Story of Your Life and Others (Ted Chiang)
#10 If your life were a movie, what would the title be?
“The Winding Path” – it feels like everything I’ve done has been part of a fabulous – but very non-linear – journey to get me to where I am today.