Shelby Andersson Haggard

Financial Advisor

The Andersson / Bekken Group at Morgan Stanley

Quick 10!

#1 Briefly tell us about your business.

My name is Shelby Andersson Haggard, and I am a Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley. I joined my father’s team, who has been with the firm for over 32 years. Together, we primarily serve women investors, families navigating major life transitions, corporate executives with equity compensation needs, multigenerational families, and family business owners. I work out of our Scottsdale, AZ branch, and our team is based in Las Cruces, NM, covering the broader southwest region.

#2 What is the most rewarding part of being a financial advisor?

The most rewarding part of being in this industry is helping families change the trajectory of their family legacy. It’s an honor to build such deeply personal relationships with the families we serve.

#3 What is the most challenging part?

On the flip side, the most challenging part has been being new to the industry. I started my career in a startup tech company in sales and made the career jump in 2024. I joined Morgan Stanley in July 2024, and there is still so much to learn — but that challenge has also been incredibly energizing.

#4 Knowing what you know now, what piece of career advice would you give your younger self?

The career advice I’d give my younger self is this: hard work always pays off. I live by the mantra of “Be curious, Be Humble, and Be patient” — this will take you farther than you realize.

#5 What is one idea to further move the needle in attracting, retaining and/or advancing more women in financial advising?

Through the WLA, I’ve had the opportunity to speak and attend major universities in the Phoenix Valley, including ASU and GCU. Educating young women about what the financial planning industry is really like is crucial; there remains a lingering misconception that it’s still a “man’s world.”

#6 What’s one of your superpowers that has nothing to do with wealth management?

One of my superpowers that has nothing to do with wealth management is building instant connections with people. I genuinely love hearing people’s stories and making them feel comfortable and relatable. Additionally, hosting and bringing people together is something I cherish. I love creating spaces where people feel welcomed and included.

#7 What’s one of your non-negotiable self-care practices?

A non-negotiable self-care practice for me is going to the gym every morning for group strength-training classes. It gives me an endorphin boost before the workday, lets me socialize with friends, and helps me start my day feeling energized and grounded.

#8 Who is a woman who has had an important impact on your life or career?

A woman who has had a significant impact on my life is my mom — she has always believed in my ability to accomplish anything and has been a constant source of support in every step of my life.

#9 What are three of your all-time favorite books?

• How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie (business/personal development)
• The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer (self-growth related)
• The Housemaid Series by Freida McFadden — fun, fast, mystery-filled reads

#10 If your life were a movie, what would the title be?

If my life were a movie, the title would be “Yes Year.” Similar in spirit to the movie Yes Man, it reflects how I began my career — saying yes to every opportunity, event, meeting, referral, and introduction. I’m still learning the power of saying no, but for the most part, I embrace saying yes to new experiences and possibilities.