Read Part I of Anna Katharyn (AK) Hendrix’s story here.
Part II: Supporting Education, Inclusion and Growth
Historically, conversations about wealth and finance were transactional and technical, Hendrix shared, meaning they were focused on performance, numbers and winning. While, the numbers do matter, they do not tell the whole story. She said she now talks with clients about how money supports purpose and legacy with a focus on “the why” behind the financial wins that we talk about.
“We are focused on empowering women to see themselves not just as participants, but as leaders in financial decisions,” Hendrix claimed. “This means making finance more accessible and relatable to everyone.”
For those women who have been in the financial advising industry a while, they know what it feels like to walk into a room as one of one. Hendrix said she is driven to help other women build confidence, develop skills and expand opportunities. She is constantly looking for ways to pay it forward by mentoring and advocating for others.
“It truly isn’t about grand gestures,” Hendrix said. “Sometimes it is making an introduction, offering advice, sharing lessons we have learned or just simply encouraging someone.”
Through Hendrix’s work with the newly formed Southeast Circle, she and other members are shaping how they can best support the community in the years ahead. At its core, she said, their goal is to encourage women advisors, create meaningful connections, and make a lasting impact. Hendrix especially enjoys helping women recognize the many career opportunities available to them across financial services.
“We all possess different strengths and there is a place for everyone,” Hendrix shared. “Through mentorship, advocacy and open conversations, I hope to help them envision what’s possible.
At one time, Hendrix agreed that the industry was male dominated and women today are still under-represented. However, she shared that just as many men have been supportive to her career and the doors are open for women as never before. “While gender has shaped visibility and opportunity in the industry, the successful people I admire most have strong character and focus on humility, genuine care and mutual respect,” said Hendrix. “It’s not about competition, it’s about teamwork.”
Having women like Hendrix consistently sharing their financial advising career path is crucial to informing and attracting more women to the industry that is often misunderstood.
“People think it’s just about financial markets, investments and spreadsheets. Those aspects obviously matter, but at its core, this is a relationship business. It’s about really listening, solving problems, and giving people confidence to make important decisions,” said Hendrix. “When women hear real stories from advisors who are making an impact, building meaningful careers, and helping families navigate important decisions, they begin to see themselves in those roles.”
And, Hendrix continued, we need to do a better job of teaching all young people, not just women, to advocate for themselves with regards to their finances so that they can build confidence and self-esteem but also remind them that it is ok to mess up or to ask for help.
“We need to start earlier, and we need to introduce young women to financial literacy, entrepreneurship, investing, and leadership long before they make career decisions,” Hendrix declared. “We also need to show them more examples of women succeeding in these fields, and we need to expand our appreciation of the range of skills that matter. When all young people (not just women) understand that finance is ultimately about helping people solve problems and live better lives, it becomes more widely relatable and appealing.”
And, the next group of female financial advisors is already out there — obviously, young women studying finance, accounting and economics; also, professionals from fields such as education, counseling, entrepreneurship and community leadership; and women returning to the workforce after time spent raising families, caregiving, or pursuing other priorities.” She continued that many women don’t realize that financial advising is a career path available to them.
“Our responsibility, through advocacy alongside the Women’s Alliance, is to help women see that this career exists and that there is a place for them in it,” stated Hendrix. “Through mentorship, exposure, education, and encouragement, we can show women that they don’t have to fit a specific mold to be successful in this profession.”
For the next generation of women considering a career in financial advising, Hendrix encouraged them to not worry about knowing everything on day one. There are always people who want to help you and everyone has been new at one point. Real confidence, she said, comes from showing up – it comes from experience.
“One of the things I love most about this profession is that at the heart of success are connections with people and creating meaningful relationships,” said Hendrix. “It’s about helping people gain clarity, confidence and peace of mind so they can focus on what really matters to them. If we can help more women see themselves as leaders in these types of conversations, we will all benefit.”
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.
