Sinead Faughnan has worked as a financial advisor with UBS for the past 17 years. She is focused in particular on inter-generational wealth transfer. We start by discussing Sinead’s rich Irish roots, her parents were originally from County Kerry and she herself was born in Ireland and moved to the US when she was three years old. She discusses her upbringing in Yonkers and the values that her parents’ work ethic instilled in her.

When it came to her own career, she was driven to be self-sufficient and once told, along her trajectory, that she was too ambitious for a role. We dwell on that for a minute – asking whether it inspired or deflated her, and ultimately learn how it made her only more determined to win at the game, even it meant playing – for a spell – by some different rules.

With a long career in wealth management we trace her mentors, her role models and how she learned to find her own voice with her clients. Ultimately this meant giving them a voice – setting the table around their expectations, learning curve and values and only then, when these basics are set, moving to the investment discussion. We speak about the evolution of financial planning and the role that a compassionate advisor can play. We talk in particular about the concerns of female clients and how we can include them more in the conversation.

When it comes to words of wisdom, Sinead suggests saying yes to stretch assignments and dressing for the job you want, not the one you have.

This bonus series is kindly supported by Sound Mark Partners, Sound Mark Partners LLC is a women-owned and led private credit firm focused on commercial real estate.