Voyager Magazine Q and A – Interview with Susan Dahl, Wealth Advisor, Female Trailblazer and Innovator
Voyager Magazine Q & A : Interview with Susan Dahl, Female Trailblazer and Innovator
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story?
We are women founded firm whose team has spent decades in financial services in roles from wealth advisor to portfolio manager to CEO. We launched LEVATUS for the same reason many entrepreneurs launch disruptive, new and innovative products, the existing solutions were missing fundamentally essential elements. Our view is that the math of investing and wealth needs to incorporate the science on human happiness in order to come to a robust solution for clients. Our experience tells us this can be done.
While the team’s paths were all different, in coming together our common denominator is the passion we feel about introducing an approach and decision-making process that actively prioritizes clarity, control and purpose. Are processes are designed to incorporate these things because each has a significant impact on wellbeing and fulfillment. We launched in September and soon thereafter we were asked to give a TEDx talk on the philosophy.
There is a growing sense amongst investors that things are not quite right with the current, industry-standard approaches. For many, it is not entirely clear what is causing this unsettled feeling. At LEVATUS, we are excited to be gaining traction in helping to answer the question “Why?”. We believe clients can and should be asking more of their wealth.
Decades of deep and diverse experiences have given us the tools needed to create an approach that asks more of wealth.
Great, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As women who have been able to successfully navigate the complex landscape of finance, we would give this advice to young women: Have a sense of purpose around the goals you are trying to achieve and take the time to create a specific plan. Having both purpose and a plan empowers you and allows you to speak from a place strength. As a result, your voice is more likely to be heard and you are less likely to be slowed down by the obstacles that a male-dominated industry may present. A specific sense of purpose is incredibly empowering.
Also, don’t be afraid to rely on the skills that come to you most naturally - inclusiveness, openness and awareness - are incredibly important character traits in leading change and also in developing deep and meaningful relationships with clients and members of your team.
What should we know about LEVATUS Wealth Services? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Our philosophy on wealth services is completely straightforward. Simplicity and purpose can improve outcomes, both financial and emotional. A sense of control empowers clients. This is the foundation of all we do. We specialize in connecting financial strategy with the outcomes, values, and ideas that are most important to each client. We develop a mission statement and a unique approach that directly connects the financial strategy with what is important to our client. The result enriches our clients’ lives.
One of the specific services we are most proud of is the planning we do with families to help them navigate wealth with their children. This is aimed at ensuring that existing wealth does not become an impediment to children becoming successful and fulfilled adults. This aspect of our work is very rewarding as it can be a big worry for parents.
Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
I know this sounds obvious, but the biggest barrier is that the decision makers are still mostly men. This presents a major roadblock as men and women problem solve differently, so often the answers provided by women are devalued because the lens through which they are derived is not well understood by the majority in the room. This is changing, but slowly. It is critical for women to speak with both authority and passion about their ideas and to take ownership of a unique way of thinking, rather than hide from it. By specifically calling out a WAY of thinking that is different (rather than an answer) you can turn a negative into a positive.