Q: Describe your role within the firm.
A: My role is to lead the training of our Financial Advisors in Canada so that they build a legal, ethical and profitable business and create and nurture highly satisfied clients. Q: Describe how your division contributes to the firm's success.
A: Ongoing training of our advisors is integral to the success of our business and it is our endeavor to provide that with a high degree of excellence. A well trained advisor means a well served client. Q: What year did you start at Edward Jones? What year did you start in your current position?
A: I joined the firm in September of 2001 and was licensed as an Financial Advisor in February 2002. I ran a successful business following the Jones training recipe and was invited in December 2005 to move into the Home office in Canada to head the training area. Q: What did you do prior to joining Edward Jones?
A: I am a Chartered Accountant and completed my MBA in Finance and International Business. I have lived and worked in four different countries and my work experience includes corporate financial responsibility in Unilever, India and over a decade of teaching as Professor of Business in Sheridan College, Canada. Q: Are there any memorable experiences you’d like to share that encapsulate or typify what it’s like to work for Edward Jones?
A: Plenty! First of all the role of a Financial Advisor is very satisfying. When you see the tears of joy in your client's eyes when they see their portfolio growing with our conservative investments coupled with the face-to-face care and attention we give; you feel a tremendous sense of self worth. In December, a former client located my home address and sent me a thank you card even though I am no longer handling the account in the branch! Mentoring new Financial Advisors is very satisfying too particularly when they come back to you after a successful appointment or when they progress to another segment and say “Thank you for your help Sucharita - You are correct in what you always say: 'If you follow the recipe the cake will never flop!' ” Q: Describe the culture at Edward Jones and how it’s different from your previous job. What is unique?
A: The culture is in the people and the way we do things. Do what is right for the customer is paramount. We follow this in everything and that is the reason for our survival in a very competitive world. Q: One area Edward Jones prides itself is enabling associates to maintain a strong work-life balance. How does this approach impact you?
A: Sometimes you love what you do for the firm and it may fog the lines of difference with home so much so that the firm is like a second home. It is important to maintain a balance as that will enhance your contribution both at home and at work. Q: What does the firm being a partnership mean to you?
A: Having ownership in the firm is like becoming a part of the large Edward Jones family. Q: Before you came to Edward Jones, what did the name mean to you? And after you came on board?
A: I knew it was a well run company as I had read the Harvard business case study and I am thrilled to be part of its growth in Canada. Q: Articulate the spirit of volunteerism that exists at Jones. How have you been involved and what was that experience like?
A: Volunteerism is part of our culture as we all share together in each other's success. Hence my roles have included mentor, field trainer, and productivity leader in my region's leadership team. I was proud to volunteer and give back as I was helped by others to succeed in that same way. Q: Do you feel there are opportunities for advancement and greater income potential at Edward Jones?
A: As a Financial Advisor the sky is the limit. Also when you become a Partner you can partake in the profits of the firm. Q: What qualities do you think a person needs to have to succeed in the home office environment?
A: It’s important to continue to improve, keep your knowledge up to date, work well both in a team and individual role and above all, service the Financial Advisors well. Q: As you go through your daily activities, how do you know you’ve achieved success at Edward Jones?
A: Failure is not an option in our training department and when we see Financial Advisors succeed we feel good. Q: What has the firm's growth meant for leadership opportunities?
A: The firm has potentially a large worldwide market and I would love to grow and take on more responsibilities in the areas that come up as the firm expands.
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