Diversity, Equality & Inclusion:

Mentorship Supports Success for Diverse Financial Advisors at Edward Jones

Mentorship is part of every financial advisor’s experience at Edward Jones. While the firm has always prided itself on a culture of collaboration, a recent survey confirms the importance of mentorship for diverse financial advisors. According to a new Edward Jones survey of its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Conference qualifiers, 74% said seeking out a mentor is the most impactful area for diverse associates to focus on early in their careers.

Edward Jones deeply invests in the relationships its associates have with one another. This means both new and transitioning financial advisors benefit from mentoring and training programs. The home office supports financial advisors with lifelong professional development, reinforced with practical, tailored support and mentoring from fellow Edward Jones financial advisors.

“For professionals from more diverse cultures and backgrounds considering their next career move, Edward Jones is a place of belonging where they can expect mentoring support and other necessary resources to reach their individual potential,” said Vanessa Okwuraiwe, principal.

The unique culture of coaching ensures financial advisors from a wide variety of backgrounds get the support and feedback they need from fellow advisors to successfully build their practices.

Principal and financial advisor, Jesse Abercrombie, has seen the benefit of mentoring throughout his career at Edward Jones. From local financial advisors in his community helping him get a branch office off the ground to top producers coaching him as his practice grew, Abercrombie credits the support and accountability mentors provided in his success. Diverse mentors have been especially impactful for Abercrombie:

“When my business took off, they would call me to encourage me and say, ‘keep going.’ Seeing other successful, diverse financial advisors was so inspiring,” said Abercrombie.

Similarly, financial advisor, Jasmine Butler, benefitted directly from mentoring after transitioning from a career in sales for a human resources provider. When seeking new opportunities, Butler said it was the training and mentoring resources at Edward Jones that drove her decision.

“Candidates should look for firm-provided support and mentoring to get started on the right foot,” said Butler.

“I’ve benefitted from both formal and informal mentors as I’ve built my practice.”

Jasmine Butler, financial advisor

Edward Jones understands that in order to deliver an incredible client experience, it must also create an environment where associates are nurtured and can be their authentic self. Mentorship is core to creating success for diverse financial advisors at Edward Jones.

Edward Jones Releases Annual Purpose, Inclusion and Citizenship Report

March 16, 2022/in /by Christian.Bruner

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:

Edward Jones Releases Annual Purpose, Inclusion and Citizenship Report

Edward Jones today announced the release of its fourth-annual Purpose, Inclusion and Citizenship Report, “Partnering for Positive Impact.” In the year of the firm’s Centennial, the report showcases Edward Jones’ year-ended 2021 achievements, and how it partners for positive impact to improve the lives of its clients and colleagues, and together, better its communities and society.

The report details meaningful progress Edward Jones made in three areas: Partnering for Lasting Financial Strength, Promoting Healthier Futures and Advancing Inclusive Growth. In 2021, the firm furthered a place of belonging for its associates and advanced its diverse representation goals, educated more than 175,000 high school students and young adults through its Financial Fitness program, and donated more than $26 million to 259 organizations through corporate, Edward Jones Foundation and associate philanthropic support.

“Our nearly 19,000 financial advisors serve more than 7 million clients in approximately 3,000 communities across North America every day,” said Penny Pennington, Managing Partner of Edward Jones. “Through our purpose and partnership for positive impact, we are able to extend our reach into the communities we serve, providing access to financial knowledge for our clients and helping people connect to their own purpose and achieve things in their lives they might not have known were possible. Our efforts to partner for lasting financial strength, promote healthier futures and advance inclusive growth in our own workplace extend into society through the dedication of our 50,000 associates who give of their time, talent and treasure to improve people’s lives in their communities.”

Read full report (PDF)

Read executive summary (PDF)

Edward Jones Sponsors Three Events Focused on DEI Conversations

October 29, 2021/in /by Cillah.Hall

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:

Edward Jones Sponsors Three Events Focused on DEI Conversations

Edward Jones is deeply invested in partnering for positive impact to improve the lives of our clients and colleagues and better our communities. As part of our diversity, equity and inclusion goals, we encourage and support honest dialogue in our workplaces as a tool to build empathy and common understanding. In the spirit of working together towards change, Edward Jones is sponsoring three events that provide opportunities for courageous conversations and career advancement.

Women’s Adviser Summit

November 3, 2021 – Naples FL

Investment News will host the Women’s Adviser Summit to support financial investors in successfully serving clients across multiple generations. Edward Jones’ Vanessa Okwuraiwe will participate in a panel discussion focused on how firms need to recruit diverse colleagues by removing racial and gender barriers, providing mentoring resources, and offering equal promotion opportunities. Okwuraiwe is a member of the firm’s strategic team, with a focus on developing and sustaining an inclusive and supportive corporate environment.

Invest in Women Conference

November 10 – 11, 2021 – Virtual

Financial Adviser magazine will host Invest in Women, featuring thought-provoking conversations, with tools to empower female advisors as they grow their businesses. Speakers include Maddy Dychtwald, co-founder of Age Wave, the world’s leader in understanding and addressing the far-reaching impacts of our aging population. Dychtwald – who is sponsored by Edward Jones for this engagement – will discuss how financial advisors can help clients plan holistically for the “new retirement” which is impacted by powerful forces like longer life expectancy, growing health and wealth inequities, an alarming absence of financial preparation and unexpected events like the COVID-19 pandemic.

CFP Board Diversity Summit & Career Fair

November 17 – 19, 2021 – Virtual

The CFP Board, which sets and enforces the standards for financial planner certification, will host a lineup of conversations at its Virtual Diversity Summit. The event’s purpose is to help minorities build sustainable and successful financial planning businesses, with leaders offering insight on how firms plan to recruit, onboard and retain the next generation of financial advisors. Edward Jones will have a virtual career fair booth giving recruiters the opportunity to connect with event participants.

Read our Five-Point Commitment to address racial disparities and positively impact opportunities for people of color.

3 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Making a Big Career Move

September 14, 2021/in Optional, Optional, Optional, Optional, Optional /by Cillah.Hall

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:

3 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Making a Big Career Move

Be the leader when all others are following

As the world works to establish a new normal in the wake of the pandemic and a year of racial reckoning, professionals from all backgrounds are rethinking their career goals and priorities. Women were more likely to lose their job or exit the workforce this past year; many to care for family. This “she-cession” deepened the economic gender gap and exacerbated inequality for women of color.

For women looking for a road to career recovery, it can be tempting to take the first opportunity or best incentive, but with careful consideration and an open mind, you can uncover opportunity that offers both financial reward and potential for big impact. Edward Jones is growing and offers a wide variety of women the opportunity to grow a successful financial advisory business serving clients and communities.

“Women do not need to sacrifice purpose for compensation. You can make an impact and still be rewarded financially.”

-Vanessa Okwuraiwe, Principal, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Opportunity is on the table for women at Edward Jones. In an update to its Five-point Commitment to address racism and positively impact opportunities for people of color, the firm announced new diverse representation goals for 2025. The goal: 30% women and 15% people of color among U.S. financial advisors.

“We’re holding our firm and ourselves accountable to create opportunities for women and people of color in our workplace,” said Vanessa Okwuraiwe, Principal of Firm Diversity and Inclusion at Edward Jones. “For women looking for a career with purpose, becoming a financial advisor is a chance to make a big impact.”

Let’s get real, 2020 forced us all to rethink what’s most important — especially at work. So, whether you’re re-entering the workforce or looking to chart a new path, 2021 is an opportunity to think critically about your professional must-haves and purpose.

As you consider the next stage of your career, Okwuraiwe suggests women ask themselves three important questions:

1. Does this job support my personal purpose?

As a professional, one of the key drivers of success is defining and living your purpose — or your “why.” Having a clear sense of purpose enables you to envision a better future — for yourself, your family, and your community.

When looking at career opportunities, Okwuraiwe suggests women dig deep to understand a company’s purpose and seek connection to their personal “why.”

“Each of our financial advisors’ individual ‘whys’ — when brought together — help enable our shared purpose,” she said. “We’re all here to partner for positive impact to improve the well-being of our clients and colleagues, and together, better our communities and society.”

2. Will this career bring my family more financial security?

Money matters. It not only enables you to support your family, but also the chance to reach your own financial goals and dreams. As a financial advisor you’ll develop a broad and deep knowledge of financial health so you can help clients achieve what’s financially most important to them. In addition, Edward Jones financial advisors also play a critical role in advancing financial literacy and understanding with young people in their communities.

“Women do not need to sacrifice purpose for compensation,” said Okwuraiwe. “You can make an impact and still be rewarded financially.”

Edward Jones financial advisors can own their success and there are no limits on earning potential. The firm also gives new financial advisors up to four years of salary to provide needed support while building their business.

Work hard, make a difference and be rewarded.

3. Will this company support my development?

As you consider new opportunities, ask what kind of training and support a company will provide you. Remember that not all companies prioritize training, which could leave you in a development dead end. If you’re looking at a new role, make sure you’ll get the support you need to succeed in both the short and long term.

Edward Jones financial advisors not only receive paid training, they’re offered study support for certification exams, professional coaching and consultant support to help you build your business.

“We’ll never stop being there to help you and provide learning opportunities,” said Okwuraiwe.

Edward Jones’ Inclusion and Diversity Mentoring Program also pairs newer and veteran financial advisors to equip you with tools and resources designed to strengthen and advance female career trajectories at the firm.

2021 can be a new dawn for your career and with these questions, a chance for you to get more out of work. A career as an Edward Jones financial advisor offers women from all backgrounds a chance to make an impact, develop as a professional and be rewarded for their work.

Search for financial advisor opportunities.

This article originally appeared on fairygodboss.com.

Edward Jones Releases Third Annual Purpose, Inclusion and Citizenship Report

September 3, 2021/in Optional /by Cillah.Hall

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:

Edward Jones Releases Annual Purpose, Inclusion and Citizenship Report

Edward Jones announced the release of its third annual Purpose, Inclusion and Citizenship Report, “Deeply Invested.” The report details the firm’s 2020 accomplishments to improve the lives of its clients, associates and communities, along with investments to positively influence society, become more environmentally responsible and support causes that matter to its clients and communities.

“It is with deliberate intent that we strive to create opportunities for our internal and external stakeholders, and as we look ahead to our next 100 years, we seek to ensure each action drives measurable impact.”

-Kristin Johnson, Chief Human Resource Officer and Chief Transformation Officer

The report highlights key initiatives including the firm’s strategic alliance with the Alzheimer’s Association and forward-looking plans, including an anticipated $150 million in philanthropic contributions to hundreds of causes across the United States and Canada before the end of 2025. The report also features the firm’s diversity, equity and inclusion business focus, as well as the work of the Edward D. Jones’ Foundation, sustainability, community, and citizenship areas.

“This report is a tangible demonstration of Edward Jones’ purpose and culture in action in the communities we serve,” said Edward Jones Chief Human Resource Officer and Chief Transformation Officer Kristin Johnson. “Being purpose-driven means working together across our 7 million clients, our 50,000 associates and the thousands of communities across North America, to serve the needs of others and make the world a better place. It is with deliberate intent that we strive to create opportunities for our internal and external stakeholders, and as we look ahead to our next 100 years, we seek to ensure each action drives measurable impact.”

To learn more, please download the full version of our annual Purpose, Inclusion and Citizen Report.

Read full report (PDF)

3 Key Lessons From a Year of Crises

August 5, 2021/in /by Cillah.Hall

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:

3 Key Lessons From a Year of Crises

by Jesse Abercrombie

In 2020 we were wrestling with a triple pandemic — the health and economic fallout from COVID-19, as well as the social crisis that sparked a national conversation on racial justice that forced us to ask ourselves: Are we doing enough to make things better?

As an advisor, I always work to ensure the well-being of my clients. During the pandemic, that was more critical than ever. Some of my clients lost jobs; some had to deal with health issues; others had to contend with the shutdown of their businesses.

Building a better and more diverse industry is not just the responsibility of a few individuals, it is a collective responsibility.

I had to find a way to help them through what was a very difficult time — both for them and for the country as a whole. Looking back, I can point to three lessons learned that helped me do a better job and be there for clients when they needed it most.

1. Relationships are at the heart of everything we do.

As advisors, we do more than give advice. We forge a personal connection with our clients who trust us to help them build a secure financial future.

During COVID-19, I had one client who started calling me three times a week. That was immensely gratifying. Clients in need remind me that I have the opportunity to impact those who I come in contact with.

I say this not to brag but to highlight the important role and impact we have on our clients’ lives. Our goal as advisors should be to develop these kinds of relationships with our clients.

2. Be purpose-driven in everything you do.

A sense of purpose is another way of answering the question: Why do I do what I do? At the height of the pandemic, I found the answer to the question in many ways, every single day. Through the conversations I had with clients who had lost loved ones to COVID-19. Through helping clients navigate major financial struggles.

Each day, I was reminded that our purpose at Edward Jones is to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our colleagues, clients and communities. This helped me to understand what was most important — taking care of our clients, working in partnership and valuing the contributions of every individual.

3. Visibility for diverse advisors is very important.

I want to show other financial advisors who look like me that they can do this. It became increasingly important to me that I serve as an example and mentor for other Black financial advisors in the firm and the industry.

Throughout my career, I’ve had mentors, other diverse advisors, who inspired me and cheered me on, and now I get to be one of those faces that other people look to. That kind of visibility is especially vital at a time when racial progress is front and center in society and in business.

Working Together

Building a better and more diverse industry is not just the responsibility of a few individuals, it is a collective responsibility. That is why I was so happy to see my firm, Edward Jones, make such a strong statement about diversity, equity and inclusion last year.

While the firm has made good progress in recent years, it decided last summer that it could do more and do it faster. In June 2020, we announced a five-point commitment to address racism and create opportunities for people of color.

The five points incorporated goals such as giving everyone a voice, continuing racial-equity training and anti-racism personnel policies, conducting an analysis of pay at our home offices in the U.S., continuing the focus on equitable hiring, training and promotion and supporting organizations and programs important to our clients, colleagues and communities.

More recently we announced our diverse representation goals for 2025 within the firm’s U.S. home office leadership team and financial advisors. By holding ourselves accountable, I believe we can make meaningful, positive systems-change toward inclusive growth for more of our colleagues and communities.

Of course, we will never forget this past year. But we have learned a lot about ourselves — as people and advisors. We have seen what we can accomplish for our clients when we have a purpose and a clear direction.

The above article was originally published on ThinkAdvisor.