One of the things I love most about my job is the chance to meet so many smart and interesting people. Recently, I’ve found myself connecting with what I like to think of as “industry rogues.” These are folks who, like me, have been around the block a few times and have strong opinions about investing. They’re not afraid to voice their dislike for certain practices within our industry. What binds us is a shared desire to see things done better, to raise the bar for everyone involved. I’m always up for a thought-provoking conversation or a lively debate, so I find these interactions energizing.

This week, I had the pleasure of meeting one such individual—a super smart guy who’s been in the industry for quite a while. He had some intriguing observations that really got me thinking. One of his points was that to “win” in our industry (or in finance in general), you have to be ruthless, controlling, and focused on building an empire. He also mentioned that I’m “too kind.” That comment made me chuckle, but it’s not the first time I’ve heard it.

I was quick to explain to him that in my view, whether I’m winning or not depends entirely on how you define “winning.” If winning means ruthlessly climbing to the top, building an empire, and making piles of money while stepping on as many people as possible along the way, then no, I’m not winning—and I have no desire to do so. But if winning means doing great work, fiercely protecting my clients’ interests, and staying true to my ethics, then yeah, I would say I’m winning all the way.

Am I too kind? Maybe. Is there such a thing? Probably. I think that too much of anything, even a good thing can be a bad thing. Life is weird like that. I believe the world needs more kindness. As I get older, I find myself becoming more comfortable with who I am—what I like to call “peak me.” Kindness is part of who I am, and I’m okay with that. That said, I’m also direct and pretty good at setting boundaries. I might be kind, but those who know me well would agree that I’m definitely not “fluffy.”

I’ve built this business around the values that matter to me, and I’ve shaped it in a way that reflects how I want to operate, both personally and professionally. As a team, we’ve identified four core values that guide everything we do:

• Independence: We speak our minds and always defend our clients’ best interests. No one has a hand in our pockets, telling us what to do or say. We believe independence is crucial to doing good work in this industry. We’re independently owned and licensed, and we only get paid by our clients—no commissions, no referral fees, no percentage-based fees. Just flat fees, always.
• Curiosity: We believe that asking the right questions, truly listening to our clients, and seeking to understand their needs are key to providing great advice. We’ve cultivated a culture of learning and exploration, and we’re open-minded when it comes to finding solutions for our clients. We don’t follow a cookie-cutter corporate approach; instead, we challenge the status quo and stay open to new ideas and perspectives.
• Collaboration: We believe that managing significant wealth requires collaborative partnerships. Bringing together diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives leads to better investment outcomes for our clients. We make sure the right experts are at the table to support you in making complex decisions, ensuring everyone is aligned and working together toward your goals.
• Doing Good: We believe in kindness, from how we conduct ourselves to our philanthropy program in the Philippines. We’re committed to making the world a better place in whatever ways we can.

What I love about running my own business is the freedom it gives me to be 100% myself. We’ve defined our values, and we are sticking to them. My fellow industry rogue agreed that there’s plenty of room in this industry for firms like mine, and that our values and unique perspective will drive our success.

So, what does winning mean to you? For me, it’s staying true to who I am, doing work I’m proud of, and making a positive impact on the world around me. That’s my definition of winning.

Kind regards,

Shelley Marsh
Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO) & Founder
Wealth Differently

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