The year is flying by!  I can't believe it's already June, and I'm super excited because my brother and sister-in-law are going to be welcoming my new niece into the world in a few short weeks.  Maybe I can get her into the industry early!  This project has been hugely rewarding for me as a way to spread the good news about women in our industry and the incredible things they are doing!  This month, you'll get to meet some great women who were introduced to me by other great women.  I'm sure you'll have fun getting to know Sheryl, Ande and Stacey a little better. I know I did! 

Sheryl Brown, Ash Brokerage Corporation

"My biggest accomplishment in the last 12 months has to be speaking at more than 25 events about social media use in the FinServ community. I am passionate about helping advisors amplify their unique value proposition, educating financial service professionals on leveraging data from their social contacts to build better relationships, and keeping financial service practices relevant, yet successful, by embracing the use of technology. I am proud to say financial services is the only community of professionals I've worked in my entire adult life and I plan on staying for many years to come!" 

Ande Frazier, CFP®, CLU, ChFC, RICP, Leap Systems, LLC

When you stop learning and growing, you become disconnected and irrelevant."  After 24 years in the business, I make it a habit of continuing to look for ways to grow and develop.  Getting designations and furthering my education has been part of that growth.  After already obtaining my CLU, ChFC and RICP designations, I decided to sit for the CFP® exam this year. 

I didn't know at the time that most people study for this exam for a year or more. Not knowing any better, I sent in for the study materials and got to work. This was no easy task as I am the president and CEO of a Fintech company and have numerous other organizational responsibilities, family obligations and board responsibilities.  But, after many long study sessions and numerous hours of listening to lectures and doing practice quizzes, I successfully passed the exam within four months.  I learned a tremendous amount in areas I don't typically deal with every day, and I know the knowledge will continue to help me as I run a company that builds financial tools and technology for advisers to use with clients.    

Most of all, this experience taught me a lot about myself and my ability to be disciplined, persistent and resilient.  My kids also got a chance to see their mom work hard and accomplish her goal.  What a valuable lesson for my son and daughter.  The passing score and subsequent designation just affirmed what I already know: Once I set my mind to doing something, there is no stopping me.  It doesn't take a super woman, it takes a committed one! 

Stacey A. Spedden-Irrgang, CRPC, LUTCF, Heritage Financial Consultants, LLC / Lincoln Financial Advisors

"Within the last 12 months, I have been honored to receive the WIFS Circle of Excellence Award at the Sapphire Level, as well as the ABS Advisor of the Future Award for LFA. Due to the continued growth I've experienced in both my GDC and practice, I have been fortunate enough to maintain my membership with The Resource Group (TRG) as well as an ongoing Presidents Cabinet Qualifier."