Barbora Hawkins
Barbora Hawkins is a Financial Planner with Prudential Advisors based in Sarasota, Florida. She is known for her relationship‑driven approach to financial planning, helping women, families, and business owners make informed decisions with clarity and confidence. Committed to education, transparency, and personalized strategies, she focuses on building long‑term partnerships that support her clients’ evolving financial goals and overall well‑being.
With more than 15 years of experience in sales, marketing, and client‑experience leadership, Barbora built a career around understanding people and creating meaningful, loyalty‑driven experiences. She led initiatives that deepened customer engagement, strengthened long‑term relationships, and supported sustained growth—foundations that now shape her thoughtful, client‑centered approach to financial planning.
After relocating from California to Florida, Barbora made a purposeful transition into financial services, motivated by her own experience with financial uncertainty and the lack of accessible guidance around retirement planning and long‑term stability. Recognizing that many women face similar challenges, she became passionate about serving as a trusted, education‑based resource for those seeking clarity and confidence in their financial lives.
Today, Barbora’s approach centers on meeting clients where they are and guiding them through important financial decisions with clarity and care. Known for her proactive communication and genuine commitment to service, she takes pride in creating a supportive environment where clients feel heard, valued, and empowered. She believes that in a fast‑paced world full of noise, showing up with a positive attitude, listening intently, and leaving every interaction better than she found it is what truly sets her apart.
• Series 7
• Series 66
• Florida 2‑15 Life, Health & Variable Annuity License
• California Life‑Only Agent License
• California Accident & Health Agent License
• California State University, Chico - BA, Communications
• Business Networking International (BNI) - Local Sarasota Chapter
• School Advisory Board Member
• Women's Guild at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church - organizing fundraising events and activities
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the work ethic and resilience I learned early in life. I was raised by a single father who immigrated to the United States from the former Czechoslovakia, and from a young age I understood the importance of responsibility, perseverance, and family. While my friends spent weekends playing, I helped run my dad’s small bed‑and‑breakfast, that experience taught me the value of showing up, contributing, and working hard toward a better future.
Those lessons have stayed with me. I believe in following up, following through, and being someone people can rely on. I lead with a positive attitude, a strong sense of accountability, and a genuine desire to help others feel supported and understood. These values continue to guide me both personally and professionally, and they shape the way I build relationships and serve my clients today.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell younger women that you are absolutely capable of achieving what you set your mind to. Surround yourself with people who genuinely lift you up make all the difference. You don’t have to have everything figured out at once, just keep showing up, stay curious, and trust that you’re building something meaningful. With the right support and a strong sense of who you are, you can accomplish far more than you think.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I see in financial planning today is the amount of noise people have to sort through. There is endless information online, much of it conflicting, and it can leave people feeling overwhelmed or unsure about what to trust. At the same time, many individuals, especially women, still feel hesitant to ask questions or admit they are unsure where to start. Helping clients cut through that noise and feel confident in their decisions is a challenge, but it is also one of the most meaningful parts of my work.
The opportunity lies in exactly that gap. People are looking for clarity, education, and someone who will meet them where they are without judgment. There is a growing desire for personalized guidance, long-term relationships, and a planning experience that feels supportive rather than transactional. I see a real shift toward clients wanting a partner, someone who listens, explains things clearly, and helps them build a plan that aligns with their values and goals.
As the industry continues to evolve, I believe the greatest opportunity is in bringing more humanity into financial planning: clearer communication, deeper relationships, and a genuine commitment to helping people feel empowered in their financial lives.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In both my personal and professional life, I value being approachable, reliable, and genuinely present for the people around me. I believe in following up, following through, and showing up with a positive attitude. Listening, building trust, and leaving every interaction a little better than I found it are values that guide how I work and how I live.
One of my greatest accomplishments is raising a strong, grounded family in a world that is constantly pulling our attention in different directions. Balancing my career and personal life is important to me, and I have learned to honor my limits so I can stay centered and show up as my best self for the people who rely on me. I have been married for more than 20 years to my husband, who has been a steady source of support, and I am the proud mom of two sons, Dominik and Max, who continue to remind me what truly matters.