Heidi Wheatley

That’s not a simple question to answer, because my success is the result of many influences coming together over time. Growing up as a first-generation American on my father’s side, I was deeply shaped by my family’s example—particularly the strength and determination of my grandmother, Oma, who brought my father to the United States in search of a better life and greater opportunities. Her commitment to him, along with her deep involvement in her community, set a powerful foundation for how I think about responsibility, resilience, and showing up for others. That sense of work ethic and service was reinforced by my parents through their consistent involvement in our church and school, and by my grandparents more broadly. My grandfather was an entrepreneur who, after losing his father at a young age, went to work alongside his own grandfather in the family hardware store, which he eventually took over. He and my grandmother were fully present in their children’s lives and deeply involved in their local community, and that example left a lasting impression on me.

I also attribute much of my drive to becoming a mother at a young age. Balancing finishing college, starting my career, and raising my son meant quickly understanding that there was no safety net—if I wanted to build a life I could be proud of for both of us, I needed to dig in and stay focused. It wasn’t easy, but along the way I was fortunate to be supported by mentors—many of them men—who saw my potential, challenged me, and guided me to be successful in a male-dominated industry. Equally important has been finding a community of like-minded women who champion and support one another. Watching women succeed and lift each other up has been incredibly meaningful to me, and it’s why I’m always looking for ways to pay that support forward.

The best career advice I ever received came early in my career from a boss who was both a mentor and a father figure to me. After a particularly blistering meeting, I stormed into his office to vent. He leaned back in his chair, one foot up on his desk, and listened patiently until I was finished. When I finally stopped, he put his foot back on the floor, leaned across the desk, and said, “Don’t ever come into my office and sht on my desk again.”* He rarely swore, which made the moment—and the message—stick.

He followed it with something that shaped how I’ve approached every challenge since: “I don’t mind listening to you vent. But if you’re going to bring me a problem, bring me a solution—and then we can talk about how to handle it differently next time.” I took that to heart. To this day, when I’m facing a tough situation, I make a point of thinking it through, understanding the root of the issue, and coming prepared with a suggested path forward. It’s advice that’s helped me grow as a leader and has stayed with me throughout my career.

The advice I’d give to young women entering the industry is to be intentional about building a community around you—both men and women—who you can learn from and lean on. Ask questions, seek advice, and don’t be afraid to ask for support. Most people genuinely want to help you succeed, especially when they see curiosity, humility, and a willingness to learn.

Just as important, remember to pay it forward. As you grow, make a point to look behind you and notice the women entering the industry who may need encouragement, guidance, or advocacy. Champion them. Success is rarely achieved alone, and the strongest careers are built when we lift others as we move forward.

One of the biggest challenges right now is the growing complexity of the retail distribution landscape. Broker-dealers and RIAs expect a high level of operational readiness, transparency, and alignment before engaging, and many sponsors underestimate what it takes to be truly institutional-ready. At the same time, standing out in an increasingly crowded market requires more than a strong strategy—it requires clear positioning and the ability to communicate value effectively.

At the same time, opportunities for alternative investments are increasing rapidly. Advisors and firms are actively seeking solutions that provide income, diversification, and differentiated risk exposure for clients. Sponsors who invest early in readiness—by strengthening infrastructure, refining go-to-market strategy, and understanding how distribution partners evaluate opportunities—are best positioned to capitalize on that demand and build durable, long-term relationships.

The values that matter most to me—both professionally and personally—are integrity, kindness, gratitude, and a strong work ethic. Integrity guides how I make decisions and how I show up for clients, colleagues, and partners. Kindness shapes how I treat people, even in challenging situations, and gratitude keeps me grounded and mindful of the opportunities and support I’ve been given. A high work ethic ties it all together—it’s how I honor my commitments and follow through on what I say I’ll do.