Leah Cooley

A significant influence on my success has been witnessing my mother dedicate her life to creating opportunities for others through special education. Her passion for inclusion, advocacy, and equity grew from recognizing the need to expand support and resources for individuals with disabilities, including my brother, who has Asperger’s syndrome,. Watching her turn personal experiences into a lifelong commitment to improving the lives of others instilled in me the importance of compassion, perseverance, and using my voice to make an impact.

My mother’s career journey has been an inspiration. She began as a special education teacher, then served as an adjunct professor at Grand Valley State University in the Special Education Administration program. Her dedication and leadership led her to become the Director of Special Education for Kent County at Kent Intermediate School District. She was later appointed Director of the Office of Special Education Programs with the U.S. Department of Education and currently serves as the Associate Executive Director for Professional Affairs at the Council for Exceptional Children, a national organization dedicated to advancing special education. Her example showed me that meaningful change happens when passion is combined with purpose, dedication, and the courage to lead.

Another attribute that has shaped my success is resilience. As a young single mother raising my daughter, I worked three jobs while earning my bachelor’s degree. That season of my life taught me discipline, determination, and the value of hard work. More importantly, it reinforced the kind of example I wanted to set for my daughter: that women can be strong, independent, compassionate leaders who pursue their goals while making a positive difference in their communities.

Throughout my career in financial services, I have carried these lessons with me. I believe success is built on trust, relationships, continuous learning, and a genuine desire to help others. My journey has been shaped by empathy, perseverance, and a commitment to serving people, whether through supporting families’ financial goals or advocating for the importance of inclusion and opportunity for all.

The best career advice I have ever received is simple but powerful: do not give up, follow your heart and pursue your dreams. Throughout my personal and professional journey, I have learned that perseverance, authenticity, and purpose are what ultimately shape success.

I was reminded that every decision we make has the potential to impact someone else’s life. Whether through helping a client navigate important financial decisions, supporting a colleague, or being an example for my family, our choices create a ripple effect beyond ourselves. Leading with integrity, compassion, and a genuine desire to help others has been a guiding principle throughout my career. My journey has taught me that success is not defined by a single achievement or title. It is built through resilience, hard work, meaningful relationships, and the courage to remain true to yourself. The person you become and the impact you make are ultimately shaped by the choices you make every day.

My advice to young women entering the financial services industry is to remember that you are responsible for creating your own destiny. You have the ability to decide who you want to become, the values you want to represent, and the impact you want to make on the people around you.

This industry is built on trust, relationships, and the ability to help others through some of life’s most important decisions. Be intentional about building genuine connections, continue learning, and never underestimate the value of bringing your unique perspective to the table. Your experiences, your voice, and your passion are strengths that can set you apart.

There will be challenges and moments when opportunities may not appear in the way you expected. Embrace those moments as opportunities for growth. Stay committed to your goals, remain resilient, and do not be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. Advancement often comes when you are willing to take on new challenges and believe in your own potential.

Most importantly, lead with integrity, empathy, and authenticity. The way you show up each day shapes how others experience you and the legacy you build. Success is not only about reaching a certain position or title; it is about the positive difference you make in the lives of your clients, colleagues, and community.

Believe in yourself, invest in your growth, and remember that you have the power to create the future you envision.

One of the biggest challenges I have experienced in the financial services industry is navigating a field that has historically had a strong male presence. As a younger woman entering and growing within wealth management, there have been moments when I felt the need to work harder to demonstrate my knowledge, expertise, and ability to guide clients with the same confidence and credibility expected of any advisor.

While those challenges have required resilience, they have also created meaningful opportunities for growth. They have pushed me to continuously expand my knowledge, strengthen my skills, and stay committed to earning trust through my actions. I have learned that credibility is not defined by age or gender, but by preparation, consistency, integrity, and the relationships you build.

I believe one of the greatest opportunities in our industry is the ability to bring a more diverse range of voices, experiences, and perspectives to financial planning. Clients today are looking for advisors who not only understand financial strategies but also take the time to understand their unique goals, values, and life experiences. Women advisors have an important opportunity to lead with empathy, collaboration, and a relationship-driven approach while helping more individuals and families feel empowered about their financial futures.

The future of financial services will be shaped by advisors who are willing to continue learning, challenge traditional expectations, and put clients at the center of every decision. My goal is to be part of that evolution by proving that thoughtful, knowledgeable, and compassionate leadership can create lasting impact for generations to come.

The values that guide me most in both my professional and personal life are honesty, loyalty, confidence, resilience, and drive. These values shape how I approach relationships, challenges, and opportunities, and they serve as the foundation for the way I show up for my clients, colleagues, and family.

In my work as a Financial Advisor, honesty and integrity are essential. Clients trust me with some of the most important decisions of their lives, and I believe that trust is earned through transparency, consistency, and always doing what is right for the person sitting across from me. Loyalty is also a value I hold deeply, as I believe strong relationships are built through commitment, reliability, and being present for others through all stages of life.

Confidence and resilience have been especially important throughout my career journey. Confidence allows me to step forward, embrace challenges, and continue proving what I am capable of, while resilience has helped me navigate obstacles and continue growing both personally and professionally. My drive and determination push me to keep learning, improve every day, and provide the highest level of service possible.

Equally important is maintaining a healthy balance between my professional responsibilities and personal life. I believe success is not only measured by career accomplishments, but also by the ability to be present for the people and experiences that matter most. Making time for my family, friendships, travel, and my own mental health allows me to be the best version of myself for others.

Ultimately, I believe that living with purpose means staying true to your values, continuing to grow, and creating a life where achievement and personal fulfillment can exist together.