Her Story
About Madison
Madison Donovan serves as Operations Services Manager at a boutique wealth firm in San Jose, California. She entered finance in 2019 after a career shift from education, where she worked as a music instructor and in early childhood education. Prior to her current role, Donovan gained experience in trust and estate administration in Chicago, which provided foundational skills in client empathy and administration. She recently earned her master's degree while working full time and holds additional credentials including the Series 65, a notary public license, and a Trust One certificate on the path to CTFA. Donovan focuses on client services and operations management with aspirations to become chief of staff. She attributes her professional success to grit and hard work, values healthy communication, loyalty, and empathy in both her work and personal life, and supports causes such as the Humane Society and local dog adoption efforts in downtown San Jose.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Madison
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to grit and hard work. I look back and remember what it was like 10 years ago, and I never thought I'd be here. Life is hard now, but it was very different than what it was 10 years ago, and what it'll be in 10 years from now. All of that's just grit and hard work.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Try the thing. If it doesn't work, try something different. Be curious. Be willing to learn. If it doesn't work, adjust, strategize. We can work with you if you want to try.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Healthy communication is a big deal for me, healthy and respectful and honest communication. Loyalty is a big deal within the workspace. Having empathy is a really big deal, to hear other people's stories. How can you really serve a client without having empathy for them?
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