Megan Dorn, CFP®, EA, CLTC® Securities and Advisory Services Offered through Harbour Investments, Inc. Member SIPC

I believe success comes from treating every client like family and always doing what’s right for people. I’ve never focused on chasing dollars or rapid growth. Instead, I’ve built my business with a servant’s heart, leading with compassion, honesty, and genuine care for the families I work with.

What means the most to me is that many of my clients have been with me since the beginning, and my practice has grown almost entirely through referrals. That level of trust is something I never take for granted. I believe when you consistently put people first, provide thoughtful guidance, and truly care about the outcomes in their lives, that trust naturally comes back to you.

Over time, I’ve learned that once you focus on serving others well and mastering your craft, the growth follows. The relationships become stronger, the referrals come naturally, and the business grows in a meaningful and sustainable way

The best career advice I ever received came from my grandmother when I decided to become a financial advisor. At the time, the industry was facing enormous distrust following events like Enron, Bernie Madoff, and the market crashes of 2000 and 2008. My family didn’t come from wealth, and I was the first in my family to go to college, so she was very skeptical of the financial industry.

Before I entered the profession, she told me, ‘Treat every client as if they were me.’ That advice stayed with me and ultimately became the foundation of how I built my business.

I’ve always believed that financial planning is deeply personal. People are trusting you with their life savings, their families, and their future. When you approach clients with genuine care, honesty, and the mindset that you would want the same guidance for your own family, it changes the entire relationship. That philosophy continues to guide every decision I make today.

My advice to young women entering this industry is to stay true to who you are and focus on genuinely serving people. I believe wholeheartedly that if you treat every client like family and consistently do what’s right for them, success will follow naturally.

You don’t have to chase dollars, lead with ego, or try to fit a mold that doesn’t feel authentic to you. Some of the most meaningful client relationships are built through trust, compassion, listening, and truly caring about the people you serve. There is incredible strength in leading with empathy and a servant’s heart.

I’ve built my business almost entirely through referrals and long-term relationships because clients can feel when you genuinely care about their lives and outcomes. If you focus on serving people well, continue learning your craft, and lead with integrity, the growth and success will come.

One of the biggest opportunities in our industry right now is the ability to combine technology and human connection in a more meaningful way than ever before. AI and advanced technology are helping advisors become more efficient, analyze data faster, improve client communication, and create better planning experiences. Used correctly, these tools can free advisors up to spend more time doing what matters most — building relationships, understanding clients deeply, and helping families make confident decisions.

At the same time, I think one of the biggest challenges facing our industry is burnout. Many advisors feel pressure to constantly grow, always be available, and balance the emotional weight that comes with helping people through major life decisions, market volatility, retirement concerns, loss, and family transitions. It can be incredibly rewarding work, but also emotionally demanding.

I believe the future belongs to advisors who learn how to embrace innovation without losing the personal side of this profession. Financial planning is still ultimately about trust, empathy, and relationships. Technology can enhance that experience, but it can’t replace genuine human connection. Advisors who build sustainable businesses, create healthy boundaries, and continue leading with compassion will be the ones who thrive long term.

The values that matter most to me — both personally and professionally — are integrity, family, compassion, and living with purpose. I believe success means very little if your work is not aligned with your values and the life you want to build.

A major turning point for me came during COVID after the birth of my third child, when we both nearly lost our lives during delivery. That experience completely changed my perspective and reinforced how short and precious life truly is. It gave me the courage to leave my previous firm and start my own company, even as the sole income provider for a family of five with a newborn at home. I knew I wanted to build a business that reflected my values, prioritized relationships, and allowed me to be present for my family.

That same philosophy carries into how I work with clients. I believe in treating every client like family, leading with compassion, and approaching this profession with a servant’s heart. Financial planning is deeply personal, and I never lose sight of the trust clients place in me during some of the most important moments of their lives.

Outside of work, my family and faith-centered lifestyle keep me grounded. My husband and I are raising our three children on 40 acres, where we spend time outdoors hunting, fishing, hiking, kayaking, and simply being together. I value creating a life that is intentional, connected, and centered around what truly matters.