Teresa McCandless, FPQP

Success rarely comes from just one thing. It’s usually a combination of effort, awareness, guidance, and learning — but not all of those carry the same weight.

For me, hard work has always been the foundation. It’s the daily discipline, the follow-through, and the willingness to do the unglamorous work that no one sees. Hard work doesn’t guarantee success, but without it, nothing else has a chance to take root.

Just as important is recognizing opportunity. Many people are capable and intelligent, yet miss their moment because they hesitate or overlook what’s right in front of them. Success often comes down to timing and the ability to act when an opportunity presents itself.

The right mentor can make a meaningful difference. A good mentor shortens the learning curve, offers perspective, and helps avoid costly mistakes. That said, mentorship only works when paired with action. Advice has value only when it’s applied.

Finally, there’s education. Knowledge matters, but it’s only powerful when put to use. Education explains the “why,” but execution delivers the results. Real growth happens when learning and action work together.

Looking back, success hasn’t been about waiting for perfect conditions or outside validation. It’s been about consistent effort, paying attention to opportunity, learning from those who’ve walked the path before, and having the courage to move forward when the window opens.

Never accept "No" from someone that is not authorized to tell you "Yes". - Robert Crandall (former CEO AMR/Sabre Group)

I’d tell young women this—plain and simple.

First, take your work seriously and yourself even more so. Learn the fundamentals of the business inside and out. This industry rewards competence, consistency, and follow-through. Confidence comes from knowing your craft, not from pretending.

Second, don’t wait to be invited to the table. Ask questions. Speak up. Volunteer for responsibility. The people who move ahead are the ones who raise their hand before they feel “ready.”

Third, choose mentors carefully. Look for people who are respected, experienced, and results-driven—not just popular. A good mentor will challenge you, not flatter you, and will expect you to do the work.

Fourth, develop thick skin without losing your values. You don’t have to be loud, aggressive, or someone you’re not to succeed. Be professional, be prepared, and let your results speak. Integrity still matters, and it lasts longer than any shortcut.

Finally, play the long game. This is a relationship business. Trust is built over time, and reputations are hard won and easily lost. Show up consistently, do what you say you’ll do, and remember that success compounds—just like good investments.

If you’re willing to work, learn, and stay true to who you are, there’s plenty of room in this industry for women who are serious about building something that lasts.

Right now, my field is at an interesting crossroads — and that creates both real challenges and real opportunity.

The biggest challenge is complexity.

Rules are changing faster than ever — taxes, healthcare, retirement planning, compliance. Clients are overwhelmed, and frankly, many professionals are too. There’s more information available, but less clarity. That makes it harder for people to know who to trust and what actually applies to their situation.

Another challenge is credibility.

Technology has lowered the barrier to entry. Anyone can market themselves as an “expert,” but experience still matters. The noise makes it harder for consumers to separate solid guidance from slick salesmanship.

Now, the opportunity side — and this is the good part.

There’s massive opportunity for professionals who can simplify without dumbing things down.

People don’t want jargon. They want straight answers, clear options, and someone who will tell them the truth — even when it’s uncomfortable.

Relationships matter more than ever.

Automation can handle transactions, but it can’t replace trust. Clients are looking for long-term partners who understand their full picture, not just a single product or one-time decision.

Education-driven advice is winning.

Those who take the time to explain the “why,” not just the “what,” are building deeper loyalty and longer-lasting businesses.

Bottom line:

The field is tougher, noisier, and more regulated — but that’s exactly why there’s opportunity. Professionals who stay grounded, keep learning, and focus on doing right by clients are in a stronger position than ever.

At the core, the values that guide my work and my life are pretty simple — but I take them seriously.

Integrity comes first.

Doing the right thing matters, even when it’s inconvenient or costs more in the short term. Trust is hard to earn and easy to lose, and once it’s gone, nothing else really matters.

Accountability is a close second.

If I say I’m going to do something, I do it. If something goes wrong, I own it. People don’t expect perfection, but they do expect honesty and follow-through.

Hard work and consistency.

Results don’t come from shortcuts. They come from showing up, paying attention, and doing the work day after day. That applies just as much in personal relationships as it does professionally.

Respect for experience and tradition.

There’s value in understanding how things have always been done before trying to reinvent them. Progress is important, but so is wisdom earned over time.

Family and relationships.

Success doesn’t mean much if it comes at the expense of the people who matter most. I believe in being present, dependable, and supportive — at work and at home.

At the end of the day, I want my reputation to be simple: someone who can be trusted, who works hard, and who does what they say they’ll do. That standard doesn’t change depending on the situation — and that’s intentional.