Gratitude for the chance to help featuring Lisa Stella
When Lisa Stella is presented with an opportunity to help, she feels thankful where once she felt overwhelmed. That change of perspective is key to her ability to be resilient when faced with a challenge: her focus is on what she can do and the good she can provide for others. In business as a financial advisor and in her personal life, this has been a key insight.
Lisa credits her positivity to an experience she had when her mother was in the ICU and Lisa was a fixture by her side. Her parish priest helped her realize that this experience was a blessing, rather than a burden. “I thought, I don’t know about that! I’m worried. I’m exhausted.” But that perspective proved key when Lisa soon had to confront additional multiple health crises in her family in quick succession. When the time came to care for her ailing father and brother, she stepped in and never looked back. These personal crises called for resilience more than any other time in Lisa’s life.
By the time her father needed her help, Lisa had changed her thinking about the situation. Instead of allowing her myriad responsibilities as a caretaker and business owner to overwhelm her, Lisa felt only gratitude. She realized that “I don’t HAVE to be the one to care for dad. I get to be the one to hold his hand.” She learned that everyone has the ability to change one’s perspective and attitude for the better, even in the worst circumstances.
Lisa appreciates her robust support network of family, friends and colleagues. Her advice to others looking to build resilience is to “ask for help.” Asking for help is just one way Lisa achieved professional success. Mainly, she has worked hard consistently and deliberately to build and nurture relationships. It helps, she says, to “say what you do and do what you say.”
Ask for help.
This is among one of the most important lessons Lisa has learned over her career because it has given her credibility and accountability. Another important lesson she imparts is that “You don’t have to be perfect to be effective.” It’s ok to be yourself!
What advice would she give women financial advisors who are just starting out in the business? Find a mentor—someone who can share valuable insights and provide encouragement. Lisa also says, “Step up when you are almost ready….chairing an event or chairing a board. Go for it. You’ll be fine. Other doors will open and other opportunities will be presented to you when you do so.”
LISA'S ADVICE
You don’t have to be perfect to be effective.
Lisa loves being a financial advisor, an attitude that colors her interactions with others. She regularly talks to clients’ daughters and granddaughters about the importance of financial literacy. Lisa also relays this message in public speaking engagements, emphasizing that “women are really good at this job and we need more of them in this business.”
Although in-person speaking engagements are on hold for now, the pandemic has not slowed Lisa down. In fact, it has driven effective changes in her business, such as the production of webinars and videos to communicate with clients and execute marketing tactics. Lisa has even started a blog, all in the effort to “actively adapt and change” to grow the business. Lisa’s positive thinking and can-do attitude undoubtedly prepared her for this moment in her professional life—surely another blessing.
Q+A with Lisa
What is your hometown?
“Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.”How long have you been in the financial services industry?
“Since 1990.”What’s your theme song?
“‘This Must Be the Place’ by Talking Heads.”What or who inspires you?
“Art, music and nature.”What are two charities close to your heart?
“The Marian Fund and The Salvation Army.”
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