Colleen Supran , CFA

When I was 8 years old, my family went to the local unemployment office when my Dad lost his job. Even though they relied on my Dad’s paycheck to make ends meet, my parents always had a plan. Along with my Dad’s day job, they also operated the family dairy farm and raised enough food to be sure we would never go hungry. I knew from that day forward I would always have a plan. Helping others develop and live out their plans became a passion for me.

We are all inundated with too much information. I run in the morning and do the dinner dishes every night, both without digital disruptions. These activities give me a break from the steady stream of news and thought-destroying interruptions. Having a clear and quiet head allows for “a-ha moments” that help me consider and solve complex issues.

I’m not sure there is another career that provides such a remarkable balance between quiet, analytical work and meaningful interpersonal interaction with clients and colleagues. My best days include a little bit of all of that — a discussion with a coworker about a client topic, a gathering to learn something new, a get-together with a client to solve a problem, and an opportunity to maneuver through a spreadsheet or software program. Every day presents new learnings and adventures!