Elizabeth Dawson , CFA, CFP®

My mother was the one who jumpstarted my career. When I was in middle school and living in Malaysia, my class did a career aptitude test, and my results said that I should become a bank teller. My mother was aghast and said, “forget that; you’ll work for the World Bank!” I never did work for the World Bank, but that planted a seed that I could have a career in international finance.

Going through the tax returns that Ernst & Young prepared for us while we were living in Switzerland and realizing that they were just people too and made mistakes. Everyone can benefit from specialized knowledge and a financial partner.

The world of successful families is a global one and the world only feels like it is getting smaller. More and more people need help navigating new financial systems and untangling the complicated tax and regulatory world we live in. Every cross-border personal situation is unique.

I really care about my clients, and I sometimes wake up in the middle of the night noodling over an issue. Some of my best work is early in the morning when my nocturnal ruminations bring clarity first thing in the morning.

Two kinds: 1). The very complicated. I love figuring things out and bringing focus to what can feel like a lot of noise. 2). Successful professionals moving to a new country for the first time. There is joy in educating people about their new financial situation and helping set them up for success.

I am fortunate that I have walked a mile in my clients’ shoes. Most of my clients are expats, living in a new country and having to learn and adapt to a new way of life. I have done that myself several times and have experienced the highs – and the lows – that that lifestyle brings! Learning from my own mistakes helps me counsel and reassure my clients and be a better advisor.

My best day is when I am very busy with extremely different client issues. I love learning new things and chatting with colleagues – both internal and external – about strategies that can help a client.