Shelley Nadel, CFP®,CLTC®, LUTCF

Introduce yourself to our audience. Tell us who you are and what you are currently focused on.

For 14 years, I have been a FInancial Advisor, and in 2016 I opened up a practice as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (TM) professional. I live in Houston and have a branch office in Austin, TX. Prior to my current (and last) career, I worked for 20 years as a nonprofit professional, focusing on communications and fundraising. My passion has always been supporting women and young girls, and I've raised my two daughters (and one son) to be independent thinkers able to thrive on their own. I currently am serving my 2nd year as Co-President of the Houston Ellevate Chapter.

Tell us about your favorite Ellevate Network memory or success story. Why are you a member?

Joining Ellevate 4 years ago just seemed like a no-brainer. I was cutting out my volunteer activities but knew that Ellevate's focus on supporting women was where I needed to make time. To-date, my favorite Ellevate success story was my Summer 2021 Squad. Our group formed such a tight bond - we confided so many personal stories to each other. Even though we don't meet as a group anymore, it always thrills me to see them at Ellevate virtual events; we are friends for life.

How would you define your professional mission?

My professional mission is empowering women to control their financial destiny. Most of the women I meet or work with are accomplished professionals at work who do not trust themselves with finances at home. To me it's simple; if you are confident about your finances, then you will be confident in everything else. So many women believe they can't understand how money works, but the truth is they are afraid of making mistakes so they cede power to someone else.

What qualities does it take for someone to be successful in your line of work?

Empathy; Good listening skills; Ability to adjust to specific client needs; Understanding that it is the client's money, not the advisors; Patience with the process.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Clients thanking me for showing them how they will be okay financially. Women in crisis (eg. divorce, death of a spouse) who walk out of a meeting with me with their head held high, shoulders back, and no longer feeling helpless. Having the chance to educate people about finances.