Commonwealth Financial Network is taking action to address the significant number of financial advisors expected to retire in the next decade. To do so, they have launched the Talent Exchange Initiative, which aims to connect capable students from reputable universities offering CFP® programs with its affiliated advisors.
In a recent article titled, “Advisors Celebrate Incremental Diversity Gains As the Number of CFPs Eclipses 95,000,” in Financial Planning, David Stevens, Founder & Principal of Stevens Capital Partners (“SCP”), shared his insights on this initiative. In the article, he discusses that women and many minority groups are “dramatically underrepresented among the population of advisors.” As a result, David believes there is a need for wealth management firms and organizations like the CFP Board to emphasize recruiting from historically Black colleges and universities. Having a strong belief in mentorship, David is dedicated to supporting minorities in joining the financial services industry.
David enjoys guiding younger professionals and “coaching them through career decisions, strategic advice, crucial conversations, and client situations.” He also believes that "advisors can play a big role in helping young people and career changers of all backgrounds get into financial services." Most of all, he is committed to helping others on their path to success like he was helped to succeed. Personally and professionally, David believes that “having a guiding coalition in our lives" is essential to success, which is why mentorship and setting a positive example for young Black students and professionals is so important to him.
To learn more about the Commonwealth initiative and how David’s own journey as a financial advisor inspired him to become a strong mentor and advocate for others, view the full article on Financial Planning’s website: