Confident leadership during crisis is a key to success in Stephanie Hurt’s career. Through her tenure at BKD Wealth Advisors, Hurt obtained the chartered financial analyst designation, and now manages the entire life savings of many of her clients. So, when the markets took a dive between 2007 and 2009, it was no small feat getting investors to stick to plans through one of the most difficult periods in financial history. Now, she manages or advises over $350 million in client assets. Among her numerous community activities, Hurt is her club’s sponsorship liaison for Rotary’s Rock ‘n Ribs Festival – substantially increasing member giving – and she serves on the board of trustees for the state chapter of The Nature Conservancy.
What was your first job? Babysitting.
What was your professional “aha” moment? Each person needs to decide his or her own definition of success. Otherwise, one may be chasing after something he or she may not even want.
Besides your family, what’s your most treasured possession? A stuffed teddy bear my husband gave me back in 1995 for our first Valentine’s Day.
What is your best productivity hack? Saying no gracefully rather than overextending myself.
What did you learn the hard way? Not being misunderstood can be more important than being understood.
What do you miss most about the 1990s? More robust economic growth and better stock market returns.
