2008 Most Influential Women Honoree: Paula Dougherty

Dougherty launched her own practice fresh out of college in 1994, and while it wasn’t easy, she says it taught her the difference between management and leadership.

“I have learned that management is getting people to do things right, while leadership is influencing people to do the right things,” she says.

To that end, Dougherty works to instill confidence, trust and friendship in those with whom she works and volunteers. “I am fortunate to have an extremely talented and hard-working staff and associates to lead,” she adds.

As a financial planner, Dougherty empowers individuals in Springfield and out of state through financial seminars that give them the tools for financial success, but her influence extends well beyond her own clients and contacts.

A frequent contributor to Springfield Business Journal, she also is the “Money Doctor” for Dr. Nancy’s O’Reilly’s Womenspeak show on Web Talk Radio.

For Dougherty, education is a big part of what she does – and who she is. She has a bachelor’s degree in marketing, with a minor in finance, general business and health care administration, and a Master of Business Administration from Missouri State University.

As a certified financial planner, a chartered financial consultant, a chartered life underwriter and a chartered retirement planning counselor, Dougherty is a role model for continuing education.

She seeks to lead by example, she says, whether inspiring the young girls in her family to pursue and self-fulfillment or providing her staff with all the tools to be the best adviser or assistant each can be.

“My goal is for them to be, and feel, successful,” she says.

Among her accomplishments, she says, her proudest achievement also is an ongoing challenge: striking the right balance between family, church, professional practice and community volunteerism.

“Understanding that people want to know that you care, and to be ‘in the moment’ when you are working or just spending time with them, requires skill, attention and compassion – sometimes all at the same time,” she says.

Dougherty serves as president of Sunrise Rotary Club in Springfield, has worked with the United Way Allocations Committee serving Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Ozarks, Ozarks Literacy Council and the Boys & Girls Clubs.

Working with the CoxHealth Foundation for the last five years, Dougherty is a member of the CoxHealth Women’s Center Breast Cancer Fund Committee and has been both a volunteer and a sponsor of its Ozarks Women’s Links Tournament fundraiser.

Name an influential woman, living or dead, you’d like to meet. Why?

Mary, the mother of Jesus. She was brave in the midst of uncertainty and had unwavering faith at such a young age, with no idea the impact her decision would have for generations to come. She was chosen by God for something no one else in history has been asked to do.

What advice do you have for young women just getting started professionally?

Believe in yourself, set a goal, find good mentors and people who can guide you. Seek advice. Take every opportunity to learn and better yourself. Give back, and find time to enjoy the journey.

As a young girl, what were your career aspirations?

I always wanted to run my own business/practice. I feel very fortunate to live my dream every day.

What celebrity have others compared you to, or do you identify with?

I have long said that I am going to be the Rachael Ray of financial planning.

Tell us about your family.

I have been married to my best friend, Tim, for nearly 11 years. We have two dogs: Colby, a Corgie, and Charlie, a chocolate lab. I have three wonderful brothers, a niece and a nephew who mean the world to me, and, of course, parents and in-laws to add to the mix.

Web Exclusive:Whose job does Paula secretly covet?

Answer: Samantha Brown’s. Brown is the host of The Travel Channel’s “Passport to Great Weekends.” [[In-content Ad]]