Nicole Hisler

How long have you worked in the wealth management sector? What drew you to it?

I started my career working as the director of marketing for my father’s life insurance business, but after two years there, I detoured to advertising and then field marketing, eventually finding my way back to wealth management in 2011. What initially drew me in, honestly, was the quality of the people working in the field. They were the type of people I respected and wanted to be around. And once I got closer to the business, I really loved how the work we did helped bring peace of mind to something that can feel overwhelming, managing finances in a way that lets you enjoy your family and your future the way you hoped.

What does it mean to you to be a female in a leadership role?

It truly feels like a superpower. Today, women aren’t just finding themselves in leadership, they are leading the leaders. Women before us paved the way to show us we should be confident and comfortable in these roles, and their impact is multiplying. I’ve been fortunate to lead in many areas and to bring other female leaders up with me. There may be nothing more gratifying than seeing them succeed when we work together.

What’s the most meaningful experience you’ve had working with a nonprofit or donor?

My friend and colleague lost her 19 year old son in an electric scooter accident, and we were all devastated for their family. I worried about how I might be able to support her. A few days later, she called me and said she was tired of receiving flowers and food, she wanted to start a foundation in his name. She shared that someone had started a GoFundMe page, but she didn’t know who was managing it or how to access it.

Because she had previously served on the board for Raymond James Charitable, she knew a donor-advised fund (DAF) was what she wanted. She asked me to set it up, and I said of course, and that we would have it done the next day. When she asked how people could donate with a credit card, I panicked for a moment. I knew it was possible, but we hadn’t enabled that functionality yet.

Amazingly, our vendor partnered with us and dropped everything to make the technology work. We were able to create the Connor Lynch Legacy Fund, which accepted credit card donations directly into the DAF. She added a QR code to access the fund on cards at the funeral and has continued pointing people to it when she speaks publicly about e-scooter safety. Because of her, many other grieving families now have this solution to create a legacy for their loved one.

As more women are pursuing successful, lucrative careers and women of the Baby Boomer generation are living longer than men and inheriting vast family fortunes, how have you seen this impact your conversations around their philanthropy?

When I’m asked to meet with a client, it’s usually because they’re high-net-worth and interested in philanthropy as part of their financial plan. Often, the person who engages the most in the conversation is the one who had the least interest in the rest of the agenda their advisor planned for the day, and that’s often the woman. Philanthropy frequently becomes the lynchpin that solidifies the entire relationship and the legacy plan the advisor is building.

From what I see, the more people have, the more they’re willing to give. It’s more than a tax saving strategy; it’s about impact, legacy, and the feeling that you gave back for all the good fortune in your life. It makes people feel good to do good. And for those who are single, widowed, or don’t have children, philanthropy gives them energy and renewed focus. For many, it becomes their second act, and I love being part of helping them build that future.

What advice would you give to the next generation of women in wealth management as they approach philanthropic conversations with their clients?

Study. Make sure you know all the ways a client can use charitable vehicles to carry out their philanthropic vision, and understand the differences between each (charitable trusts, private foundations, donor-advised funds, public charities, and more). The worst thing you can do is advise a client to lock up assets in an irrevocable vehicle that doesn’t allow them to do what they truly hoped for with their giving. And the best thing you can do is introduce a new concept that helps them realize they could give even more than they thought possible.

How can women support other women in their organizations?

When I meet someone new through work or within my industry, I try to believe they could become a friend or a business partner. Sizing someone up as competition will only crush your potential for growth. There is so much more we can accomplish together, and I’ve found that the more women I build up, the more success I have.

What is your favorite book, podcast or product?

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie is the best book I’ve read, and re read. It’s one of those classic examples of advice you can apply to almost every situation. I sometimes forget the techniques and fall off track, and when I go back to it, I’m reminded how simple it can be to influence those around you and build stronger relationships. Who doesn’t want that?

Have you had any female role models that have inspired you throughout your career?

Absolutely. Two bosses early in my career stand out the most. One was a busy mom who flew in and out of meetings, rushing between personal and professional responsibilities, but when she sat down to talk strategy, she always had the best ideas. She made time to socialize at work while still being there for her family, balancing it all at once.

The second was a boss I had just before her, an accomplished ad agency executive who could lead a room full of men without fear or insecurity. She had presence, got an incredible amount done, laughed when she was stressed, and was exceptionally good at her job. I always wanted to make her proud, and I like to think I carry a little of both of them with me now.

We’d like to thank Nicole for sharing her story with us! Be sure to check out our other inspiring interviews with women leaders.

Want to learn more about the ways we support charitable giving?

We have a full range of tech-enabled charitable giving solutions to serve your unique needs. To learn more, schedule a call with us or reach us at 800-839-0054. Together, let’s #begiving.