Tracy’s Hacks for Managing Changes

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For this week’s Best in Business Blog we are excited for a round of “Celebrity Hacks”. We are honored to hear from my dear friend Tracy Byrnes. Tracy is a journalist, financial advisor, and former television business news anchor, who is most recognized for her time on the Fox Business Network. In light of the recent election turmoil, we asked Tracy for her advice on tackling major changes in life, be they planned or unplanned. 

AJR: What advice would you give to people thinking about switching to a previous or entirely new career industry? 

TB: Go for it!!! If you’re passionate about something you will excel, regardless of how daunting the transition may seem. We have learned that life is fleeting — you have to spend your day making yourself happy. And I guarantee you inevitably will find similarities from one career to the next. Look at me — not only did I spend so much time talking about the markets and personal finance as a financial journalist, but I truly learned how to “interview” people. Those skills made the transition to financial advisory client work feel pretty logical to me. [For more on this topic we encourage our readers to check out this article written by Tracy.]

AJR: Do you miss working in the news media full-time?

TB: No, as surprising as that sounds. I loved interviewing people daily but I still get to do that in a way with my clients and prospects. And it’s actually better now because I have more time to get to know them without being pressed up again a commercial break.

AJR: What do you love about the wealth management industry?

TB: I am on a personal mission to help women, in particular, take charge of their financial lives. We will never have full equality if we don’t have financial equality and I want to help us get there. Let’s face it, it’s not rocket science — anyone can understand their financial situation —you just need the right person to explain it all to you (and maybe a good glass of wine.)

AJR: Some major changes in life are planned. Many are not. What advice would you give for coping with the pressures of change?

TB: Life always finds a way of surprising us. Even if we’ve done the right things — proper insurances, emergency funds, batteries in the flashlights when the power goes out — there still are so many moments that we just can’t prepare for. So, we all need a way to reset our minds, calm down, and think clearly. If the situation allows, I hop on my Peloton for 20 minutes. I sweat the fear of the change and then I can figure out how to handle it. The most important thing to remember, though, is that nothing is permanent. Everything changes — often on purpose.

AJR: What are your greatest insights from 2020 to date?

TB: Never in my lifetime has empathy and kindness with others been so important. People are handling the current situation in their own way — and we all need to be patient and remove all judgment.

AJR: How have you been surviving pandemic life? 

TB: I have really tried to use the extra time at home to better my skills and stay in touch with people. I studied and passed the Certified Divorce Financial Analyst exam while on lockdown, I launched a podcast, which I am super proud of, have not missed a daily workout…and I so look forward to our twice a month #talkandtaste sessions. Nothing better than talking about the financial markets with a glass (or two!) of wine!

You can find the #talkandtatse series on Instagram TV here.

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CEO | Author | Speaker | Surgical Solutions

She also founded AJR Ventures, a strategic advisory firm advising private-equity firms and $100MM+ private-equity-backed companies. Alyssa is a lecturer-in-management at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business and an adjunct professor…

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