We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Susan Singh a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Susan, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
As with most things in life, I’ve found that the key is remembering my “why.” Why am I in this room? If I’m here to learn, I focus entirely on the message and absorb as much as I can. If I’m here to network, my goal becomes finding someone to connect with and starting a conversation. All the fear and social anxiety tends to fade once you humanize your environment.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My job is to understand the goals and values of the individuals I work with and help them chart a financial path that aligns with what matters most to them. If education is a value, we explore the most tax-efficient ways to save for their children’s future.
There’s a saying that “a goal without a deadline is just a dream.” A big part of my role is helping clients take their dreams, put them on paper, and turn them into tangible financial goals. The most exciting part? Watching those goals come to life.
When someone who once said, “I want to retire one day,” comes back and tells me, “It’s going to be August 1st,” that moment is everything. It’s powerful, joyful, and deeply fulfilling.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Curiosity is a big one. I’ve always been curious about people, companies, and systems. I’m constantly observing, asking questions, and trying to understand how things work beneath the surface.
A growth mindset is just as critical. I’ve always had a drive for growth, whether it’s growing my own skills, helping my team expand their potential, or contributing to the broader success of my company. A rising tide lifts all ships.
And finally, work ethic. My father is the hardest-working person I know, and I was fortunate to inherit that from him. I’m meticulous about my work. I don’t leave the office unless I’ve put everything I had into the day. That way, when I get home, I can be fully present with my family.
Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?
path to success. I’m naturally curious and analytical, so my work in wealth management is a perfect intersection of both. My role is centered on understanding people and building customized plans, which plays directly to what I do best.
That said, I also think it’s important not to ignore weaknesses. I don’t love hearing people say, “I’m just bad at this.” But what can you do to be less bad at it? What tools, people, or processes can you lean on to support you? Who can you hire or collaborate with to help bridge that gap?
Earlier in my career, I worked in private debt, where most of my time was spent in spreadsheets. Occasionally, I’d join calls with C-suite executives to walk through loan mechanics. After one of those calls, my manager said something that stuck with me: “You’ve got to spend less time in Excel and more time with people.”
That advice led me to wealth management. It allowed me to combine my love for analytics with my passion for human connections. It’s the happiest I’ve ever been professionally, and the longest I’ve stayed in any role. It’s proof that aligning your strengths with your purpose can be transformational.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://us.rbcwealthmanagement.com/blueridgewealth/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-ghanem-singh-cfp%C2%AE-cdfa%C2%AE-cpwa%C2%AE-00b9b930/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
