by
Badgley Phelps
| Nov 15, 2019
This month meet Associate Wealth Manager and Research Analyst Katie Wham, a curious, barre-loving mom of two with a penchant for research and collaborating with colleagues in order to help clients pursue their financial goals.
Q: Will you please briefly describe your job?
A: I have the privilege of helping clients achieve their financial goals. One of the ways I do this is by recommending investment opportunities that align with their individual objectives. Assessing investment opportunities requires quite a bit of research, which often involves collecting many types of information and distilling those datapoints down into meaningful conclusions. I love to analyze companies and financials, and then turn the numbers into something meaningful. The end result—seeing our team’s recommendations implemented and helping clients reach their goals—is very rewarding.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about your position and about working at Badgley Phelps?
A: My favorite thing about my position is that every day is different. I’m able to use both my quantitative skills as well as collaboration skills—both with our fantastic clients and my supportive, thoughtful and engaged teammates. While I love to spend time analyzing companies, my true passion is connecting with people. I’m thankful that I get to do both every day.
Q: What do you like to do when you’re not at the office?
A: I love spending time with my family and friends, playing games, doing a barre workout, traveling, cooking or being outside. My husband and I have two daughters, ages 4 and 2, so exploring the world with them is a really fun experience.
Q: What’s the last book you read?
A: Do company earnings transcripts count? Some of them feel like novels…
Q: What accomplishments are you most proud of?
A: Professionally, I’m proud to be a part of an organization that places our clients’ best interests above all else. Also, the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation is a professional accomplishment that I worked hard to attain.
Q: What motivates you?
A: I’m motivated by curiosity and those who matter to me. I’m a naturally curious person and I enjoy learning. In this industry, there’s no shortage of information and new ideas, so I’m constantly trying to learn something new. And because I enjoy what I do, it’s easy to be motivated to do the best I can for my clients, my coworkers and my family.
Q: What’s been your best moment so far this year?
A: Watching our girls play together during a summer vacation at Clear Lake, Indiana. I grew up in the Midwest and our family has been going to the lake for generations. Being able to share that experience with our daughters and my extended family was pretty special.
Q: What’s your favorite time of day?
A: My favorite time of day is dusk. There’s something calming about watching the sunset and reflecting with gratitude on the day’s events.
Q: What advice to you have for others in financial services?
A: Although we operate in an industry that’s focused on finances, money isn’t everything. Doing the right thing is paramount, even if it’s not the profit-maximizing option. For me, success means an outcome that places value on personal satisfaction in addition to financial returns. It’s a pretty common-sense idea, but one that is sometimes lost in our industry.
