Diane Compardo CFP®, CPA, PFS, AWMA®, founding partner of Compardo, Wienstroer & Janes at Moneta has been recognized five times this year by Barron’s and Forbes as a top financial advisor in the U.S. 2022 marks the 4th consecutive year Diane has been recognized on all the following lists:
Barron’s Top 100 Independent Advisors
Barron’s Top 100 Women Financial Advisors
Barron’s Top 1200 Financial Advisors
Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors
Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors
In celebration of these accomplishments and her extensive experience managing a growing team (currently 31), we thought it would be the perfect time to sit down with Diane and ask a few questions about her journey to becoming a nationally recognized financial advisor.
Q: What do these recognitions signify to you personally and has it changed over the years?
A: I’ve never been the person who wants to be in the spotlight or the center of attention. When I was first nationally recognized as a top advisor by publications like Barron’s and Forbes, I was humbled by the outpouring of congratulations and support I received from both current and prospective clients.
As a woman in this industry, it has been rewarding to be recognized both alongside the top women in our industry as well as on overall top advisor rankings. Over time, I have come to respect the distinction these rankings often hold, as well as the confidence that they can help provide to current and prospective clients who are seeking the services my team and I provide. No matter how much recognition is received, I have always remained true to myself.
Q: What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned in managing a growing practice?
A: Early in my career, I was part of a local women’s leadership group and we had invited a business coach to come speak at one of our meetings. I remember talking to him about how I felt like I set good boundaries for my kids, and I see them developing the skills to become great leaders themselves. But I struggled as a leader at work to do the same. I’ll never forget what he told me, “Why don’t you lead your team at work like you lead your family?”. His question helped me realize I already had the tools I needed to lead a successful team. My team really is like a second family, and this small shift in perspective set the tone of how I lead my team to this day. Leadership to me means setting a vision for an organization and guiding people to utilize their best talents to work together to accomplish that vision.
Q: Have you had growing pains?
A: The magnitude of growth we’ve had in a relatively short period of time has led to some inevitable growing pains. Our team is my greatest asset, and I am fortunate to have curated a very loyal team. But of course, when you do lose a valuable team member it is hard to see them go. However, we have a tight-knit group that has been able to overcome the challenges we’ve faced, and we are stronger for it.
Q: How has your team’s culture spurred growth?
A: Our team thrives on healthy competition. It keeps us sharp. We believe that we have a highly talented group of professionals, which includes a variety of backgrounds and acumen. It is important to me to develop a strong culture of support to help drive everyone to their highest potential. We enjoy being successful together and remain focused on continuing to march in the same direction. A common quote I use with my team is “All ships rise”, meaning that when one of us succeeds, we all succeed.
Q: What are you most excited about for the future of your team?
A: As I mentioned before, I truly believe our team is my greatest asset. I am most excited to continue watching these talented young financial professionals reach their goals and develop long-lasting relationships with our clients. I believe that continuing to invest in my team will have a lasting effect on our clients and ensure that they and the generations after them are well taken care of.
Q: Other than serving your clients, what are you most passionate about?
A: I am energized by teaching and mentoring. Building on the momentum we have had for the last several years, I am focused on expanding our team of top-tier advisors for my clients. I enjoy encouraging our young advisors to lead client meetings and give them opportunities to develop not only the hard skills necessary to succeed but also the soft skills like building relationships that will make them a well-rounded financial advisor.
Another passion I have is giving back to my community. I have been involved with many organizations over the years. My number one rule I like to share is, when choosing an organization to be a part of, always choose something you are passionate about. You can’t fake passion and people can really tell when you believe in something. I currently sit on the boards of The United Way of Greater St. Louis, Guardian Angel Settlement Association and am the President-Elect of the Southern Illinois University Foundation.
Q: This last question is just for fun – If you were not a financial advisor what do you think you’d be doing?
A: Growing up, I always wanted to be a chef. But after working in the restaurant industry to put myself through college, I quickly realized the hours were terrible! I still enjoy getting creative in the kitchen every now and then but honestly, I can’t imagine myself in any other profession. I get great satisfaction in a career that utilizes my acumen for numbers and feeds my passion for building relationships with people.
To learn more about Diane and her team you can visit our website here.
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