Marla Sofer’s Post

Boss Ladies: Building their empires one dollar at a time 👩🏻💵 Though wealth management and finance have traditionally been male-dominated industries, more and more women are taking charge of their career and financial expertise. Make It Better Founder and Chief Visionary Officer Susan B. Noyes spoke with several influential women leaders during the MIBTV virtual event “Women on the Rise,” presented by Morgan Stanley. Their advice proved to be evergreen and applicable for women across careers and financial stations: 1. Be Involved in Your Finances 2. Understand Risk-Return Tradeoffs 3. Plan For Your Future 4. Have Your Credit in Your Name 5. Make an Impact with Your Investments  6. Lean Into Conflict  7. Choose Your Partners Carefully 8. Don’t Waste Your Emotional Bandwidth 9. Find Your Potential by Amplifying Others For more of their invaluable wisdom for women in business, check out the full Better Magazine article by Jessica Braun Gervais on our website 💌 https://lnkd.in/gqaw9uNg #nonprofit #philanthropy #makeitbetter #yousaidit #bettermakers #nonprofitorganization #evergreenadvice #womenempowerment #expertadvice

Since I published this article a year ago, I heard from over 100 women who've been the subjects of targeted takedowns at work. Women across all fields - media, non-profit, startups, big corporate, law, academia, and more. Young women and older women. Women of all races, religions, countries of origin, and sexual orientations. Women who made big mistakes, and women who made small mistakes. Women whose only "mistake", if you can call it that, was having too much ambition. Has anything changed? Not much - I still read lots of takedown articles, some have successfully ruined the subject's reputation, and others less so. On a more hopeful note, we're starting to see the beginning of a comeback for some of the women mentioned in the article itself. Kimberly Bryant set the record straight and is embarking on an exciting chapter as an advisor and investor. Sophia Amoruso launched the ultra-cool VC fund Trust Fund, and spoke out in a recent feature on Elle. A few others are working on exciting new companies - I won't tag them here as they haven't spoken publicly. But I love to see it. Of course, nobody is throwing big money at them like they do at the more prominent men who screw up big and get a bigger second chance. And before you cancel me for saying this (and let me tell you, some have tried), remember, this applies to you too. You, too, make mistakes. You, too, may need grace and forgiveness one day. You, too, may need a second chance. Today and every day, I stand up for a woman's right to screw up and come back from it. Because there is a difference between holding someone accountable for their actions, and purposefully trying to ruin their lives. As we tell our Graham & Walker portfolio founders: as long as you don't lie, cheat or steal (or worse), we'll be there for you if you fail.

**Imagine Justin Timberlake playing Cry Me a River to this....** One of my biggest pet peeve is hearing women who say: 🗣️ “I didn’t start my business for the money” What the actual f—k DID you start your business for then? 🗣️“Oh, I just want to make an impact” I legit have to try hard to not roll my eyes 🙄 because… what you’re essentially believing is that you can’t be wealthy and make an impact. Another one of my fave comments is that you can’t be an ethical millionaire or billionaire. Yet these are often reflective of some deep seated money blocks that assume wealth must mean you’re bad. And of course, no one wants to believe they’re a bad person… right? So if they avoid money and judge others for having it (or wanting it) then they feel morally superior. Except they’re actually not even making the impact they’d like on the world. And some fun facts to ponder... Did you know that when women hold wealth, they are more likely to use this for the collective good. Sure, they set up themselves and their family first, but then use their money in positive ways to enhance the world. Compared to men, who will donate money based on what will get them the best tax write offs. So tell me again why your business isn't about the money? Because in all honesty, it should be. Wanting money doesn't mean you're bad. Making money doesn't mean you're bad either. The women I work with are earning multiple six figures, seven figures... and beyond. Or are aiming for that. Because they know that with money comes freedom, and impact. If you want to make money in your business, you're around a like minded woman who is determined to help more women reach seven figures in their businesses! Elly.

I'm so grateful to the #FlourishFinancially community for their vulnerability and collective wisdom! These women's candid reflections showcase the transformative power of open, supportive dialogues around the often TABOO- subject of money...   Our recent discussion #MoneyConversation on “Successful Women Investors: What Do They Do?” was filled with inspiring personal stories and practical wisdom.   ++ #EmotionalIntelligence & mindset: The Foundation of Financial Success Our session emphasized that successful investing isn't just about knowing the markets—it's about mastering your #MoneyMindset. As many attendees shared, it’s about how you handle your emotions when making financial decisions, especially in times of uncertainty. Resilience, patience, and self-awareness are key to maintaining confidence as an investor.   ++ Overcoming Internal Blocks & Taking Consistent Action Anna*, a coach herself, emphasized the importance of overcoming internal blocks and limiting beliefs to take consistent financial action. She appreciated the message of starting where you are and building momentum over time.   ++ Navigating Complex Financial Dynamics in Relationships Barbara*, shared her experience navigating joint finances in a second marriage, noting the challenge of viewing her husband's assets as "ours" versus just "mine." This highlighted the emotional complexities many women face when blending finances.   ++ Practical Investment Strategies for Beginners Chantal*, with a finance background, provided excellent tips for new investors - defining your risk tolerance, diversifying investments, and having the courage to pivot when needed. Her insights demystified the practical steps to get started.   🌟 Testimonials from Our Community 🌟 We were humbled by the heartfelt feedback received after the session. Daniela*: “Your session gave me a big boost (…) and it was very comforting. Your perspectives are so positive!”   Emily*: “Thanks for the workshop (…), it was very interesting!” * Names have been modified to protect the confidentiality of participants)   Remember: By sharing our unique challenges and strengths, we can empower each other to flourish financially.   ✨ Join Our Flourish Financially Community ✨ As we digest the wisdom shared in this session, we look forward to continuing these deep and impactful conversations. Our next event, “Money and Emotions” (with Minna Schmidt) will take place on 19th September 2024 at 17:00 CET, where we’ll explore our emotional connections to finances with a fresh twist. Join our growing community of like-minded women as we continue to learn, grow, and empower each other financially! 🌱 👉 Stay updated and be invited to our next event by joining our community: https://lnkd.in/ezRsM7jq   #WomenInvesting #FinancialEmpowerment #DrSophieCoaching #PositivePsychology #FinancialPsychology

When I say I want every woman to unashamedly set out to make an absolute goddamn f*cking shit ton of money - THIS IS WHY. The 14 people on Forbes 12-figure billionaires list are all men. When we all make an absolute goddamn f*cking shit ton of money, we can then use that money to FUND OTHER WOMEN. Support other women. Help other women. Donate to other women. We need to build our own financial eco-system, because the male one isn't working for us - and when we do, we'll propel many more of us onto that billionaire list, and we'll change the world in very different, far more beneficial ways. Chase Peterson-Withorn https://lnkd.in/gKEDc6bC #ForbesBillionaires #FundFemaleFounders

**"Life got in the way."** That’s the story, right? My business, *Make and Keep Money*, was supposed to launch in May, but life had other plans. I put my dreams on hold—again. I’m working through that rage, that sadness, and all the “should haves” that keep me up at night. Because here’s the truth: I sacrificed because life got in the way, but it didn’t get in the way for my husband. I chose that sacrifice, I am taking responsibility for it. Again. And that stings. I didn’t launch on time, but I’m still launching. I’m launching because I believe that more money needs to be in the hands of more women. Because financial power isn’t just a goal—it’s essential for us, especially in this world of late-stage capitalism and living under patriarchy. I started this business because, through a series of micro-choices, I ended up a mother of four in my 40s with no financial power. I don’t want this for me, and I sure as hell don’t want it for anyone else. *Make and Keep Money* is here for women in those early stages of their business—women like us who are juggling a million things and feeling the weight of it all. It’s for those of us who have sacrificed, who have put everyone else first, and who are ready to reclaim our financial power. Why post now? This weekend, I was talking with some amazing businesswomen, and we got into the real stuff—the kind of conversations we don’t have in public. We talked about the shame and frustration of the things we keep to ourselves, the private mess that doesn’t make it to LinkedIn or Instagram. The money stuff. The hard stuff. The stuff we don’t want anyone to know about because it feels icky and too close to home. Let’s break that silence. What’s the money stuff you’re dealing with that no one sees? Share your story if you’re up for it—we’re all in this together. Or, you can dm with me “anonymous” and I’ll share it under the comments if it’s not something you want out there under your name, I get it’s not safe for everyone. #MakeAndKeepMoney #WomenInBusiness #FinancialEmpowerment #EnoughIsEnough #LateLaunchButLaunching #WomenSupportingWomen #EntrepreneurLife #MoneyTalks

My amazing wealth doula, Megan deBoer, shared this article by Sallie Krawcheck with me recently on the change ahead in the wealth management industry. Is the industry ready? No. But it better get ready. How can I help? Well, women will be looking for "more help with philanthropy," so that's where I come in. Will your firm be ready? #philanthropy #wealthmanagement #getready

We don't like women who talk about making money. Especially when they are making money outside of what we see as *sensible* or *traditional* [AKA: systems set up by and designed for men] How do I know this? More recently I've been talking about making money because, well... My brand exists to help women make money. To caveat: my story with money is not a *great* one. Grew up poor. Lots of generational poverty and trauma. Feel a huge amount of responsibility to change things. This is my THIRD year of business. And now I am seeing the hard work pay off. [Do you even understand how much work is involved in sustaining a business for 3 years, let alone growing it 🤣] And yet as predicted... As I've spoken about money... Off those followers who 'will work with you one day' have gone 👋 I don't see this as a bad thing. I celebrate it. People on your socials who are triggered by you selling, or making money, are not ideal clients. But I do think it's indicative of the way we don't like women who talk about money, or show they're making money, in general. And when they are spending some of that money on things we've been conditioned to see as *feminine* like handbags and shoes, we can say 'silly women! can't be trusted with money! frittering it away on nonsense!' ...We don't want them being financially literate and investing in stocks and property though. And this is why studies show media speaks differently to men about money (investments) than it does women (stop frittering your money away you hapless bimbo, but here's an advert for the latest skincream you need because how will a man ever love you if you look over 35) Someone pointed out that maybe it's because making money outside *the traditional system* is the ultimate form of feminism. Women earning money for themselves through their own ideas. Generating more through investments they're not *supposed* to know about. Women free of a system that can only exist with their compliance. And we see this compliance here all the time. Because in recent memory on linkedin, I've been: 🫠told off for selling my services 🫠told off for charging what I do 🫠told off for expressing myself in the way I do ...by other women. I think part of the problem some of these women have with my brand, is that ☝️ ultimate expression of feminism. they've been told it's selfish to have style but also they've been told they need all this stuff in order to be accepted in a system that they can never control they've been told this because as studies show, we feel better when we feel good in our clothes. We are more productive and powerful and therefore... We have the confidence to act upon our goals... And we make more money. And when we have more money, we can step outside that system (in fabulous shoes) and say 'nah this doesn't work let's create something better.' Women who dress in a way that feels great and make money are modern-day witches. Who's coming to join the coven?

Real Stories of Multigenerational Wealth- 2 The Rockefellers have left us a valuable roadmap for creating lasting family wealth. Let's take a closer look at their story. In the mid-nineteenth century, John Davison Rockefeller Sr. laid the foundation for the family's fortune, becoming the wealthiest person in America by the time he passed away at the age of ninety-eight. His business acumen and dedication were matched by a commitment to philanthropy, a principle that plays a significant role in the family's wealth-preservation strategy. John Davison Rockefeller Sr. had one son, John D. Rockefeller Jr., who decided to forgo a business career early, dedicating his life to family governance and philanthropy. Passing on his legacy to the third generation, John D. Rockefeller Jr. instilled a robust family governance system that continues, driving the sustained growth of the Rockefeller family's wealth through the fourth, fifth, and sixth generations. John D. Rockefeller Jr. further solidified the family's success by establishing a family office for wealth management and as a hub for educational services in finance and philanthropy. Annual family meetings became a cornerstone of their governance, addressing individual, generational, and family-wide concerns. The Rockefellers' approach recognizes the uniqueness of each generation's challenges, fostering active participation and discussion of generational issues as critical elements of their governance success. This commitment, coupled with John Davison Rockefeller Sr.'s remarkable decision to allow his son the freedom to pursue family governance and philanthropy over the family business, remains an example of wise, long-term wealth preservation. #RealStoriesofMultigenerationalWealth

THE BILLIONAIRE WHO GAVE AWAY $8 BILLION IN COMPLETE SECRECY While Forbes celebrated him as America's 23rd richest person worth $1.3 billion, Chuck Feeney was orchestrating history's most remarkable act of secret philanthropy. This isn't just another billionaire story. Imagine becoming a billionaire, then choosing to: • Live in a modest rental apartment • Fly economy class • Wear a $15 watch • Drive a used Volvo • Give away 99.75% of your wealth in absolute secrecy Why? Because he believed that wealth meant nothing if it couldn't transform lives. From transforming universities in Ireland to funding life-changing medical research in Australia, from bringing clean water to Vietnam to brokering peace in Northern Ireland - Feeney's silent generosity touched millions of lives across 5 continents. Most remarkably? He kept it all secret for decades, using an offshore foundation to hide his identity. When asked why he gave away his fortune while still alive, his response was simple: "I cannot think of a more personally rewarding and appropriate use of wealth than to give while one is living." By 2020, he had given away $8 billion, keeping just $2 million for retirement - less than 0.25% of his wealth. Today, as we chase likes, shares, and public recognition for even the smallest acts of kindness, Feeney's story stands as a powerful reminder: True impact doesn't need an audience. Real change often happens quietly. Want to discover the full story of how one man's secret generosity transformed countless lives and inspired a new generation of philanthropists? 👉 Click below to read the complete article: https://lnkd.in/dqhDcP_B #Philanthropy #Leadership #Inspiration #Giving #Legacy #BillionaireLife #SecretHero #ChangeTheWorld --- What are your thoughts on giving in silence vs. public philanthropy? Let's discuss in the comments below.