HER PATH, Cydney’s Journey, Part Two: She’s on her way!

HER PATH, Cydney’s Journey, Part Two:  She’s on her way!

Cydney Gutridge is a new financial advisor and WLA Ambassador who is sharing her early-career path with us.  And you won’t believe what Cydney’s accomplished since we last heard from her!

(visit HERE to read Part One of Cydney’s Journey)

As I am sitting here in my new office, reflecting on my journey since my last blog post in August, I can’t help but feel an immense amount of gratitude. I have always had a clear vision of my goals, but I never pictured it playing out the way it did and it has exceeded my wildest expectations.

It has been a rollercoaster the past 5 months, and I am thrilled to share with you some updates on where this path has taken me. Buckle up!

Perseverance

Securities licensing. Something all of us have experienced or look forward to experiencing in the future. Ok, maybe not look forward to…!. I was studying for my Series 66 during my last post, and believe it or not, I passed the dang thing on my first attempt! You would be so proud if you read my last blog. 🙂

These tests used to scare me, but I have learned how to embrace the discomfort and accept the challenge. To anyone going through her securities licensing, hang in there because I promise you it will all be worth it in the end.

Education

In June, just two short days after passing my Series 7 exam, I applied to the Registered Associate Mastery Program (RAMP),  a Raymond James program for registered associates exploring the transition into a financial advisor role.

I officially joined RAMP at the beginning of August, where I met other Raymond James CSAs throughout the country, was assigned a mentor, and completed educational courses to understand the transition. My favorite part of the program was connecting with my mentor and colleagues. Listening to others navigate their own careers was very inspirational. In fact, it even put a little pep in my step.

While in the RAMP program I continued to study for my Series 66. I was laser-focused on what I wanted, and finally passing the Series 7 was just the boost I needed. It’s not my style to get comfortable, and I knew I could push myself more.

So, I decided to apply for the Advisor Mastery Program (AMP) as I felt I was ready to be in an advisor role. And, the best part of the story has yet to come…

On January 8th, 2024, I was officially admitted into AMP and joined a colleague who was willing to take a chance on me.  I am now partnering with him as his junior advisor. I feel so lucky that I found someone who was able to see my potential.

Teamwork

I am beyond excited to partner with Matt Rowe, an advisor and branch manager of my office. As his junior, we have started to strategize how to structure our team to make the partnership mutually beneficial. This team structure has fueled my energy in the business and given me confidence in my new role.

I thrive in a team environment, so I knew this was the right step for me. We keep each other accountable, and Matt will  have the opportunity to further grow his business.

The two of us have also joined an advisor coaching program to add another layer of accountability and to build a strong foundation for the new partnership.

In my next blog post, I hope to share about the progress we’re making and hopefully our success in the program.

Networking

Last week I took a trip to Aspen, CO to attend the Women Sharing Wisdom (WSW) conference. This was my second-year attending, and I am already looking forward to going back in 2025. WSW is a group of approximately 30 women from a variety of divisions in Raymond James. The event allows us to share best practices, learn about investments, and ultimately spend time networking with one another.

I truly believe there is tremendous value in taking time away from your practice to learn what other successful advisors are doing.  If I can incorporate just two things I learned from other successful women, I know it will make a difference in my business.

Excitement

Finally, aside from all the wonderful things happening in my professional world, I have a few very exciting life updates. I got engaged in November, and our wedding is in August! I am fully immersed in wedding planning, but, hey, planning is what I do best!

I also passed my audition to become a CycleBar instructor! Outside of work I have a passion for health and fitness, so this is very exciting for me. Again, this is me putting myself outside of my comfort zone and trying something new, and the process has already been so rewarding.

I am also studying to get my AAMS, as this is a requirement of the AMP program. This has been my biggest challenge yet with everything on my plate.

If you can’t tell already, I like to stay busy and challenge myself. I hope after reading this blog post you are inspired to go out and do something you have always wanted to do but have been afraid to do it.

Go get ‘em!

Cydney Gutridge