#InternationalWomensDay 2024: Jessica Mosby

March 8, 2024 is International Women’s Day, and we are telling the stories of inspiring and accomplished women we are privileged to work and partner with.

Name: Jessica Mosby

Position: Senior Financial Advisor

Designations: QAFP

Years in industry: 18

Years at ATB Wealth: 7

Why did you choose a career in the financial industry? What has your career path looked like?

I started right after high school when someone approached me and I took the opportunity. I worked in a retail sales role and it seemed like a fantastic opportunity.

Since then, my career path in finance has really engaged all areas of the bank. I started as a teller and moved into many different roles on the banking side. I worked in roles that ranged from management and sales to compliance before I really took a route into the wealth and investment arm of the bank. Within that area, I continued to explore different roles before ultimately branching out to starting my own practice as a financial advisor.

All of that banking experience has been the key to success for me. It has been the heart of who I am as a business woman and how I want to run my business. I always say the most important role I have ever worked at the bank was as a teller. It taught me the most about customer service, time management, communication and problem solving.

As a woman in this industry, what are the challenges you’ve experienced along the way?

I think some of the challenges I faced at the early stages in my career would have been around family planning. I can remember a conversation I had with a previous company when I was quite young and family wasn’t even on my mind. I was looking to move into a lending role. I remember getting sat down and being told “I think it’s just not the right timing for you, what if you have a family, we would need a two-year commitment.” I remember walking away thinking, did that just happen? Looking back now I see many times in my career these moments that aimed to deflate me actually drove, fueled and ignited my fire. I think we have all had moments in our careers where someone has told us no and passed us up for whatever reason. How we react and choose to move forward is what matters. I choose to think it makes me stronger.

Fast forward to my time with ATB. I’m so proud and thankful to work for this company. I have been lucky enough to have welcomed two beautiful babies with the full support of my company. I had my daughter five years ago and my son two months ago, and both times ATB made it clear that I was in the driver’s seat, not directing me towards what they thought I should do, but rather asking how they can support me. They gave me that platform to say what I needed, how long I was going to be off and how I choose to still stay connected. I really have felt supported. When you have that, your time at home is that much richer. I have been able to just really enjoy my babies, knowing that my company values me.

The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is #InspireInclusion. Based on your experience, what does this industry need to do to support both women in finance, and women taking control of their financial well-being.

I think industry wise we are all much more accountable. I hope the conversation I I had earlier in my career wouldn’t happen these days. Industry wise I think we can keep challenging ourselves to not place that judgment or bias on women in the workplace while at the same time encouraging women and ensuring they have equal opportunities for advancement in roles—without that barrier or narrative of “what if she goes on maternity leave?” or “how will she be able to manage a high demand job and children?” I don’t want a seat at the table because I’m a woman. I want a seat at the table because I provide value, knowledge, and a different perspective.

For women looking to take control of their financial well-being, I have some advice I’d like to share. I see this often in my role. It can be a widowed woman who has not been a part of the household finances, or something like a divorce, or even just a woman looking to educate herself or taking an interest in stock trading and investing. My advice is don’t wait to be invited or invested in your financial situation. Take the time to be committed to learning and asking questions today. Find an advisor you trust and connect with. Don’t wait to be invited to a woman only event. If you see an event or something that interests you—go to it! If you’re nervous about going alone, bring a friend. Or look for a friendly face in the crowd to connect with. I’ll sit with you! Education in my opinion is the biggest asset to your financial success.

What’s the best part of your job and working at ATB?

The best part of my job is working with clients and families and helping simplify their complex financial situations. I love educating them on what they are invested in and how we can help them achieve and improve their financial health. My practice is very family focused, meaning we deal with not only the parents but the children and in some cases their children’s children. It’s such a privilege to have that opportunity to help families in succession and goal planning. We are more than just investment advisors. We are planners. Being able to discover the root of what a family needs or wants from their business, and what their personal and estate goals are, helps us offer the best advice and guidance for their situation. It's like putting a puzzle together for me. Working with clients on such a deep level and helping them achieve financial success is my passion and motivation.

What advice do you have for other women in this industry?

I have three tips:

1. Be yourself. Discover your strengths and focus on those. We are all different and I can certainly think of times that I tried to adapt or change who I was to who I thought I should be. Embracing “me” (quirks and all) was the best thing I’ve ever done. It was a pivotal moment in my career that helped me see results and opportunities.

2. Find a mentor. I can think of a few very special people that helped guide me and challenge me. We need that—people who love us and want the best for us but can provide an outside perspective and challenge us to be accountable.

3. Be fearless. Keep trying all your ideas! What’s the worst that can happen? If it doesn’t land, well…try again! There’s always more ideas. Listen to your gut.