The finance world, long seen as a male-dominated sphere, has been experiencing a significant transformation, thanks in part to women like Lisa Detanna, Managing Director of the Global Wealth Solutions Group of Raymond James. Their tireless efforts are redefining leadership and success in an industry ripe for change. Lisa Detanna's journey from her humble beginnings to becoming a leading figure in finance is not just inspiring but a reflection of the evolving landscape of financial leadership.
Born and raised amidst the glitz and glamour of Beverly Hills, California, Lisa's first love was dance. Like many young children, she had dreams, passions, and aspirations that evolved over time. But it was a candid remark from her grandfather, who labeled dance as "a hobby, not a career," that redirected her ambitions towards finance. Across three decades, she has navigated the terrains of powerhouses like Drexel Burnham Lambert, Wedbush, Citi Smith Barney, and Morgan Stanley. These institutions witnessed her financial acumen and her innate ability to inspire. Honored by Forbes and Barron’s, her leadership at the Global Wealth Solutions Group of Raymond James, managing a staggering $1.67* billion in assets, is a testament to her transformative impact.
Beyond figures and portfolios, Lisa's commitment to her clients stands out. Delving into the nuances of family finance, from inheritance talks to estate planning, she's brought clarity to many. This dedication birthed her children's book, "Treasures in the Winter Vault," emphasizing financial education from an early age.
Over the course of three decades, Lisa has not only amassed a wealth of experience but has also played pivotal roles at industry giants. Her leadership tenure at Wedbush, Citi Smith Barney, and Morgan Stanley bear testament to her ability to navigate the complexities of the financial world while consistently rising to the top. With each transition, Lisa showcased her adeptness at adapting to changing landscapes, identifying opportunities, and driving growth.
Her move to Raymond James in 2011 marked a significant chapter in her career. Leading a group with assets under management exceeding $1.67 billion is no small feat. Yet, under Lisa's stewardship, the Global Wealth Solutions Group has not only flourished but has also set industry standards.
Lisa Detanna's success in the finance sector is deeply rooted in her educational background. A blend of psychology and business from UCLA provided Lisa a foundational perspective, further enriched by an MBA from Pepperdine University, giving her a comprehensive understanding of business strategies and market dynamics. Beyond these, Lisa has been proactive in adapting to the finance industry's evolving demands. She pursued a professional financial planning designation, became an Accredited Investment Fiduciary®, and earned her title as a Wealth Management Specialist. These credentials not only reflect her commitment to continuous learning but also position her as a well-rounded professional in the field.
Lisa challenges financial conventions. Her early embrace of the open architecture approach showcases her commitment to bespoke strategies for her clients. This perspective allows her to integrate a comprehensive range of financial disciplines: personal financial planning, cash flow modeling, insurance planning, estate and gift planning, philanthropy, tax planning, and risk management services. By viewing clients' foundations and endowments as extensions of their families, Lisa demonstrates her holistic approach. It's not merely about numbers; for Lisa, finance is deeply interwoven with relationships, trust, and vision.
Lisa's contributions transcend her professional milestones. A staunch advocate for women in finance, she’s been instrumental in guiding emerging talent. Mentorship initiatives, interactive sessions, and her involvement in events like Barron’s in Education at UCLA reflect her dedication to nurturing the next wave.
Her community roles, from leadership stints with the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce to associations with health and counseling centers, underscore a broader commitment to societal enhancement.
While Lisa's journey epitomizes success and leadership in the finance domain, it's also a clarion call. Challenges persist, but with trailblazers like her, the narrative is in flux. Drawing from her experiences, Lisa stands as both a testament and a beacon for aspiring women in finance, advocating for diversity, inclusivity, and representation.
Lisa Detanna's journey from the trading floors of Drexel Burnham Lambert to leading the Global Wealth Solutions Group of Raymond James presents an inspiring narrative in the financial world. It’s more than just a story of individual achievement; it's a testament to the evolving roles of women in finance, in leadership, and in effecting real change.
As Lisa's career trajectory has shown, her relentless drive, coupled with her educational qualifications and vision, enabled her to shatter glass ceilings and redefine wealth management paradigms. By prioritizing holistic approaches, forward-thinking strategies, and most notably, mentorship, she continues to pave the way for the next generation.
However, the narrative does not end here. The broader financial sector remains a battleground for many aspiring women. To truly revolutionize the landscape, there's a pressing need for more advocates like Lisa, who not only excel in their roles but actively empower others to do the same.
It's a call for more diversity, inclusivity, and representation in the world of finance. As the sector continues to evolve, we must ensure that it remains open to all voices, talents, and perspectives. Only then can we truly harness the collective power of diverse minds working towards a brighter, more equitable financial future.
*Client asset total from 4/26/2021 assets – Practice Center
About Raymond James
Raymond James Financial, Inc. (our parent company), (NYSE: RJF) is a leading diversified financial services company providing private client group, capital markets, asset management, banking and other services to individuals, corporations and municipalities. The company has approximately 8,700 financial advisors. Total client assets are $1.22 trillion as of March 31, 2023. Public since 1983, the firm is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol RJF. Additional information is available at raymondjames.com.
Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC
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