While studying at Duke University, Martine Lellis started to feel sick. It developed quickly into a hospital visit where she was diagnosed with pneumonia in both her lungs. The condition escalated into a near-deadly situation, so her doctors decided to induce a coma even before her parents were able to reach her.
It became so serious that while in a coma, she received her last rites, the religious ceremony performed by a Catholic priest for someone who is dying.
Thankfully, she woke up three weeks later to make a full recovery, although the road back to normal functionality was difficult.
WealthManagement.com Managing Editor Diana Britton speaks with Martine Lellis, principal of M&A partner development at Mercer Advisors, on her near-death experience, its profound impact on her life, and how it has fueled her passion for making bold, compassionate choices in the financial services industry.
Diana and Martine discuss:
- Martine's near-death experience and its aftermath
- Her recent experience meeting with the doctor who saved her life at Duke
- Another health scare she had with long COVID
- How overcoming significant health challenges shaped her professional and personal outlook
- The importance of gratitude and resilience in her leadership role
- Her current philanthropic efforts and commitment to giving back to the community
Martine Lellis (left) and Dr. Joseph A. Govert, the pulmonologist who saved her life.
Resources:
Connect With Martine Lellis:
Connect With Wealth Management:
- WealthManagement.com
- LinkedIn: Diana Britton
- Email: [email protected]
- LinkedIn: Informa
- LinkedIn: WealthManagement
About Our Guest:
Martine is Principal, M&A Partner Development at Mercer Advisors, and is responsible for driving the growth and expansion of the organization through strategic mergers and acquisitions of other RIAs. Based on her more than two decades of experience in the independent wealth management space, she leads like-minded firms in their transition decisions, including assessment of fit, due diligence, financial analysis, talent mapping, and deal negotiations. Martine also currently serves as Chief Talent Officer, overseeing Talent Management and HR Operations for the company, with a focus on developing and growing the talent of the organization. She has been a member of the Executive Leadership Team at Mercer Advisors since joining the firm in 2020.
If you have a struggle and wish to share your experiences and help others in similar situations, please reach out to Diana at [email protected].
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