When Julie Johnson started out as a financial advisor at Smith Barney in the 1990s, she was “smiling and dialing” to build up her book of business. She excelled in her rookie year, so much so that she was sought after by another wealth advisor who needed help expanding his practice. She jumped at the chance. But what seemed like a good opportunity turned into a nightmare.
In this episode of Transparency with Diana B., Diana Britton, WealthManagement.com’s managing editor, is joined by Julie Johnson, former senior vice president of UBS Wealth Management and current president and CEO of XY Communication, an executive coaching and public speaking firm. Julie shares her experiences being a female in a very male dominated industry at a time when there were places like “the boom boom room,” a famous party room at Smith Barney’s Garden City, N.Y. branch. Many women flocked to Wall Street in the ‘90s only to be held down by chauvinists. Julie was at the center of it, as she stayed in a years-long toxic relationship with her male partner, who made inappropriate advances.
The stress of it all ended up taking a bad toll on her physical health, which eventually led her to leave the industry.
“When you feel so small and so disrespected for so many years, it has a physical and very real physical effect on you,” she says. “We have to give ourselves permission to say ‘no,’ and to get help.”
Julie Johnson
In this episode, you will learn:
- The story of Julie’s successes and struggles in financial services
- The negative tendencies of successful financial advisors
- The importance of taking care of yourself first, before clients
- How Julie learned to be her own advocate for her health
- How she found the power to stand up for herself and leave the industry
- How to let go of the pursuit of perfectionism and seek support
- And more.
Tune in now to hear how Julie got through these difficult times.
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].
The Transparency with Diana B. podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Android, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever podcasts are found.
