PLANADVISER: Tell us about your role at your firm and how you contribute to its growth and progress. How did you end up there?
Bordeleau: I serve as a consultant at Creative Planning, where I help clients effectively administer and improve their retirement plans. As their primary point of contact, I provide clients with guidance on a range of topics, including investments, fiduciary governance, compliance and plan design changes. No two days are the same, and I enjoy the variety and challenges that come with helping each client navigate their unique needs.
I began my career in this industry working in a client service role on the recordkeeping side, where I developed a strong operational foundation and learned the importance of clear, proactive communication—skills that continue to shape my approach today. I focus on building trust-based relationships that make clients feel supported and prioritized, which, in turn, fosters long-term partnerships and creates opportunities for growth through referrals and retention.
PLANADVISER: How do you define success in your role?
Bordeleau: To me, success means being a partner clients can rely on—someone who brings clarity, confidence and consistency to complex issues. Retirement plans are becoming increasingly complex, and it’s easy for clients to feel overwhelmed, as this is often just one of many benefits they are tasked with administering. If I can simplify decisions, offer useful context and be a calm, responsive presence, that feels like a win.
Success also means helping clients stay ahead, whether it’s preparing for regulatory changes, evaluating fees or supporting participant outcomes through thoughtful plan design. Many times, this requires knowing more about the client than just their 401(k). It means understanding their overall objectives and how their retirement plan fits into the big picture.
PLANADVISER: Have you had mentors or role models? Who are they and what lessons have you learned from them?
Bordeleau: Yes—I previously had a formal mentor and still have many role models, many of whom I work with today. I’m sure I have more to thank them for than I’m aware of, but the first lesson that comes to mind is being open to feedback. Everyone enjoys receiving positive feedback, but I’ve learned to appreciate constructive feedback just as much, if not more. I owe a lot of my growth to those willing to take the time to provide me with feedback, especially early in my career.
Another key lesson I’ve carried forward is that soft skills are often just as important as hard skills, especially in a field in which clients are looking for guidance, not just information.
Lastly, they have shown me that success isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room; it’s typically about being the most thoughtful and asking the question that hasn’t been asked yet.