2024 Emerging Leaders — Molly Magnuson
PLANADVISER: Tell us about your role at your firm and how you contribute to its growth and progress.
Magnuson: I am a financial consultant that supports approximately 65 clients, making up about $700 million in assets under management. While my focus from day to day is to support existing plan sponsors and their employees, I also work with our business development team during advisory finalist presentations. Many clients want to meet who they will regularly be working with, so I enjoy getting to know them during the sales process, and fortunately, many of them have become long-term clients. I spend approximately 50% of my time supporting my plan sponsor clients and the other 50% working directly with their employees, whether it be doing group education meetings or individual one-on-one sessions.
PLANADVISER: How did you end up in the retirement advisory industry?
Magnuson: I began my career in recordkeeping, specifically handling the payroll aspect of recordkeeper conversions for large/mega clients. During that time, I had the opportunity to work with a number of advisers and got to know more about their role in the retirement space and felt a calling to join this industry. I began working for an advisory firm in 2016 and have never looked back (nor wanted to!).
PLANADVISER: What are you most passionate about outside of the office?
Magnuson: My passion lies in finding balance in everyday life. I love to exercise and eat healthy, but I also love to try all different types of desserts (namely cookies) and rest when my body needs it. I love to spend entire weekends with my husband and two young sons, but I also love to take time for myself, whether that be going on a long solo walk, getting a massage or having a girls’ night. I enjoy listening to educational podcasts, but I also love to get caught up on pop culture. As I’ve arrived in my mid-30s, I’ve found this balance is how I’ve been able to remain calm and happy as a working mom.