For many years, success in the financial world was measured by the numbers: assets managed, deals closed, or the size of one’s bonus at the end of the year. Climbing the ladder, reaching the top, and securing a place among the elites were the ultimate goals. But as I’ve spent more time in this industry and reflected on my own career, I’ve come to realize that true success is about more than just the tangible metrics of accomplishment.
In the ever-evolving financial landscape, where the definition of success is constantly shifting, it’s essential to ask yourself: What is legacy, and how does it compare to success? Is it enough to hit milestones, or do we need to rethink what it means to truly ‘make it’?
Success: The External Markers
Success in the traditional sense is often measured by external indicators. This includes the size of your portfolio, the impressive title on your business card, or the number of years spent at a top-tier firm.
For a long time, I was driven by these external markers. And let’s face it: they’re powerful. There’s a certain thrill that comes with closing a major deal or earning recognition from peers and clients. There’s satisfaction in reaching the goals you set out to achieve, and it’s easy to equate these achievements with success.
But the deeper I’ve gotten into my career, the more I’ve realized that success is fleeting. It’s easy to define it through the lens of material gains and professional accolades, but these don’t always bring fulfillment. Sooner or later, these achievements start to feel like they’re never enough—there’s always another deal to close, another challenge to conquer. In a world that constantly demands more, it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture.
Legacy: The Lasting Impact
While success focuses on the here and now, legacy is about the long-term impact you leave behind. It’s about the values you pass on, the way you shape others’ lives, and how you contribute to something greater than yourself. Legacy doesn’t come from a single achievement—it’s the culmination of years of effort, decisions, and actions that reflect your character and the mark you’ve made on the world.
For me, legacy is about mentorship, integrity, and giving back. Over the years, I’ve realized that helping others rise, teaching them what I’ve learned, and leaving a positive influence in their lives is a far more lasting and meaningful success than any financial achievement.
When I look at the truly influential people I’ve known throughout my career, many of them aren’t the ones with the biggest bank accounts or the flashiest titles. Instead, they’re the people who took the time to build others up, who made decisions based on values, and who stayed committed to their purpose even when it wasn’t easy. Their legacy goes far beyond any paycheck—they’ve left a footprint on the lives of those around them, and that’s what truly defines their success.
Financial Success and Legacy Can Coexist
I’m not here to say that financial success doesn’t matter. It’s still an essential part of the equation—after all, we all have bills to pay, families to support, and aspirations of personal growth. But what I’ve come to understand is that financial success is just one aspect of a much bigger picture.
True fulfillment comes when financial success aligns with your broader sense of purpose. That’s when you can feel confident that you’re ‘making it’ in a way that will last. Whether it’s supporting causes you believe in, giving back to your community, or creating opportunities for others in your industry, it’s the combination of financial success and a strong sense of purpose that leads to lasting fulfillment.
The Shifting Financial Landscape
As the world of finance continues to evolve—especially with new technologies, markets, and financial systems emerging—it’s becoming increasingly clear that success, as we once knew it, doesn’t look the same. The traditional model of accumulating wealth and prestige no longer holds the same weight it once did. The next generation of financial professionals is looking for meaning in their careers, a sense of balance, and the opportunity to contribute to something larger than just profit.
The rise of impact investing, the focus on sustainability, and the increasing importance of corporate social responsibility reflect this shift in mindset. There’s a growing recognition that financial professionals have the power to shape the world for the better. In this new environment, success is being redefined as the ability to create value—not just for shareholders, but for society as a whole.
As we navigate this shifting landscape, it’s important to ask ourselves: What kind of legacy do we want to leave? Are we content with chasing short-term success, or are we willing to build something meaningful that can stand the test of time?
Building a Legacy of Purpose
Building a legacy requires intention. It’s not something that happens by accident. As professionals, we must be intentional about how we approach our work, our relationships, and our influence. Legacy is built on consistency, integrity, and a focus on others.
For me, that’s meant mentoring young professionals, supporting philanthropic causes, and remaining grounded in my values. It’s about understanding that the impact you make today can ripple out and touch lives for generations. It’s about leaving something that lasts—not just for yourself, but for the communities, industries, and individuals who will come after you.
Conclusion: Redefining Success
In today’s financial world, success and legacy aren’t mutually exclusive. They can—and should—coexist. By redefining success to include purpose, mentorship, and social responsibility, we can build a financial career that not only delivers personal fulfillment but also makes a lasting impact.
So, if you’re on the path to ‘making it,’ take a step back and think about what truly matters. Is it just about the deals you close, or is it about the legacy you create along the way? The definition of success may be changing, but the importance of building a meaningful legacy remains constant.