I have often found myself outside the popular social circles.
- Rich girls in high school
- Old boys club on Wall Street
- Entrenched social groups as a newcomer moving to new cities
The groups shop at the same stores, huddle together, and spend summers in the Hamptons.
It also reminds me of hunter-gatherers, our ancestors.
If you were an outcast from the group, this could mean death.
It can be painful to be outside the group.
But in today’s modern times, it can be a blessing.
But only if you know how to leverage being an outsider.
By asking, “Do I have what it takes to make it on my own?
Just like in the movie Moneyball.
Brad Pitt's character Billy’s external problem is to win baseball games,
but his internal problem is he failed in his career, and
questions if he has what it takes to redeem himself as a general manager.
Being an outsider with no money, out in Oakland, CA,
Billy discovers a unique way to play the game.
This is his uniqueness, this is also his alpha.
Alpha (α) is a term used in investing to describe an investment strategy's ability to beat the market, or its "edge."
What motivated me to discover my new career path, my pivot in my career?
Tapping into how I was different from the pack.
This is what helped me figure out a new way to play the game.
Reflecting back, my alpha came from:
As a kid, I had to figure out how to keep the phone landline on, by balancing my mother’s checkbook.
As an Investor, I had to figure out a different view to analyzing companies and picking winners.
As an outsider out of NYC and living in Houston, I had to figure out a way to add value to clients other than just picking stocks, by becoming an advisor.
So many of us want to fit in, we condition ourselves we don’t want to become authentically us.
Embracing our uniqueness and uncertainty may lead to unexpected opportunities and professional fulfillment.
In my case, this helped me figure out my alpha.
In Star Wars, A New Hope, Luke Skywalker faces good vs evil.
Luke doesn't know if he has what it takes but
Yoda as his guide, tells him to trust the force.
What makes Yoda Best? Please see photo above if you missed it ;-)
If you need a guide, please reach out!
Thank you for reading!
Tiffany Kent
Your Friendly Wealth Engagement Guide,
Disclosures: Past performance is not indicative of future results. This material is not financial advice or an offer to sell any product. The information contained herein should not be considered a recommendation to purchase or sell any particular security. Forward-looking statements cannot be guaranteed.
This commentary offers generalized research, not personalized investment advice. It is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a complete description of our investment services or performance. Nothing in this commentary should be interpreted to state or imply that past results are an indication of future investment returns. All investments involve risk and, unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to consult with an investment & tax professional before implementing any investment strategy. Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.