What’s Your Alpha?

Lessons on Self-Awareness, Investing, and Owning Your Career

Didn’t think I could talk for two full 75-minute sessions with students at Emory University - Goizueta Business School, in the Personal Financial Planning course led by Professor Usha Rackliffe —about discovering your alpha—but what an incredible experience!

In investing:

🔹 Beta is the market return—the rising tide that lifts all boats. It’s what you earn by riding the wave through broad exposure to the market, like owning an index fund such as the S&P 500.

🔹 Alpha is the extra return generated by a specific company through its unique value—innovation, strategy, or execution that sets it apart from the pack.

In your career:

🔹 Beta is the default path—get a job, earn a paycheck, repeat.

🔹 Alpha is your personal edge—your unique combination of talents, how you solve problems, build relationships, take smart risks, and make decisions that compound over time.

Want a fulfilling life and career? Don’t just ride the wave. Find and develop your alpha.

My favorite part of speaking to Emory's students? The interactive questions—ranging from how to start your career and build investing skills, to the pros and cons of being a woman on Wall Street.

We explored how self-awareness is the foundation of discovering your superpower, your alpha. And what a privilege it is to get paid to learn—especially when that learning helps you figure out how to eventually do the job better, cheaper and faster. Even if there are highs and lows to going out on your own, it’s still the best game in town.

I also loved receiving a thank-you email from one of the students:

“It was inspiring to hear about your journey, from exploring different careers to ultimately finding your alpha through financial planning and launching your own firm. Your story really emphasized the power of proactivity and a growth mindset.”

Thank you to the brilliant students—and to Usha—for having me!

If this resonates with you and you're navigating a season of change—whether it's career, family, or financial—come join us for Women in Transition, a confidential small group hosted by the HBS Club of Atlanta, where I will lead an interactive discussion.

You don’t have to be an HBS alum to attend—it’s open to all women looking for clarity, connection, and confidence in their next chapter.

Next session: Friday May 2nd, 9:30–11:30 AM

Location: The Buckhead Club

👥 Limited to 10 attendees to keep the conversation intimate and meaningful

Sign up today and invest in yourself. https://www.hbs-atlanta.org/s/1738/cc/21/page.aspx?sid=1738&gid=12&pgid=86835&crid=0&calpgid=13&calcid=1392

Thanks 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.