The Purposeful Wealth Advisor

Foreword by Andy Sieg, president, Merrill Wealth Management

“If you are a financial advisor or considering this profession, you must read this book. Raj Sharma is clearly ‘best of breed.’ ” —Jeremy J. Siegel, professor of finance at the Wharton School, author of Stocks for the Long Run

"With equal parts logic and love, Raj Sharma makes a convincing case that working as a financial advisor is a noble and lucrative career. He offers a clear step-by-step guide to becoming an advisor, thriving in the role, and helping clients live richer, more fulfilling lives.” —Jack Otter, editor-at-large, Barron’s; global head, Dow Jones Wealth & Asset Management

"As one of Merrill Lynch’s most successful financial advisors, Raj is now sharing his wisdom and experience. This book is a must-read for someone considering a career in wealth management.” —Winthrop H. Smith Jr., retired chairman, Merrill Lynch International

"Financial independence and management are core to a woman’s success, and Raj Sharma shows us just how to accomplish this by sharing a wealth of information and strategies to be successful. Raj’s commitment to giving back to society is exemplified in his approach to wealth management—thoughtful, strategic, and results-oriented. I hope this book inspires more women and minorities to consider the advisory profession.” —Lata Krishnan, technology entrepreneur and philanthropist

"A good read for all investment professionals that shows how to overcome challenges. We extend our well-done to Raj Sharma for underscoring his focus on the client. A clear, undeterred, and steadfast focus on how to serve client needs and communicate, communicate, and communicate.” —Mario Gabelli, founder, chairman, and CEO, Gabelli Asset Management

"I have known Raj Sharma for nearly thirty years, and during that time I’ve come to know him as one of the most thoughtful and most sincere financial advisors in the business. The Purposeful Wealth Advisor fully reflects those admirable attributes and highlights that a financial advisor’s personal success is largely achieved by focusing on their clients’ and society’s well-being.” —Richard Bernstein, CEO and chief investment officer, Richard Bernstein Advisors

"A critical skill for individual success is developing strategies for wealth accumulation and management. That is greatly facilitated with a trusted financial advisor. Raj’s journey to wealth management success provides key insights, not only to aspiring wealth managers, but also to clients seeking an advisor with whom they can jointly succeed. From humble beginnings and many challenges, Raj provides fresh perspectives on the importance of a purposeful advisor.” —Eric Rosengren, former president, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston

"This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to succeed, not just in the financial services wealth management sector, but across all industries and disciplines. Raj Sharma has written the quintessential handbook on how to succeed, whether in corporate America, as an entrepreneur, or in life—particularly if you are a person of color, an immigrant, or a woman. How does a young immigrant from India end up being one of America’s top wealth advisors? In his book, Raj Sharma shows us how to be successful by following a few simple principles: a spirit of optimism, a sense of gratitude and humility, respect for yourself and others, and honesty and transparency. This book is a living testament to the immigrant story and how immigrants are contributing to America’s economic ecosystem while at the same time showing their gratitude through philanthropy—proving that America really is the land of opportunity.” —Colette A. M. Phillips, president and CEO, Colette Phillips Communications; founder, Get Konnected!; co-founder, the GK Fund

"This book is an invaluable resource for all wealth advisors, would-be wealth advisors, and business executives. In this inspiring immigrant success story, Raj Sharma shows us exactly what has enabled him to go from his humble beginnings to being one of the most successful wealth advisors in America. Raj has written a necessary and timely book, delivering a road map for unlimited success.” —Ajay Banga, vice chairman, General Atlantic; former CEO and executive chairman, Mastercard

"In The Purposeful Wealth Advisor, Raj sends a powerful message about the urgency for more nontraditional entrants into the advisory field to provide the kind of guidance and advice that can leave a positive and lasting impact on people’s financial futures.” —Saira Malik, chief investment officer, Nuveen