FROM THE BLOG
There’s No Place Like Home
Posted by Prospera Financial on May 27, 2025
It’s estimated that the average person spends 33% of their time – yep, a third – at work. Another third is sleeping. And the last third is in your personal life, with friends and family. Some say that we shouldn’t call our friends at work a “work family” or our office a “work home,” but I would argue that if an equal amount of time is spent at work as it is with friends and family, isn’t it fair to think of work as a kind of home — one with a family of its own?
As the director of my firm’s advisor transitions – that is, onboarding of new advisors – it is abundantly clear that advisors need to have the right home where they can best serve their clients. The right-fit firm provides a sense of home – a place where advisors feel supported, and empowered to both service and grow their business.
Three things to consider when thinking about your “work home”:
1. Culture
Culture is non-negotiable. If you don’t connect with the culture and if you don’t connect with the people…well, enough said. Make sure you know the foundational principles and values at the firm you are currently (or are considering). Do those align with your principles and values?
2. Platform Offering & Solutions
So you like the culture, but what about the firm’s platform? Do they have the products, services, and solutions to meet your clients’ exacting needs? Is the firm innovating with a continual improvement mindset that keeps you and your clients at the forefront of financial and investment solutions?
3. People
Okay, so the culture feels right. The platform offering is stellar. Now, do you like the people? Even with the right culture and platform, people make the difference. Is leadership responsive and attentive to your feedback? Does the staff seem happy, and do they sing off the same song sheet? Look for a team that truly wants to support your success.
Never settle for the best two out of three. You and your clients deserve a firm with a resonating culture, world-class offerings, and staff that is genuinely invested in your success.
Remember, home is where the heart is. If you’re like me, you lead with your heart – and you’re either all in or all out. So click your heels and repeat three times: there’s no place like home!
As always,
Kim Coburn Utz
Director of Advisor Services
