Leveling up through digital learning

Halfway through his 24-year career as a wealth advisor, Josh Mancell faced a pivotal moment. Eager to take his practice to the next level but juggling the responsibilities of raising two young sons, he had limited time in his schedule for professional development.

Determined not to let his aspirations slip away, Josh turned to his alma mater and discovered Yale’s Wealth Management Theory & Practice program, a pathway to CPWA® certification. Its flexible, online format was perfectly suited for busy professionals like him.

His dedication paid off. Josh emerged from the program best equipped to fulfill the nuanced needs of his clients and grow his business.

What motivated you to attend the program?

I was drawn to the psychology of investing and the special problems that can arise with family wealth. Ultimately, my undergraduate experience at Yale led me to look there for programs that could help me explore the questions I wanted to answer.

When you attended the program, where were you in your career? How did the program help you get to where you are in your career today?

I was just past the midpoint of my career, still trying to create a specialized practice with an articulable focus. I had two boys who were 8 and 5 at the time. I was coaching their sports every night and had a full schedule with little room for additional obligations. Yale’s Wealth Management Theory & Practice program allowed me to explore the topics I was interested in by providing key data and resources. The coursework was outstanding, and the format allowed me to work late at night, during my lunch break, etc. Applying what I learned has enhanced my understanding of why my clients make the decisions they do and believe what they believe. I've seen tremendous growth in my business and higher client satisfaction. Finding and onboarding new clients has become much more of me interviewing them than them interviewing me.

What key program learnings have you implemented in your work?

I've created presentations and one slide "'explanation" pieces that help break down core concepts into pictures and graphs. These have been very useful as they are typically questions people have but don't know how to articulate. Being able to anticipate questions and have information ready is huge. Wealth advisors are often taught that all that matters is the end result. This program helped me understand that people truly care about the ride that gets them there. You can offer the brightest solutions, the best advice, and the greatest investments the world has ever seen but if you don't provide the ride people expect they will end up ignoring all of it—and you!

Since your time in the program, what professional accomplishments bring you the greatest pride?

My company has more than 10X'd since my time in the program. I'm getting to the point where goals that we've been working on are being realized. It's truly gratifying to see something you've worked with someone on that has been fairly ethereal become reality. The knowledge I gained in the program allowed me to bridge that ethereal/reality gap. I’ve found that the more fully concepts are understood, the more confident a person feels. Additionally, they are better able to advocate for you because they are better equipped to articulate what exactly you do for them.

How would you describe the program and its value to someone considering it?

I believe strongly in continuing to learn. We should never get to a point where we feel we’re done with educating ourselves. I'm very proud of my alma mater and believe they provide an experience second to none. This program greatly deepens your understanding of your clients and what financial advising means to them. It allowed me to create better systems that took more than math into account and provided me the rhetoric to articulate that.

Is there anything else you would like to share about your program experience?

I can't say enough about how the program is put together. The program team is so incredibly helpful, knowledgeable, and available. The review slides they've put together are some of the best I've ever used.

Learn more about the Wealth Management Theory & Practice program