Confident and Committed: How Jackie’s Tenacity Helped Her Succeed in Sales

How far can self-determination take you? Jackie E.’s career is a fantastic example of how hard work and commitment can be just as important as what’s on your resume. She started as a Nutrition and Exercise Physiology major before working in the legal field, but she found her long-term career path when she joined Fisher Investments. Read her interview to see how she proved that you don’t need a finance background to succeed in the industry!

Tell us about your career. How did you get to where you are today?

I started my finance career at Fisher as an entry-level Regional Sales Associate, where I supported the sales process from an internal and operational standpoint. Because I came from a different educational background, I simultaneously took graduate-level finance courses in the evenings to gain a better understanding of the industry.

After a couple of years, I moved to the Account Executive (AE) role. As an AE, I was responsible for setting meetings and communicating Fisher’s value directly to prospective clients. As I progressed, I continued to deepen my understanding of the full Fisher process. I was eventually promoted to Vice President of Financial Sales, where my responsibilities increased to managing the full-cycle sales process, from initial outreach through onboarding.

What originally drew you to Fisher?

Coming from the legal field, working for a true fiduciary was a non-negotiable for me. I wanted to be in an environment where putting the client’s interests first wasn’t optional—it was the standard.

What specifically drew me to Fisher was the combination of that fiduciary commitment and a performance-driven culture. I’d also heard Fisher had a strong reputation for developing talent, especially at the entry level, and there was a clear path for growth into more advanced roles.

How has Fisher differed from other places you’ve worked?

The biggest difference is how performance-driven and transparent the environment is. Success in my role is clearly defined and directly tied to individual contribution, which creates a strong sense of accountability and ownership.

Another differentiator is that people build long-term careers here. Many employees have been with the firm for 10, even 20 years, which speaks to both the culture and the opportunity for growth.

There’s a deep level of institutional knowledge across the firm, and teammates and managers are consistently willing to support one another. It’s a highly collaborative environment where people are genuinely invested in each other’s success.

Are there any practices that have contributed to your success in sales?

A big part of my success has come from understanding how different clients can benefit from our services. I focus on having genuine, thoughtful conversations—taking the time to understand where someone is today, what led them there, and where they want to go. Staying curious and client-focused has been a key driver in developing my process.

I’m also constantly looking for ways to improve. I make a point to seek feedback, track what’s working and what isn’t, and collaborate with colleagues to refine my approach. That mindset helps me stay sharp and avoid complacency.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your career?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to be intentional about the company you choose, and once you do, commit fully to earning your career there. If that means starting in an entry-level role and proving yourself, it can be worth it. If you choose the right company, that initial investment in yourself can create long-term opportunity. 

That mindset has been a big part of my career progression. I was willing to start where I needed to, stay consistent, and continue earning the next opportunity.

What do you find meaningful about your work? What keeps you motivated?

What I find most meaningful is helping potential clients feel more confident about their financial future. Many people aren’t sure if they’re making the right decisions or if they’ll be able to maintain their lifestyle long-term, so being able to provide clarity and direction is very rewarding.

I’m also motivated by growth and performance. Being in a role where results are measurable and directly tied to my effort pushes me to keep improving. It’s that combination—delivering real value to potential clients while continuing to grow—that keeps me motivated.

How do you ensure you are bringing your best self to work each day?

I focus on staying disciplined and consistent so I can show up at a high level every day. That includes maintaining structure in my routine, staying active, and managing my energy throughout the day. I also make a conscious effort to stay present. Every conversation deserves my full attention. Potential clients are taking time out of their day and sharing personal information, so I make it a priority to be fully engaged.

What advice do you have for women who are currently in or thinking of joining the sales field?

Apply for the job or promotion you want. Don’t wait until you feel 100% qualified or certain you’ll succeed before going after opportunities. You do not always need one more certificate or another degree just to get started. Confidence is built through consistent action and experience, not before it.

If you stay consistent, implement feedback, and keep improving, success will follow.