The Power of Perspective: How Alisa’s Mindset Guided Her From Entry-Level to Management

How does someone grow from an intern to a manager? We asked Alisa, one of our Account Executive (AE) Group Managers at Fisher Investments. Alisa started as an intern in our sales department before joining full-time after college. After excelling as an AE, she was promoted to the role of Group Manager, where she now oversees a team of AEs and helps them build their skills for long-term success.

Below, Alisa shares why she chose to build her career at Fisher, and how her positive mindset helped her succeed.

A Culture of Encouragement

Before her internship, Alisa wasn’t entirely sure about a career in sales, but she took a leap of faith. “I heard great things about Fisher, and I wanted to be challenged and try something new,” she says. Once she started, Alisa quickly realized the potential that a career in sales offered. “The sales internship was so fun! I walked away from that summer having accomplished my goal of challenging myself, and I knew I wanted to be at Fisher post-graduation.”

As for why she knew Fisher was the right choice, Alisa points to our dedication to our employees’ growth. “I chose to build my career at Fisher because of the culture and opportunity it provides,” she explains. “I know Fisher cares about developing its people.”

Fisher’s team-driven culture was another draw for Alisa. She found that the people on her team weren’t just welcoming; they actively looked out for each other. “I enjoy coming to work every day because of the people I work with,” she says. “Holding each other accountable is what has led to so much success. Whether it’s an encouraging email, someone listening to you and giving you feedback, or even just talking to you about what you are going through, it gives you the motivation to keep going.”

The Mindset of Success

After her internship, Alisa knew the AE role was the right fit. She enjoyed the fast-paced nature of the job, including making calls and setting up meetings with prospective clients. But she admits it can be a challenging job, and she had to adjust her mentality.

“In sales, the biggest thing is mindset. Making sure you come in every day refreshed and ready to give it your all is important,” she says. “Staying even-keeled is a very important skill to have in the Account Executive role. Prospective clients can feel the energy you bring.”

The importance of an even temperament isn’t limited to sales; now as a manager, Alisa uses that mental fortitude to strengthen her team. “It is important that my team views me as level-headed every day—a leader they can depend on for what they need.”

Her team doesn’t just need a leader; they need a mentor, too. This is what originally inspired Alisa to go into management, and it’s her favorite aspect of the job. Her mentorship philosophy is simple: “Point out the positives more than the negatives. It builds confidence, and people’s strengths become even stronger as a result.” 

Alisa’s positive mindset throughout her career has helped open doors she never thought possible before her time at Fisher. When asked if she has any advice for other women who are thinking of joining the sales field, she says, “Keep an open mind to the opportunity in front of you. I have been able to find more success than I ever thought I would after college. This was all because I was willing to challenge myself and lean on the resources around me.”