Jen Dawson, CFP®, is a Partner and Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Advisors with more than 20 years of experience guiding high-net-worth clients through pivotal financial decisions. She is known for asking great questions and blending technical expertise with thoughtful, values-based guidance. As a leader of Beacon Pointe’s Women’s Advisory Institute, Jen is a passionate champion of women’s financial empowerment and a frequent speaker on career advancement, influence, and navigating the complexities of modern wealth. Jen has been honored as an InvestmentNews Woman to Watch and a Forbes Best-in-State Top Women Wealth Advisor for three consecutive years.¹ Jen lives in Chicago with her husband and two sons.

1) What initially inspired you to pursue your career, and what do you find most rewarding about being a woman in your profession?

This career is the perfect mix of two things I love most: analytical problem-solving and deep, long-term relationships. Early in my career search, I knew I wanted work that challenged me intellectually but also connected me to people in a meaningful, ongoing way. Financial planning is a perfect fit.

What I find most rewarding about being a woman in this profession is the opportunity to walk alongside clients through the many seasons of their lives. We don’t just manage dollars; we help families make decisions that shape their futures, help reduce stress, and create space for joy. It’s a career that has allowed me to grow a thriving practice and a family, and I’m deeply grateful for that.

Most of all, my clients inspire me. Their goals, challenges, and hopes motivate me to keep showing up, elevating my craft, and living my own life with clarity and intention.

2) What do you see as instrumental in terms of your success as a woman in your field, and how do you see it (or something else) shaping your future?

One of the most instrumental factors in my success has been getting crystal clear about who I am uniquely positioned to serve. For the past decade, I have focused on advising women lawyers and have immersed myself in their world, their pressures, the complexities of their compensation and tax structures, and the cultural dynamics of law firms. That has allowed me to build deep knowledge, show up as a trusted partner who genuinely understands them, and grow my practice in a meaningful and sustainable way.

Equally essential is my instinct for connection. I have always loved networking in the truest sense; spotting patterns, connecting dots, and introducing people who can elevate one another. That ability has shaped my practice, brought in clients I truly enjoy, and given me real agency over my career.

Looking ahead, I want to help more women experience that same clarity, control, and sense of possibility as they design their own futures in this industry.

3) Looking ahead, what do you see as the most exciting opportunities for women entering the profession today?

The Great Wealth Transfer and the increasing economic influence of women are creating tremendous opportunities for women in our profession. Trillions of dollars are expected to move across generations in the coming decade, and forecasts suggest women may control two-thirds of total U.S. wealth by 2030, according to a report by McKinsey and Company. At the same time, women are advancing academically, graduating at high rates, assuming leadership roles, and increasingly driving financial decisions in their households and careers. These shifts are expanding the need for financial guidance that reflects women’s values, goals, and life paths.

Concurrently, as technology and AI automate more technical tasks for advisors, the human elements of financial planning, such as behavioral insight, emotional coaching, and personalized support, are emerging as most essential. I believe women’s natural strengths in empathy, communication, and holistic thinking position us to elevate the client experience and to help more women step confidently into financial leadership.

4) What actions can young professionals take to position themselves for success and make the most of these opportunities?

First, invest in mastering your craft. Earn your credentials, deepen your expertise in the areas of the work that interest you most, and stay focused on the tasks that create the greatest impact. Also invest in yourself. Coaching, peer groups, and personal development have been invaluable in helping me grow with intention and confidence.

Along the way, make time for generous networking. Build real relationships, look for ways to support others, and stay open to the connections that evolve into mentors, sponsors, and collaborators. I have learned to collect and cherish people who inspire me, and that practice continually leads to new opportunities and meaningful experiences.

5) To the young women in this industry who may be facing obstacles to their success, what is the one piece of advice you would give them to help them overcome challenges?

My biggest piece of advice to young women in this industry is to be wildly intentional through the ups and downs of your career. Build simple but non-negotiable habits that help you pause, get quiet, and listen to your inner voice. Notice which challenges are building your character and which ones signal misalignment with your values or strengths, because those moments may call for a thoughtful pivot. Your career will evolve as the seasons of your life change, and you deserve the space to course-correct with intention.

If you stop having fun for a sustained period, be intentional about rediscovering joy at work. Fun is a genuine performance enhancer. When you feel energized and engaged, clients feel it, colleagues feel it, and opportunities naturally expand. Success becomes less about grinding and more about showing up as the most grounded and lit-up version of yourself.

Stay connected to your “why,” adjust when needed, and build a career that brings you joy. Long-term success grows from clarity, consistency, and honoring what makes you come alive.

Hear from other voices redefining our industry in the Heart of Advice Spotlight Marguerita Cheng blog post.

¹ For specific years related to each award and ranking, please visit beaconpointe.com/disclosures.

Disclaimer – The views expressed during this discussion are those of Jen Dawson and do not necessarily reflect the views of Beacon Pointe Advisors. The opinions expressed are subject to change at any time without notice.

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