As a woman in the male-dominated field of finance, wealth manager Lindsey Rhea embraces a different approach to financial advising. A Certified Financial Planner, she knows women have a place in the industry by playing to their greatest strength — their ability to connect with clients. “Women work with clients a little differently, discussing more of the emotional aspects, and they’re not afraid to ask questions that others may not ask,” she says.
Lindsey’s approach works, and her success speaks for itself: She is the owner and wealth strategist at Alia Wealth Partners and has been honored with numerous industry awards, including Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisor, 2020 and 2021, Best-In-State Wealth Advisors, 2020 and 2021, and Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisor, 2019. Meet this dynamic FACE of Memphis, Lindsey Rhea!
What was your upbringing like?
I grew up in Somerville, TN, a small town about an hour from Memphis. I went to the same school, K through 12. Somerville was a close-knit community. Everybody knows everybody; you never meet a stranger.
My mother died when I was 15. Her sister, my aunt, stepped in, and we were very close. She was a mentor and guide to me, and I give her credit for steering me to my current career.
I went to the University of Memphis and loved it. I was very involved — I joined a sorority, took leadership roles, and was active in student government. I went during the Calipari years, so basketball was huge. I was also a part of the Blue Crew, the student organization that supported Tiger Basketball.
Can you tell us more about your career path?
My aunt used to work for the IRS and was also very good with investments. She had a college account for me and would show me the statements and teach me about mutual funds and how investments grow.
I always knew I wanted to do something business-related and went in that direction with my classes. In the Fogelman College of Business and Economics at the U of M, students have to take one basic finance course. That was the door for me. I fell in love with the idea of the time value of money, growing money, and what that could mean.
Some of my friends on the Blue Crew were in the class, too. They encouraged me to consider becoming an advisor — they thought I’d be great; I could talk to people and get to know them as well as work in finance. I’d originally thought about accounting but realized the work would mostly be behind a desk, and that’s just not me. I’m a people person; I get my energy from conversations and building relationships.
What was your first job in finance, and what did you learn?
Through my sorority, I got an internship with Morgan Keegan. I worked in the training department for financial advisors, handling the meeting logistics for training events. I worked mainly with new advisors who were starting their careers. I watched, listened, and learned. I got to see what worked and what didn’t.
I stayed at Morgan Keegan for four years after graduating, so it became my first real job and my first taste of financial advising.
What was the spark that led you to open your own firm?
While I was working at Morgan Keegan, my aunt introduced me to her own advisor, Steve Veesart. Steve brought me on as an associate in his firm, Veesart Financial, in 2011. I learned so much from Steve about financial advising, and I was able to help him grow his business.
I worked with Steve for eight years. For the last two years, we planned for his retirement and my next steps — what my path would look like once he retired. I talked to many different firms as we considered what might be my next step. Steve and I were talking to a group out of Atlanta, and they were very young. I looked at Steve and said, “If they can do this on their own, then I can do this too!” That was my epiphany; I realized I didn’t have to join another firm. I didn’t have to work for someone; I could work for myself. I knew my skills and desire to connect with people would help me be a successful planner for our clients and grow the business into the Alia brand it is today.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
My clients. Many people think my job is mostly about numbers, stocks and bonds, the stock market … the financial side. To me, it is about relationships and helping people. I try to get to know the person before learning about their financial situation. If I know what their goals are, the money will follow.
What do you wish more people knew about wealth management?
People think that investing and wealth management are scary or taboo. They don’t really want to talk about financial planning. I had a client who used to say that coming to see me and going to see the doctor were like the same thing! It shouldn’t be that way. A financial advisor’s job is to de-mystify wealth management and provide guidance. I want to explain things in a way that makes sense and takes some of the mystery out.
Forbes recently recognized you as a top woman advisor and spoke at their national conference in West Palm Beach about “Defining Success on Your Own Terms.” What did that experience mean to you?
It was very humbling. When I got asked, I could hardly believe they wanted ME.
The conference was Forbes’ first all-women event. I was very encouraged and inspired; I met so many amazing women. I was a part of a panel discussion with two others who have been in the business for several years. I wanted to learn from them and hear their stories. The conference was about hearing career stories, learning different perspectives, and helping each other. It was very, very cool.
Where can we find you when you’re not working?
I think “work hard, play hard” is a good mantra. I love to travel and experience new places. On the flip side, I like to relax at home, eat a pizza and drink a glass of wine on the couch.
What advice would you give to young women considering a career in finance?
Steve was a very good mentor to me, and my advice is based on what he always told me: do not underestimate yourself. When people think about finance and investing, they often believe stereotypically, “Oh, that’s a man’s world.” And it has been, although it is changing. But it’s good to be different, and I would tell them to go for it. I can think of many occasions when I’ve worked with and won over a client because I’m a woman. Embrace the difference.
Aside from faith, family, and friends, what are three things you can’t live without?
A nice glass of wine, my little dog Louie, and self-confidence.
All photography by Allison Rodgers.
**********
Meet more inspiring women from Memphis and across the South in our FACES archives!
