Advisor Spotlight- Peter Sullivan

By Andrea Young on October 2, 2023

What’s your role at LWM?

Wealth Advisor.

Do you have a specialty we should know about?

At one point in my career, I worked as a convertible bond analyst. It was primarily credit analysis, but I like to believe that the same tools of critical discernment can carry over into portfolio and plan analysis.  

How important is overall financial planning with your clients?

Crucial. The plan is the framework for everything. The success of that dictates how one spends the latter part of their life and with how much emotional and financial well-being. Constructing a well-diversified portfolio is a means to achieving goals, but we first must determine what those goals are.  

What is your daily mantra – personally and professionally?

The Zen proverb, Chop Wood/Carry Water. On a metaphorical level, it speaks to the power of simple actions and the mindfulness, consistency, determination, and perseverance utilized in whatever the pursuit or goal. To maintain a still mind when physically busy enhances the ability to be more present, aware, and perceptive. Life is measured in blinks. The only moment in time that truly captures the experiential and involves the freedom of agency is the present. It is so hard to be there, but I try! 

If you were to listen in on your clients’ conversations with their friends and family, what would they say about you?

I think they might say that I listen. Truly listening to someone is what undergirds the power of empathy. There are situations where there are no words that can provide any real solution or solace. However, just being present and allowing someone to feel heard creates a profound and visceral connection that sustains us even through the hardest of trials.

How do you incorporate the head and heart with your clients? 

The early phases of advisor/client engagement are about building a relationship. The initial analysis is more qualitative than quantitative in nature. You will have clients who have lost jobs, marriages, relatives, financial security etc… If the very first thing you do under those circumstances is grab the calculator, then you don’t get it.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned in your career?

This field is relationship-driven. It is as simple as that. Many RIAs try to put their own twist on investment strategies & planning philosophies, but the real differentiator is the interpersonal piece. There is vulnerability involved in sharing deeply personal information. To instill trust, you must be emotionally invested, and if you are not, clients can easily sense that.

What is the most fun you have in your career?

There are a lot of moments where bad news needs to be delivered. However, there is nothing more rewarding and fun than delivering positive news and seeing the emotional reaction.  There are people who do all the right things regarding disciplined saving but still have real fears about financial security and the ability to retire. When you provide a client with a visual illustration of a plan model that exhibits a high probability of success, it can be powerful. I have seen tears of relief and surprise.    

Do you have any hobbies and/or special interests?

Trail running with my four-legged wingman, spending time in the mountains, watching the Boston Bruins or the English Premiere League team, Everton, and collecting tacky fridge magnets.

To learn more about Peter, click HERE.