Stephanie O’Donovan

Director of Human Resources

• What path led you to wealth management?

• I didn’t plan on getting into wealth management. At the point in my career where I was looking for a new opportunity, and because Human Resources can be similarly practiced across a variety of industries, I focused on the culture of my next company.

• Why did you join TFO Phoenix?

• The quality of the leadership team that I interviewed with was very impressive. The TFO Phoenix focus on culture and mission was thoughtful and well articulated and consistently referenced throughout the interview process.

• What most excites you about your work?

• TFO Phoenix prides itself on its client service. In my role, my clients are my fellow co-workers. I have been charged with helping ensure we maintain a supportive, productive, and fun environment so our associates can provide their clients with the attention and care they expect.

• What has been your most rewarding career experience?

• My first position out of college was with Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, MI. As a young professional, it was an incredible opportunity, and the training and resources I received during those first five years of my career were impeccable. Although it was longer ago than I would like to admit, I still consider it the foundation of my career.

• What personal accomplishments are you most proud of?

• My family, not only the one I have created with my husband and children, but also the relationship with my parents, in-laws, siblings and nieces and nephews. As a native Phoenician, I am so lucky to have all my extended family in the same awesome state; my husband’s parents even became snowbirds when they bought a winter condo. We are a loud and loving bunch, and all our kids have gotten used to a large audience at their special games/performances/commencements/etc.

• Why should families connect wealth and purpose?

• Purpose should permeate most things we do, and the more important things we impact should have the highest level of purpose aligned with it. Being responsible stewards of generational wealth and/or creating generational wealth can have an incredible impact on a family, the community, and even the world in some cases.

• Education and accreditations:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration – Organizational Development
• Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX
• Senior Professional in Human Resources, SPHR: 2003-Current

• What do you like to do outside of work? What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend?

• I love to spend time with my friends, family, and dogs. You can usually find me on the pickleball court when I am not with them. Not sure if you have heard, but it’s the fastest-growing sport in the United States.

• What are some of your biggest influences?

• My family, particularly my father. Even though he is no longer with us, I still imagine how he would advise me when I make big decisions or go through a challenging time. I also really enjoy Malcolm Gladwell. His perspective on society and particular situations or constructs is fascinating to me. It’s not science, but he is compelling and has influenced me to question why some things may be the way they are and in different ways.

• What are the most important lessons you’ve learned in life?

• Try your best to live in a thoughtful, purposed, and consistent way. This will help minimize stress and mistakes, but we know they will happen. It’s how you recover from mistakes and learn from them that’s important. Try to laugh and smile as much as possible and whenever appropriate.