2020 Influential Businesswoman Awards

14 Acquisition International - 2020 Worldwide Finance Awards elissa Harrell entered the financial services industry as a wholesaler for a top insurance manufacturer in Canada, during which she undertook a top training program. From there, she moved into estate planning for a wealth management bank in Canada, and eventually moved to Winnipeg and became CFO of Howe Harrell & Associates, an investment brokerage firm. Because of the experience and exposure she received within her estate planning role, Melissa is well equipped to handle any personal or corporate issue that her clients may have. She has the confidence and the credence to speak passionately about financial planning, and through her passion, has cultivated a large client base. As CFO of Howe Harrell & Associates, Melissa handles the general operations as well as her own books of business. She works with other team members on client files when her expertise is needed and has taken the lead on growing the associates of the firm. The company itself is a full-service boutique investment brokerage firm. They work with personal and corporate clients in Canada, crafting intelligentandactionablefinancialplans.Theplansarecomprehensive, and the team are able to address budgeting, investments, risk management, estate planning, group pensions and benefits. The relatively small team of experts are listeners first; they ensure that they get to know their clients and their business so that they can most effectively help tackle their financial planning. As a businesswoman, Melissa faces inertia and a difficulty to be heard in a boardroom of men. Their respect is not automatic. However, she has found that by crafting herself into an expert on the subject, she can speak with a passion and knowledge that stops her from being overlooked, instead commanding the attention of any conference room. Even clients who see that she is a young woman and are not immediately engaged in the meeting, are won over by her knowledge, passion and ability to break down complex matters into digestible pieces of advice. In addition to her command of the boardroom, Melissa has continuously involved herself with the local community. She acts as an advocate for her profession. From local schools, where she educates about finance, to leading the local Winnipeg Advocis (Financial Advisors Association of Canada) chapter. These actions have broadened her knowledge base of matters affecting the finance industry, allowing her to better advise her clients, all while improving financial literacy in her local area. It is the long hours of hard work, combined with the never-ending pursuit of education that have helped Melissa to achieve the success that she has. Being female in a male-dominated industry has indeed thrown hurdles in her way, but she has continuously overcome them. Whether it is leading impassioned and knowledgeable boardroom meetings or improving financial literacy in local schools, Melissa Harrell has proven herself an authoritative and conscientious expert in her field and one of the best wealth management businesswomen around. Best Wealth Management Businesswoman (Canada): Melissa Harrell M The benefit of being a business leader in the community has put Melissa in a position where she can help others. Early in her career, Melissa was fortunate to work in a feminist environment during her estate planning role. She saw business leaders actively working to promote the growth of women, something she is striving towards at Howe Harrell & Associates. The company is extremely supportive towards women’s growth and empowerment. Plus, as part of her work with the local women’s business owner group, Melissa has helped to cultivate both a business network and a support network. The #MeToo movement has, in Melissa’s opinion, helped to bring the issue of feminine rights to the forefront for men. Many men were not, and still are not, aware of the daily and casual remarks that are made to women, not only within the financial services, but in general. Previously, the non-confrontational approach was to make light of these off-handed remarks. Melissa is pleased to be able to support other women by pointing out the #MeToo moments when they occur. Howe Harrell & Associates are going through a period of growth. They have opened up their investment platform to offer better solutions to clients at lower fees. They are integrating new technology to streamline work systems for a user-friendly client experience. It is an exciting time for the industry, as staying on top of regulatory changes only fuels their projects. Melissa’s personal career goals are to grow the offices to include more associate advisors and build up her book of business with a specific focus on professional women. Overall, she wishes to be able to look back on her career and see that she has positively impacted financial security, financial literacy in youth, and educated advisors on the ethical and comprehensive ways to interact with clients. If this is the case, then she says she will be able to retire with pride. Company: Howe Harrell & Associates Contact: Melissa Harrell Website: www.hhaa.ca