390. Running with Grace: Lori Van Dusen: Wallstreet, Motherhood, and Loss

Having a diverse background is sometimes better than specializing in one thing. Today's guest, Lori Van Dusen, is the author of Running with Grace. Notice how she didn't say running with the fastest speed or endurance. It's about style, being a good sport, and thinking about things in the long term. Lori Van Dusen, welcome to the Better Call Daddy show. I am so excited that David Hirsch connected us.

In this heartfelt episode, Lori shares her journey from Wall Street trainee to successful financial advisor, emphasizing the importance of holistic client care. She delves into her personal life, discussing the sudden loss of her husband, the challenges of being a present mother while managing a demanding career, and the therapeutic process of writing her book.

This episode is a powerful exploration of resilience, adaptability, and the importance of building meaningful relationships. Tune in to hear Lori's inspiring story and the wisdom she's gained along the way.

Lori Van Dusen, CIMA®, is the Founder and CEO of LVW Advisors, a registered investment advisory firm that serves both wealthy families and individuals, as well as nonprofit institutions throughout the United States. An advocate of client-focused strategies for more than 25 years, she has become the voice of reason in providing unbiased and integrated solutions in a fragmented financial services industry. Lori is passionate about numerous philanthropic causes, serving on several boards focused on urban education, health and wellness, and the fine arts.

Lori began her investment advisory career in 1987 with Shearson Lehman Brothers, which was later acquired by Citigroup Smith Barney. By 2004, she had achieved the title of Managing Director with Citigroup Smith Barney. She founded LVW Advisors, a registered investment advisory firm, in 2011, leading a team of investment professionals.

A recipient of numerous accolades, in 2019 Lori was named to Barron’s Financial Advisor Hall of Fame, which recognizes advisors who have appeared in more than 10 of Barron’s annual Top Financial Advisor rankings. Additionally, Lori was ranked #1 in New York - NY State on Forbes’ 2023 and 2022 Best-In-State Wealth Advisors lists and has been ranked for five consecutive years on both Forbes’ America’s Top Wealth Advisors list and Forbes’ America’s Top Women Advisors lists.

In recognition of her involvement in the Rochester community, Lori was recognized in the Rochester Business Journal’s 2023, 2022, and 2021 Power 100 list and received the 2020 Women of Excellence distinction with the Circle of Excellence honor. The Circle of Excellence recognizes a small group of women each year with longstanding, notable success in the community who are leading the way for other women. Additionally, Lori was inducted into the 2019 Rochester Business Hall of Fame and joins a prestigious list of Rochester business leaders who have been previously inducted. Lori has also been recognized by the Girl Scouts of Western New York as one of the 2019 Women of Distinction.

In 2017, Lori was featured on the J.P. Morgan Asset Management and Dow Jones panel discussion, “Let’s Talk: The Changing Face of Advice,” where she and Dr. David Kelly, Chief Global Strategist of J.P. Morgan Asset Management, discussed the investment and wealth management needs of today’s client and the client of the future. This inaugural production was widely promoted in both Barron’s and The Wall Street Journal. In addition, in light of her astute business acumen and numerous philanthropic endeavors, Lori is a highly sought out speaker and is frequently featured in premier investment publications, such as Barron’s and Forbes.

In 2018, Lori was awarded the Alice Holloway Young Award for Distinguished Service by a Retired Trustee, presented by the New York Community College Trustees. This prestigious award recognized Lori for her fervent advocacy, leadership and on-going support of student success at Monroe Community College, where she retired as Chair of the Board of Trustees in 2008.

Key Takeaways

- The importance of holistic client care and listening to truly understand their needs. - The challenges and rewards of balancing career and family life. - The therapeutic power of writing and sharing personal stories. - The value of building a supportive team and mentoring the next generation.

Connect with Lori Van Dusen

- Book: Running with Grace

Connect with Reena

- Website: bettercalldaddy.com - LinkedIn: Reena Friedman Watts - Twitter: @reenareena - Instagram: @reenafriedmanwatts - Instagram Podcast: @bettercalldaddypodcast We love hearing your feedback. Leave us a review, share your thoughts, and spread the word about this enriching episode. Share it with someone who appreciates resilience and the importance of self-worth. - (00:00) Reena Friedman Watts welcomes back Wayne Friedman for the better call daddy show - (01:58) Lori Van Dusen: David and I go way back - (08:54) When you have a traumatic event, your soul leaves your body - (14:00) Your music producer son helps you edit your book - (16:46) I just want to say that I love how personal your book is - (21:54) What is your most gratifying experience with philanthropy - (27:35) Cole weighed five pounds when he was born - (28:00) You met your husband on his birthday, and you got married quickly - (31:40) You've sold two homes and are in the process of listing another one - (35:29) After Ron, my husband, died, I dealt with grief through meditation - (42:01) I have kept things from my college days or my early twenties - (43:08) You didn't really know your dad until you were 24 - (47:04) You write about how your family has incredible history in New York - (49:49) When you started at Lehman Brothers, there were 300 people - (54:25) You developed a recurring revenue business model to help grow your firm - (57:12) I'm curious how opera singing fits in to your next book - (01:02:33) I'd love to hear your dad's advice to young parents - (01:04:15) You've heard from my mom. Now let's switch it over to grandpa

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