At Trust Company of the South, we take pride in celebrating the women who make a lasting impact on our clients and our firm. This Women’s Month, we’re highlighting Lindsey Stetson, CFP®, Wealth Advisor and Principal, for her dedication to financial planning and her passion for helping families build financial confidence.
Lindsey’s career path wasn’t a straight line—she originally planned to pursue medicine before discovering a deeper connection to financial advising. Now, with more than 14 years in wealth management, she works closely with individuals and families, emphasizing the importance of financial education from an early age.
She shares the lessons that shaped her career, her advice for women entering the industry and the financial habits she believes everyone should build.
Read more about Lindsey below.
Getting to Know Lindsey
Tell us about your journey in wealth management. What led you to this career?
I always knew I wanted a career that involved helping people, but initially, I thought I would end up in a health or science-based role. I studied math and pre-med in college and planned to attend medical school. After a few years of hands-on work in a genetics research lab and volunteering for hospice, I switched paths and worked as a legal assistant in a bankruptcy litigation group. I enjoyed some aspects of the job but wanted a more personal career, so I found a role with a firm that provided financial planning and wealth management services. That was 14 years ago, and I could not imagine doing anything else.
What do you enjoy most about your role at Trust Company of the South?
By far, the best part of my role is the people! The individuals and families I have the privilege of serving are unique, intelligent, and great people overall. I work with the older children of many clients to help them get an early start on budgeting and general financial basics. It’s fun to stay up to date with everyone’s lives.
I enjoy my coworkers, too. The entire Trust Company team is fantastic, and my Charlotte colleagues are fun to be around.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in the financial industry, and how have you navigated them?
The industry has become much more welcoming to women over the last decade. I never felt singled out or unwelcome in my career, but I looked very young in my 20s, and clients regularly mistook me for a receptionist or intern.
Advice and Perspectives
What advice would you give to your younger self or other women looking to build a career in wealth management?
Explore different roles and types of firms in the industry. There are many roles in wealth management and other types of firms, and knowing the options will help you find the best fit for your career.
What’s one financial lesson you believe everyone should learn early in life?
Understanding the value of money is essential to instill at a young age. Once children understand how money can be earned (which encourages a strong work ethic), the importance of setting goals and saving can be introduced, which teaches the concept of delayed gratification.
What inspires you most in your work?
The people! Building meaningful relationships with clients to help them achieve their goals is extremely rewarding. The culture at Trust Company is very collaborative, and working with smart, dedicated people motivates me to bring the best version of myself every day.
Beyond the Office
When you’re not working, how do you like to spend your time?
I love running, so if I’m not actively training for a race, I still fit in several mental health runs per week. As a car enthusiast, I spend too much time perusing Bring a Trailer, and I plan to get my drag racing license this summer. My husband and I also enjoy traveling and take regular weekend road trips with our dog, Rockwell.
Do you have a book, podcast or mentor who has influenced your professional journey?
The firm I worked at in Houston, Texas, before moving to Charlotte and joining Trust Company, was woman-founded and owned, and for a period of time, the staff was also 100% women. Working there definitely influenced me and helped shape my career.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, is there a woman—historical or personal—who has inspired you?
I recently visited the Hearst Castle and learned about the architect who designed it, Julia Morgan. She was one of the first female engineering majors at UC Berkeley, the first woman to pass the entrance exam (and graduate!) from the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts (the top architecture program in the world at the time) and the first licensed woman architect in California. Her perseverance is inspiring, and her story is fascinating.
