From the Board: Why I Serve

I’ve been volunteering with RIA for the past 10 years in a variety of roles. This started with my involvement helping with small and large projects on committees, and eventually evolved to my serving on the Convention Planning Committees and the Restoration Council and the Board. And now as a member on the Executive Committee, I am proud to say volunteering has had a positive impact on all aspects of my life.

Over the years, I’ve invested thousands of hours for the betterment of our industry because the industry has done so much for me and my family. As our industry evolves, we as professionals continue to face challenges. RIA plays a critical role in helping our association succeed. To paraphrase a common saying, RIA is like that rising tide that raises all of us “boats” as members.

In addition to the networking, relationships and betterment of the industry, the most valuable gift I’ve received through serving and volunteering with RIA is my own professional development. The ability to run a business well implies you’re continuing to develop as a professional. After all, when the executive level of a company stops developing, the entire organization ceases to improve.

Through my time volunteering with RIA, I’ve gained many skills that have helped me improve my own business. Working in teams and on groups and councils has taught me how to present ideas and options, ways in which to gain buy-in from a group, the value of challenging others’ views in a constructive manner, and how to listen and accept ideas with which you may not agree.  

I’ve learned how to operate with governing documents, policies and protocol. I appreciate the clarity around these documents and understand the importance of following those to ensure transparency and consistency.

Learning how to challenge someone in front of a board with whom I don’t agree has been another very important skill. RIA’s board encourages the ability to challenge others’ thinking, even only to play devil’s advocate and help to properly vet ideas. Conversely, I’ve improved how I receive and process criticism and critique. Too often in our own businesses, we are not challenged because of our ownership or title. Through serving on the board, I encourage my staff to challenge me and each other.

When volunteering for any organization, the most important thing to remember is that our businesses come first. If we don’t take care of our own company and clients, we won’t have the ability to continue to volunteer. Be diligent about how many hours you can contribute; speak up if you need help, even if you need to back down for a little while (this can happen at times and is always understood by your peers).
After 10 years of volunteerism, I am proud to say that my commitment to RIA has never been stronger. I continue to grow as a professional and gain leadership traits that directly impact my own business in a positive way. It’s truly a win-win! Without my time investment in RIA, I don’t think my own business would be where it is today.