We recently connected with Brooke Goldstein and have shared our conversation below.

Brooke, appreciate you joining us today. Looking back at the decisions you made early in your career, particularly whether to join a firm or start your own, do you feel you made the right choice for that stage of your career?

The Lessons My Family Taught Me: Everyone Is Your Equal, and Your Word Is Your Truth
When I think about the most important lessons my family instilled in me, two stand out above the rest: everyone is your equal, and your word is your truth. These weren’t just words they said in passing—they were principles they lived by, and they have shaped the way I approach both my personal life and my career.
Everyone Is Your Equal
Growing up, my grandfather made it clear that no one was above or below me. Whether it was the CEO of a company or the person sweeping the floors, everyone deserved the same level of respect and kindness. He represented this principle in his actions.
That stuck with me. And it was made clear when my grandfather passed away. When the gentleman who disposed of our garbage in our neighborhood found out that my grandfather had passed away—he cried and expressed so much goodness about my grandfather. That was something I wont forget.
This principle has taught me to see people, not positions—a mindset that has guided me through life. In my career, this has meant treating colleagues, clients, and employees with the same level of respect, regardless of title or status. It’s helped me to build strong relationships and foster environments where people feel valued.
Your Word Is Your Truth
Another lesson my parents drilled into me was that what you say and do should always align. My parents all follow the same simple rule: “If you say you’re going to do something, you do it. No excuses.” It didn’t matter if it was a small promise or a major commitment—your word is your bond.
Whether in business or personal relationships, I take my commitments seriously. I’ve built a reputation for being reliable, honest, and someone who follows through, and that has opened doors, built trust, and helped me grow in my career.
The Lasting Impact
These two lessons—treating everyone as an equal and standing by my word—have become the foundation of how I navigate life. They’ve influenced the way I lead, the way I connect with people, and the way I measure success. Looking back, I realize that my parents weren’t just teaching me how to be a good person; they were giving me the keys to building meaningful relationships and a fulfilling career.

Brooke, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My firm Brentwood Financial Advisors is a multi-generational asset management company helping entrepreneurs and families with their wealth management needs. Our clients appreciate that we go above and beyond the traditional investment advice model. We changed the paradigm. We are about relationships. It is rewarding to help make an impact in someone’s financial life and to help them live more confidently. We truly get to know each client so we can understand their situation and help them plan a path that works for their financial goals. Whether it is complex financial strategies or just a second opinion on their financial status, we guide them through it all. We take it seriously when we say we are committed to helping our clients pursue the best life possible. The people at our company make all the difference on how the business runs and the experience we offer to our clients. We are able to provide our clients with a unique father-daughter perspective and a highly-attentive team approach.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

There have been a few times I’ve pivoted through my career and each time has been challenging yet rewarding. I began my career in 2010 in the advertising industry, working for three of the largest worldwide advertising agencies Ogilvy & Mather, Team One, and Lowe Campbell Ewald. I decided that was not the right fit for me and made the decision to join my father in financial services. I started as an administrator working for him. I learned the business as I went through all the training and licensing requirements to be able to work alongside him. Over time, I evolved to a Financial Advisor role and went on to receive the CIMA® (Certified Investment Management Analyst®) Certification, administered by the Investments & Wealth Institute, and taught in conjunction with the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.
In June 2019, my father and I left our previous firm, and founded our company, Brentwood Financial Advisors. It has been really fulfilling starting something of our own, and watching it grow.
Now, we have pivoted again as we are expanding our locations around the country. We now have locations in California, Arizona, Colorado, and Tennessee and it is exciting to be able to help a wider array of people.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Entering a male-dominated finance industry was a stark contrast to my previous experience in advertising, where women held many leadership roles. I had to unlearn the belief that only men can succeed in finance. Despite this, I was determined to succeed, fueled by my father’s example and my own drive. And it is encouraging to see more women enter this field and have successful careers while helping people find confidence with their finances. Even though there is still a small percentage of women in the financial advisor field, women are becoming more and more the holders of wealth in the United States. I think there will be even more of a demand for female advisors which will hopefully push more women to consider a career in finance. While challenges remain, the progress is definitely encouraging.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.brentwoodfinancialadvisors.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brentwoodfinancialadv/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrentwoodFinancial/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brentwood-financial-advisors/
• Twitter: https://x.com/BrentwoodAdv
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiSMIjOmXYSuPli98nVA-UA
• Other: Disclosure info:
  Brooke Goldstein is a financial advisor with Brentwood Financial Advisors in Los Angeles, California. Her firm is a multi-generational asset management company who help entrepreneurs and families with their wealth management needs. You can learn more about them on their website https://www.brentwoodfinancialadvisors.com.

  Brooke Goldstein, CIMA®
  Partner, Co-Founder
  Brentwood Financial Advisors
  11726 SAN VICENTE BLVD STE 235
  LOS ANGELES, CA 90049
  Securities and advisory services offered through Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, member FINRA/SIPC, a broker/dealer and Registered Investment Adviser. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity.