We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Courtney S. Jenkins. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Courtney S. below.
Courtney S., appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear from you about what you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry and why it matters.
What I believe Corporate America gets wrong in the financial industry is the fundamental purpose of being in finance. Most people, when they enter the financial industry, focus solely on making money for themselves rather than educating and helping others. There are various sectors in the financial industry, including banking, asset management, insurance, corporate finance, private equity, financial coaching, credit analysis, and more. I believe that the industry you choose should align with your personality, morals, character, and mindset around finances.
In the finance industry, there are multiple issues that need to be addressed. Many companies prioritize short-term profits over long-term growth and sustainability, leading to decisions that may not be in the best interest of the company’s future health or its stakeholders. Compensation structures often reward immediate results rather than sustained performance, encouraging risk-taking behavior. The finance industry has been criticized for its lack of diversity in terms of gender, race, and socioeconomic background, which can lead to a narrow perspective and a lack of innovative thinking. Aggressive sales targets and high-pressure environments can lead to unethical behavior, such as mis-selling financial products or engaging in fraudulent activities. Companies sometimes prioritize profitability over compliance, resulting in legal issues and reputational damage.
Financial products can be overly complex, making it difficult for consumers to understand what they are purchasing and the associated risks. Past scandals and crises have eroded public trust in financial institutions, and efforts to rebuild this trust are often seen as insufficient. There can be a lack of focus on continuous learning and development, which is crucial in an industry that is constantly evolving. There is often a disconnect between corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and actual business practices, leading to accusations of “greenwashing.” A lack of transparency in pricing, fees, and business practices can lead to distrust and dissatisfaction among customers. Addressing these issues could lead to more sustainable, ethical, and customer-focused financial practices, ultimately benefiting not just the industry but society as a whole.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I got into the financial industry driven by a passion for helping people manage their finances and make informed financial decisions. I got into coaching driven by a passion for helping people achieve their goals and dreams. Both aligned with me because I had been working on myself and my finances for the past 4 years years now and still continue to do so.
I offer a range of financial coaching, including budgeting, money management, increasing savings, reducing debt, investing, and more. My services are designed to address the diverse needs of my clients, whether they are individuals seeking personal financial guidance or businesses looking for strategic financial solutions. Additionally, I conduct workshops and plan to publish more books to educate people on financial literacy, helping them make informed decisions about their money.
I help my clients navigate complex financial landscapes by providing clear, actionable advice. I assist them with budgeting to manage their expenses, money management to optimize their financial strategies, increasing savings for future goals, and reducing debt to improve their financial health. I also provide guidance on investing to grow their wealth and ensure they make informed decisions about their financial future.
What sets me apart is my commitment to education and ethical practices, as well as my personal experience with money. I have a deep understanding of financial concepts not only from my professional background but also from my own journey in managing and growing my finances. I believe in transparency and prioritize my clients’ best interests above all else. My approach is holistic, considering not just the financial aspects but also the personal values and goals of my clients. This personalized and ethical approach helps build trust and long-lasting relationships.
I am most proud of the profound impact I’ve had on my clients’ lives. Whether it’s guiding someone towards financial independence, assisting with a debt reduction plan, or simplifying complex financial concepts, the fulfillment I gain from making a difference is immense. What truly excites me is helping my clients shift from a limited mindset to one of abundance. Witnessing them realize they can achieve anything they set their minds to is incredibly rewarding. By transforming their perspective, they become empowered to chase their goals with newfound confidence and optimism.
I want potential clients and followers to know that I am dedicated to their financial well-being. My sessions are both structured and personable, ensuring that my clients hold themselves accountable and understand that this is a marathon, not a sprint. Mistakes will happen, but it’s crucial to learn from them to improve. I help clients recognize their “WHY,” as understanding their core motivation is essential for lasting success. My goal is to provide them with the tools and knowledge they need to make confident financial decisions. At Living In Abundance Academy, we stand for integrity, education, and personalized service, and I am committed to maintaining these values in everything I do.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Several factors have contributed to building my reputation within the financial market. A significant aspect is my own personal experience with finances. Having navigated various financial challenges and achieved substantial results in my own life, I bring a real-world perspective to my work. This firsthand experience allows me to relate to my clients on a personal level and provide practical, effective solutions based on what I’ve learned and accomplished.
My dedication to continuous learning and keeping up with industry trends significantly bolsters my reputation. My personal success with financial strategies and ongoing professional development equip me to deliver timely and effective advice in a dynamic market. Education and transparency are core to my approach. I make it a priority to stay informed and improve my skills by exploring topics such as coaching, business, finance, real estate, stocks, and other investments. Additionally, my hands-on experience with stocks, real estate, and other investments enriches my expertise and reinforces my practical understanding of financial principles.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Yes, several books, videos, and communities have significantly influenced my management and entrepreneurial thinking.
“Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki transformed my perspective on investing and money management. I’ve also gained valuable insights from Robert Kiyosaki’s YouTube videos. “Who Not How” by Dan Sullivan highlighted the importance of leveraging great resources to overcome challenges while also educating myself in areas where I need improvement. “The Prosperous Coach” by Steve Chandler and Rich Litvin deepened my understanding of coaching’s purpose and recognizing my value as a coach and an individual.
“Who Moved My Cheese” by Spencer Johnson emphasized the need to adapt and confront fears in order to overcome them. “UNLEARN” by Humble the Poet taught me the significance of unlearning self-limiting behaviors that impede personal growth. “The Richest Man in Babylon” by George Samuel Clason reinforced lessons on resilience, learning from mistakes, and overall financial spending.
On YouTube, I regularly watch videos from Wallstreet Trapper and John Hope Bryant, who have provided me with valuable knowledge on financial literacy and business. I’m also an active member of the Wallstreet Trapper community. In addition to these resources, I am fortunate to have mentors who continue to positively impact my life and career.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtneysjenkins/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-s-jenkins-09880887/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@courtneysjenkins
