We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kari Ellis. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kari below.

Kari, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

I made a pivotal choice: to step away from corporate America and embark on a fresh path by establishing a Recruiting company in Fresno, CA named WayPoint Consulting Partners. My company specializes in placing seasoned Financial Services professionals across the country. Despite encountering skepticism from those who viewed leaving the perceived security of a salaried position with comprehensive benefits as a challenge, I held steadfast in my capabilities and decided to take a leap of faith. So far, the leap has yielded significant dividends. It became the catalyst for ongoing success, granting me the autonomy to choose the clients I wished to collaborate with in the Financial Services field. My inherent inclination towards servant leadership naturally drew me towards a profession where I could be helpful to others. I deliberately selected a field that afforded me the freedom to determine the length of my work engagements and one that offered boundless potential for setting and attaining financial objectives (for myself and those I serve). The allure of flexibility and achieving a harmonious work-life balance remains as compelling today as it was when I first embarked on this journey years ago.

Kari, 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 name is Kari Ellis and I am the Founder and Senior Career Consultant at WayPoint Consulting Partners. I recruit seasoned Financial & Insurance professionals across the country. With 15+ years of expertise, I recognize the challenges today’s career seekers experience and stand ready to provide unwavering support at every turn. Our comprehensive suite of services includes personalized resume crafting, tailored interview preparation, and exclusive access to prime career opportunities. At Waypoint Consulting Partners, we recognize the critical importance of sourcing top-tier talent for various organizations. Our team collaborates closely with employers to grasp their unique hiring requirements and identify ideal candidates. By streamlining the recruitment process, we save our clients valuable time (and money) as well as ensure they have access to some of the most qualified financial professionals currently on the market. I’m proud to share that I’ve cultivated partnerships with exceptional organizations nationwide eager to match with talented individuals. For those seeking a change, I’m here to facilitate and lead the transition. WayPoint Consulting Partners values a consultative approach. We blend exceptional service and seasoned expertise in the career consulting space; actions that truly make a difference.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Embracing a Growth Mindsets Daily: I focus on avoiding small thinking but it something I had to “unlearn” early in my career. While serving clients in the Financial Services industry presents its own set of challenges (also being a woman in a male-dominated field) can at times, be challenging. It does not serve anyone when I think small so instead, I strive to forge meaningful and mutually beneficial relationships. I’m committed to exploring innovative ways to serve both career seekers and clients alike so thinking BIG is a requirement in my new business. My aim is simple; to cultivate successful partnerships. Drawing upon my wealth of knowledge in the Financial Services field, I aspire to continue to leverage my knowledge and experience and be a conduit for helping others succeed. Leadership transcends traditional notions of managing teams; it encompasses taking ownership of one’s own career trajectory and empowering others with the freedom to make informed decisions about their professional paths. People stuck in small minding thinking often find themselves “stuck” in today’s competitive business market. The concept of leadership, regardless of formal title, has been a driving force in my career journey and I’m honored to share my insights with so many amazing people across the country. My advice to those interested in learning and unlearning … I believe we’re all responsible for shaping our own success. We must continuously strive to expand our knowledge and capabilities and that comes with a commitment to always be a little better each day than the last.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

As an individual who embraces opportunities, I’m constantly seeking ways to extend brand awareness for WayPoint Consulting Partners. I’m responsible for uplifting those within my sphere of influence and work daily to boost my social currency. I proactively embody the principle of “see a need, fill a need” which helps me ensure I contribute positively to clients, candidates, and my community. Through my work assisting Financial Services professionals as they explore new career avenues, I view myself as a conduit for sharing information that has the potential to transform lives (it’s all so exciting). Beyond my regular work commitments, I dedicate time to volunteering with various industry-related organizations and I promote these events online as much as I can to help others learn. Additionally, I actively engage with my valued network on LinkedIn by sharing content related to career development and industry insights. I recognize serving others often leads to positive karma, which inevitably circles back to us in one form or another. Supporting Financial professionals, and clients who hire them, is gratifying in so many ways. I’m thankful to social media for being a platform for my organization to reach even more people in 2024.