Member Spotlight: Kari McCafferty
This week we’re introducing Kari McCafferty, of Commonwealth Financial Group! If you’ve met Kari at an event, the first thing you will notice is the energy she brings to the room and everyone she speaks with. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and her passion is apparent. In her Business Development and Talent Attraction role, Kari often has opportunities available for young professionals, and would always be happy to tell you more about CFG’s Financial Advisor Training and Development Program.
Now, Let’s Meet Kari!
What are your current responsibilities and background?
Being a Bentley University Grad with a concentration in Finance, I assumed jumping right into a job in Finance was the way to go! However, I quickly realized that was not for me. I made the decision to change the direction of my career and transitioned to Talent Acquisition/Attraction where I have focused my attention over the past 15 years. I started my journey within a grassroots external agency where I was lucky enough to learn from one of the best recruiters out there. She was an amazing mentor and well respected in the industry. She instilled in me a unique approach to recruiting and relating to people that I have kept throughout my career. I became my most authentic self and loved seeing the impact I was able to make in the lives of others, and the relationships I cultivated along the way.
This led me to CFG where I am the Director of Business Development and Talent Attraction. Since joining, I have had the privilege of building our firm’s presence in the industry as one of the top advising firms to grow a financial advising practice. I have been given the freedom to be creative in finding the driven, gritty, entrepreneurial minded, problem solvers who are curious and inquisitive, who may never have thought about a career as a Financial Advisor. The professionals who say, “I can do more, I want to do more, I want to take control of my life!” I strive to meet these professionals and introduce them to CFG, our amazing and supportive culture, and our elite training and development program.
Do you have a secret weapon? Special skill?
Yes! Humor. I love to laugh and not take things toooo seriously. It helps take the pressure off an uncomfortable situation and build deeper relationships along the way.
Why did you pursue a career in your industry? What do you like most about it?
By far, I love the relationship building/nurturing component to this industry. Watching advisors new to the firm, grow, while making an impact on their clients (along with their smiles) keeps me here doing what I do. I find myself saying “this is why I love my job!” often when I can introduce great people to this firm and watch them take on the challenge and see the impact it has on their lives.
The Culture at CFG is nothing I have ever experienced, and one of the things I like most. I was intrigued before I even joined the firm and once I did, I could see why everyone takes such pride in being part of CFG. I am surrounded by an amazing group of leaders from all walks of life, who have quickly gone from colleagues to friends, and I am looking forward to our next adventure!
Is there a specific niche you focus on?
Ah yes! I’m in Talent Attraction - My niche is attracting the crazy driven, go getters with an open mind, and sense of humor. Professionals with grit, (and wit) and the desire to build something for themselves and not someone else. The strong willed, the “talks to everyone”, rarely turns down an invite, self-starters with passion, conviction, and a mindful soul. There is no perfect background or industry knowledge needed - that can be taught. What I look for is that fire in someone waiting to bust out.
What are three things you like to do in your free time?
I love fitness, and health. Outside my normal fitness routine, my true passion is Spinning and Power Yoga. Power Yoga has changed my mind, body, and soul in ways I never imagined. I am forever grateful that I have incorporated this insanely challenging practice into my life. When I’m not in yoga, I’m on the bike. I enter my own zone in that spin room and love the energy it brings me.
Socializing with those friends is high on my list! I love sitting around a kitchen table with those friends who just get you. The “silly, always tell you truth, ask your advice, know what you will say just by looking at you, laugh so hard you almost cry, often,” friends.
Last but not least… I love to organize and clean! May not be exciting, but I feel so productive once my house and car are clean and organized. If I have a few free hours at home, I will dive right into a drawer, a work space or car to organize!
In The BostonYPA Community
When/how did you become involved with BostonYPA? How has this affiliation helped your career?
I become involved with BYPA when I joined CFG in Jan 2023. Being new to the Financial Advising industry, I wanted to surround myself with professionals in Boston who had the same desire I had, to build relationships, learn and connect! Quickly, I realized what a hidden gem BYPA was and a great way for me to not only meet other Talent Professionals in the Financial Advising, but to get to know a group of individuals with open minds and curiosity about career growth.
What do you enjoy most about being a member?
I love that each event is well attended, professionally run, and easy to access. Everyone is friendly, supportive and the opportunities this organization presents is unmatched from what I have seen. I have already met so many amazing well spoke individuals and look forward to more to come!
For those young professionals looking to possibly join, why should they join?
Ah that is easy! To get out of your comfort zone and learn the art of networking and making new connections! It’s not easy to walk into a room of strangers and strike up a conversation, but eventually those strangers become familiar smiles and faces. You never know who you will meet. Along with the connections, BYPA offers many great resources and support for young professionals in this competitive Boston market.
What would you like BYPA professionals to know about you/your business?
At Commonwealth Financial Group, our aspiration has consistently been to surround ourselves with excellence, be it by learning from industry leaders, forging strategic partnerships, or offering mentorship and guidance. We take pride in being a financial services firm that is deeply passionate about the growth and professional development of our advisors, which ultimately translates into delivering the highest level of service and opportunities to our valued clients.
We place a high level of focus on nurturing and advancing our people, and this commitment is demonstrated through the introduction of our flagship initiative, the “Financial Planning Mastery Program”. This program is designed explicitly for advisors who are new to the industry, and its success is evident in our extraordinary 100% retention rate!!
We are also delighted to share that we've recently embarked on a significant milestone as a firm – a relocation of our headquarters to Atlantic Wharf. This move represents a new chapter in our journey, and we eagerly anticipate welcoming BYPA professionals to our new space for future events!
Welcome, Kari!
If you haven’t had a chance yet, please introduce yourself to Kari at your next event. The entrepreneurs in our community will have a chance to meet Kari on December 5th - she’s arranged a guest speaker that will teach attendees how to shift attendees to a high performance mindset.
