Finance and Meaning with Wallis Wilkinson Tsai

Maria-Christina Stewart (Host): (0:00)

Welcome back to another episode of "Meaning vs. Merit." Today, I'm delighted to have Wallis Wilkinson Tsai with us. Wallis is a seasoned professional in the financial services industry with a remarkable career, blending deep expertise with a heartfelt approach to her work. Thanks for being here, Wallis.

Wallis Wilkinson Tsai (Guest): (0:23)

Thank you for having me.

Host: (0:24)

I'm really excited for our conversation today. Let's dive in. One of the key themes we explore on this podcast is the interplay between meaning and merit. How do you see these concepts intersecting in your work and life?

Guest: (0:38)

That's a great question. For me, meaning and merit are deeply intertwined. I think merit can sometimes be achieved without meaning, but it feels hollow. When you're working towards something that's aligned with your values and purpose, the sense of accomplishment feels much more profound.

Host: (1:00)

Absolutely. Can you give us an example from your career where this intersection was particularly evident?

Guest: (1:07)

Sure. Early in my career, I was very focused on climbing the corporate ladder. I achieved a lot, but it didn't always feel fulfilling. It wasn't until I started working in roles where I could see the positive impact on clients' lives—helping them plan for their future, protecting their families—that I felt a true sense of accomplishment.

Host: (1:30)

That's powerful. It sounds like the meaning behind your work has been a driving force for you. How do you balance that with the pressure to achieve measurable success?

Guest: (1:42)

I think it comes down to setting personal boundaries and staying true to your values. It's important to define what success looks like for you, not just in terms of career achievements but also in how you feel about the work you're doing. For me, success includes making a positive impact and feeling aligned with my values.

Host: (2:05)

I love that. You've mentioned before that some of your motivations are driven by personal experiences. Could you share a bit more about that?

Guest: (2:13)

Certainly. My father's recent battle with advanced liver cancer has profoundly impacted how I view my work and life. Being an only child and navigating his diagnosis has underscored the importance of planning and having support systems in place. It's made my work in financial planning and insurance feel even more meaningful.

Host: (2:37)

I'm sorry to hear about your father. It sounds incredibly challenging, but also like it's given you a deeper perspective on your work.

Guest: (2:47)

Yes, it has. It's a stark reminder that life is unpredictable, and planning for the future is crucial. It motivates me to help others prepare for their futures in a way that ensures they have dignity and choices, even in difficult times.

Host: (3:05)

That's so important. Shifting gears a bit, you've had to navigate the financial world as a woman, which comes with its own set of challenges. How have you managed to stay true to your values in an industry that can sometimes be tough?

Guest: (3:22)

It's been a journey. I've faced situations where people have tried to undermine me or didn't take me seriously, especially when they booked meetings through my husband. Staying grounded in my values of kindness and empathy while also setting firm boundaries has been key. I've learned to assert myself and expect respect in professional interactions.

Host: (3:46)

That's incredibly inspiring. It must take a lot of strength to maintain that balance.

Guest: (3:52)

It does, but I believe you can set boundaries in a way that's consistent with being kind. If someone challenges that, it's more about them than about you. It's essential to respect yourself and your boundaries, and sometimes that means being firm and assertive.

Host: (4:12)

Absolutely. You mentioned earlier about faith-based action versus fear-based action. Can you elaborate on that?

Guest: (4:21)

Sure. I often talk about having faith-based action—faith in yourself to navigate challenges. I've been inspired to change it to "badass action" versus fear-based action. It's about believing in your ability to handle whatever comes your way and acting from a place of confidence rather than fear.

Host: (4:42)

I love that. It sounds like you've developed a strong sense of resilience. How do you pass this on to the next generation, especially young women who might struggle with balancing kindness and assertiveness?

Guest: (4:54)

It's about teaching them that being kind and setting boundaries aren't mutually exclusive. I encourage young women to know themselves, understand their values, and not be afraid to assert their boundaries. It's okay to be perceived as unlikable by some if it means you're staying true to yourself. This is something I emphasize with my daughter, even at her young age.

Host: (5:18)

That's such valuable advice. Speaking of advice, what would you say to people trying to balance meaning and merit in their careers?

Guest: (5:26)

Know yourself. Understand your values and what excites you. Use external feedback to get a sense of how you're showing up in the world, but don't let it dictate your path entirely. Align your time with your values and goals. Therapy can be a great resource in this journey—think of it as hiring a personal trainer for your mind and emotions.

Host: (5:48)

That's a great analogy. It's been wonderful hearing your insights and experiences. Thank you so much for sharing them with us today.

Guest: (5:55)

Thank you for having me. It's been a pleasure.

Host: (5:58)

Thank you for listening to this episode of "Meaning vs. Merit." If you liked the episode or think it would be helpful for someone else, please leave a review on your podcast listening app like Apple Podcasts, or you can review it at podchaser.com. If you have any questions that you want me to discuss on the show, let me know on LinkedIn or Instagram at Dr. Maria Christina.

Until next time, I'm going to encourage you to think about our two M's—meaning and merit—and see what happens when we embrace meaning first and allow merit to follow. See you next time.