Money, Mentorship, and Making a Difference: A Dual Career in Finance and Government With Andrew Chou

Andrew Chou is the Founder and Managing Partner at Wealthify Partners, which focuses on identifying and utilizing the latest technology in financial planning to help their clients plan, grow, and preserve their wealth. Andrew began his career as a financial planner in San Francisco before climbing the corporate ladder at Fidelity Investments and TD Ameritrade in senior roles. Seeking a better work-life balance, he founded Wealthify Partners. His passion for community betterment led him to a successful election into the Diamond Bar City Council in 2018, where he also served as Mayor in 2023 and is currently a member. Andrew’s commitment extends beyond public office; he’s involved in various nonprofit boards, continuously working towards amplifying community voices and empowering the next generation.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

• [2:52] Andrew Chou shares his background and what they do at Wealthify Partners
• [4:01] What inspired Andrew to pursue both public service and entrepreneurship?
• [10:46] How Andrew balances the demands of running a business with his dedication to public office
• [14:42] Differences in leadership style required in business versus in public service
• [21:26] Most common financial challenges you see among business owners
• [24:41] The importance of staying informed about changes in financial laws and regulations
• [26:52] Andrew talks about his passion for mentoring young professionals and engaging the youth in civic activities
• [32:51] Andrew’s advice for aspiring leaders

In this episode…

Balancing a demanding career in finance with public service responsibilities is no easy feat. How do you successfully manage both while making a meaningful impact on your community? And what drives someone to take on these dual roles in the first place?

Andrew Chou, a seasoned financial planner and local government leader, offers a unique perspective on this balancing act. He believes that having a purpose beyond the pursuit of wealth or power is the key to success. Understanding your why and having a passion or cause that fuels you is crucial for long-term success. This mission-driven approach not only shapes a successful career but also guides one’s contributions to the community. Andrew stresses the importance of mentorship, advising aspiring leaders to pursue their passion while creating a positive impact. His journey shows that with a clear purpose, the pursuit of money becomes secondary and naturally follows.

In this episode of RAW Spotlight, host Victor Huynh sits down with Andrew Chou, Founder and Managing Partner at Wealthify Partners, to discuss how he seamlessly integrates finance, mentorship, and community service into his life. Andrew talks about the challenges of succession planning for business owners, staying ahead of industry changes, and building a purpose-driven career. He also shares his passion for mentoring youth and inspiring the next generation of civic leaders.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Victor Huynh on LinkedIn
• Ready Artwork
• Andrew Chou: LinkedIn | Website
• Wealthify Partners

Special Mentions

• Fidelity Investments
• TD Ameritrade (acquired by Charles Schwab)
• Diamond Bar City Council
• USC Pacific Asia Museum
• Financial Planning Association (FPA) San Gabriel Valley
• UCI Alumni Association
• Hathaway-Sycamores Child And Family Services
• Kiwanis Club of Diamond Bar Young Professionals
• Los Angeles County Assessor
• Los Angeles County Small Business Commission
• San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments
• Asian Business League of Southern California
• Monrovia Chamber of Commerce
• Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek

Quotable Moments

• “It’s not just about how much you make; it’s about how much you get to keep.”
• “If you want to be heard, you have to speak up; if you want to be seen, you have to stand up; if you want to be represented, you have to show up.”
• “Our only limitation is ourselves.”
• “I want to make sure that today’s youth are engaged civically with the local government.”
• “Don’t pursue the dollar; pursue your passion, and the money will follow.”

Action Steps

1. Know your why: Reflect on the deeper purpose behind your career or business endeavors. Understanding your motivations aligns your actions with impactful causes, driving enduring satisfaction and success.
2. Balance your priorities: Establish a hierarchy of life and career priorities to maintain grounding in your personal and professional roles. Balancing responsibilities helps avoid burnout and ensures you invest energy in areas that truly matter, fostering work-life harmony.
3. Embrace mentorship: Whether you seek guidance or provide it, actively participate in mentorship opportunities. Mentoring enables legacy-building by sharing knowledge, paving the way for future generations to flourish in their careers and lives.
4. Advocate for civic engagement: Encourage and participate in local governance and community decision-making. Local government involvement can lead to positive changes in your community and inspire others to do the same.
5. Seek continuous learning: Stay updated on industry changes and be prepared to adapt your practices accordingly. Keeping abreast of legal and financial trends ensures you can proactively apply the best strategies for yourself and your clients, remaining resilient amid market shifts.

Sponsor for this episode…

This episode is brought to you by Ready Artwork, where we deliver uniquely tailored B2B digital marketing services to facilitate the long-term growth of your business.

At Ready Artwork, we combine data-driven insights with innovative design to help your business thrive in the digital age. From SEO and digital advertising to web development and email marketing, we have experts who help companies uncover growth in unexplored and extraordinary ways.

To learn more, visit readyartwork.com or get a free proposal. Let Ready Artwork discover your full potential.