Man of the Month: Bob Graham
UBS' Midwest money man gives his top tips for investing
“Women bring a more empathetic approach to the process,” says Bob Graham, regional managing director, Midwest, for UBS Wealth Management, about the financial services industry. “They have a added touch that is so missing in the investing process.” Mr. Graham should know. A 31-year industry veteran, he cites Linda Marcelli, then a managing director at Merrill Lynch, where Mr. Graham worked until 2009, among his key mentors. And he’s making a concerted effort to reach out to area women to ask the big questions: “What’s on your mind? How do we line up what’s suitable for women investors?...We’re committed to reaching women, both from an investing standpoint and acquiring talent.”
When he’s not crunching numbers, the father of four serves on several boards, fewer nearer to his heart than Joffrey Ballet; he’s served on the Board of Directors for almost 10 years and is currently a vice chairman. “Exposing yourself to arts is rewarding,” he says. “You’re engulfed in it, the world drifts away, you start to dream about the message, the passion of the dancers.” The arts enthusiast had a chance to trade places with the performers at this year’s Dancing with Chicago Celebrities benefiting Susan G. Koman for the Cure, presented by Arthur Murray, where Mr. Graham performed the rumba for a crowd of 350 people, including 65 UBS employees who helped raise $12,000 toward the $172,000 fundraising total. "The motivation was to participate and contribute to a great cause,” reflects Mr. Graham, who calls the experience “gratifying.”
Bob Graham's Top 4 Financial Suggestions for Women
1. "Everyone should have a financial plan in order to have a clear perspective of where they are and where they are going."
2. "Each woman should have trust and confidence that her advisor is helping to achieve her goals/objectives."
3. "Each individual should be actively involved in the development and execution of their financial plan. Never be afraid to ask questions."
4. "Every one should periodically meet with their advisor to review their plan as it relates to her specific goals, and make changes when needed."
Tagged as: Man of the Month
is managing editor and electronic media editor of Today's Chicago Woman. She is active in various local and national women’s groups, including Step Up Women's Network, Rape Victim Advocates and the TCW Foundation, and is a member of The Chicago Council on Global Affairs’ Young Professionals. She writes and speaks about local, national and international women's issues, including in her blog, “Twice As Well."
