As an “A” student I always had good grades, but one day I got home with a “D.” My dad got mad, more so than I thought was reasonable. That night he pulled me aside and said “Anna, the only thing I wish for you is freedom. I want you to be free from stereotypes, from convention, from anybody’s influence, from society, from a man. As a woman in this world, financial freedom is the key to doing what you love without having to depend on anyone. The only way to achieve financial freedom is through education, and you need to be the best at that.” It was the first time I realized I was a girl. I also realized that every little thing mattered and that I could afford no missteps. Likely, I would not be where I am right now had we not had that conversation 40 years ago. Today I celebrate a father who would sacrifice everything he has for me (and he did), even if he was never able to say “I love you.” A father who once told me “You are the son I never had” in front of my three brothers and who asks me to “go talk to Nasdaq” when his stocks depreciate. I also celebrate my husband, who stayed behind in Chicago with my kids when I moved to Boston in January and “took one for the team” when I decided to change jobs and join State Street Global Advisors. Behind a successful woman there is an army of men who lifted her with love, trust and joy. Happy Father’s Day to every dad out there. No matter if you are raising princesses, kings, painters or poets. Always make sure to show them the way. Love, Anna
I love that you lift up your dad and your husband. I always think of my father as google before the internet search and my husband with the abundant toolkit to fix things. So true that behind every woman is an army of good men who lifted her up and encouraged her.
Anna, I can relate to this story, my Dad is a force for learning and growth. A grade less than “A” was unacceptable, and met with, “what went wrong and what will you do better next time?” Gotta love dad power!
This!! Thank you Anna for sharing, I literally teared up remembering similar said to me by my grandfather, thank you! To all the fathers here and those who went home, we so value you 🙏
Your story was beautifully articulated Anna on this Father's Day. I felt the emotions in your family dynamics. Congratulations on your career achievements and your personal love for your family.
I love this post! Congrats on the new role!
It's so eloquently said, Anna. Thank you for sharing your story.
Farming is freedom because it feeds and heals. The rest is part of the slavery process.
Ciao Anna, love the pics, great post
Identity Access Management (IAM) Professional
2moAnna, I love this & thanks for sharing! I am so sorry that I didn't get a chance to meet you while you were at Invesco!!