Cultivating a community: My Vanguard Charlotte journey

In two months, it will be eight years since I packed my car and drove the 2,000 miles from my home in northern Idaho to Charlotte, North Carolina. I didn’t know a soul, nor did I have a roadmap. I was equipped with a start date and a belief that I could build something meaningful.

Today, I’m a Finance & Strategy Analyst at Vanguard, co-chair of the Supportive Housing Communities (SHC) Young Professionals Board, a member of CRBA’s Charlotte Regional Business Alliance Emerging Business Leaders (EBL) cohort, and just months away from completing my first year in UNC Kenan-Flagler’s Executive MBA program.

But titles don’t tell a full story—community does.

Finding my purpose

When I joined Vanguard, I was initially disappointed not to be working in Uptown, in what I perceived as ‘the bustling big city.’ That changed when I learned it’s not about where you work, but who you work with and why you show up.

My colleagues helped me navigate the city, grow professionally, and weather personal challenges. I learned about Vanguard’s mission, as we focused on the three Cs: Clients, crew, and community.

Working with people every day can be just a job, or it can be something more. Some colleagues have become lifelong friends. For example, this past June, I attended the fourth wedding of a group that bonded during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a reminder that shared purpose builds lasting connections.

Leading with values

When I was nominated by Vanguard’s North Carolina Executive team for the EBL program, I was honored and knew I was about to embark on a season of growth. Simultaneously, I was preparing to begin my new role at Vanguard and recently began the daunting two-year journey of the UNC Kenan-Flagler Executive MBA program.

This new role marked a major professional milestone for me. When I began my career at Vanguard, I intended on utilizing my finance degree to one day move into the Investment Management Group, which oversees our internally managed funds.

I ended up spending several years in various client-facing and operational roles in our Personal Investor division before moving into HR to lead in our Talent Strategy & Development group. After gaining exposure to the IT, Enterprise Security, and Fraud divisions in that role, I took the leap to move into the Information Technology (IT) division instead.

Looking back, there isn’t necessarily one thing that changed the course, but rather saying “yes” time and time again. Little did I know, this role at Vanguard would lead to a new position that has required me to learn more on the job than I ever have before.

It is imperative to take the time to know your values, know what matters, and not waver from them over the years. Then, when the opportunity presents itself—say yes!

The ‘big little things’ at Vanguard

Anyone who has reported to me or sought advice over the years knows I reference the ‘big little things.’ These are the small moments, or the unnoticed little actions, that ultimately have a large impact. Some of the ‘big little things’ I have experienced at Vanguard include:

• The hiring manager who had told me that I didn’t get the job I interviewed for, then followed up with me the next week to ask how I was doing and offered advice on the interview process for the next role.

• The security officer who brings joy to my mornings with her smile and positivity every day, especially when I’m having a tough week.

• A former peer responding earnestly every time I reach out looking for insight or sharing an idea.

• The department head who says a genuine thank you to her crew after taking the time to understand everything they do that makes the department function.

• The colleague who took time to talk to me and held space for my feelings without judgment after I got that decline. He shared his experiences, offered hope, and let me know that he had my back, regardless of what my next steps were.

These experiences made me push for the next thing, continue to challenge myself, and not be afraid to say, “Okay, what’s next?” instead of giving up.

Energized by the journey

With less than two months left in year one of my EMBA program, a successful spring development for SHC, and nine months into my new role at Vanguard (and loving it!), I am more energized than ever.

When I walk through the halls of our brand-new office building in the University area of Charlotte, I am filled with pride and gratitude. Pride for not only how much I have grown, but how Vanguard has grown, too. I feel gratitude that I chose to stay in Charlotte, regardless of my initial feelings relocating—because in the end, it would all be worth it.

If I could show the 20-something woman from Idaho a glimpse of this life—the community, the resilience, the purpose, the grit—I would. But maybe it’s better that she had to build it from scratch.

-Haley L.

Find your next career opportunity in Charlotte.