Ritchie Hood serves as Director of Operations and Client Services, Chief Compliance Officer, and Partner at Pacific Portfolio, an investment and wealth advisory firm. Their team of experienced, multi-disciplinary advisors aims to free up more time for you to engage in activities that genuinely enhance your happiness.

Ritchie believes they are well-positioned to adopt new technology at an earlier stage than in the past. They conduct a thorough evaluation of new tools to determine their potential to enhance processes, ensuring that any changes are implemented with care and precision.

Ritchie considers herself fortunate to have begun at the entry level and progressed through various roles within the same company. Over the past 27 years, this company has offered her numerous opportunities for professional growth, allowing her to apply her skills and talents in both internal and client-facing roles.

This extensive experience equips her to train employees effectively, as she knows precisely what each role demands. This insight has provided immense satisfaction, allowing her to witness the positive impact on clients and empowering her to mentor younger employees.

In her analysis of leadership, Ritchie asserts that employee engagement is a critical indicator of a company's culture, which is crucial for achieving success. Employees who actively engage with their colleagues and clients showcase their passion and commitment to their work.

In her view, employees achieve optimal performance when they receive support and recognition. They provide appropriate training, continuous education, and the necessary tools and software to equip them for success. It is crucial to recognize their achievements and offer constructive feedback, assisting them in identifying areas for improvement and establishing new processes to mitigate future errors.

Recognizing that employees will prioritize their own best interests can help in not taking resignations personally, according to Ritchie. Maintaining an open-door policy, providing continuous feedback—both positive and constructive—and engaging in candid discussions regarding professional development, whether within or outside the firm, are crucial for retaining top talent.

One of the primary challenges Ritchie encounters is ensuring that all individuals are proficient in utilizing their systems to their maximum capacity in order to effectively meet their needs. Some of their client base belongs to a generation that may find navigating technology challenging or unfamiliar. They must achieve the appropriate balance by implementing tools that cater to both tech-savvy users and those who may need additional assistance.

Ritchie also explains some of their key internal risks, including fraud, data breaches, inadequate internal controls, insufficient training, and non-compliance with regulations. It is crucial to establish clear processes, conduct regular reviews and updates, communicate effectively with all employees, and remain informed about regulatory changes.

Ritchie has observed the company’s evolution over the years and takes pride in having contributed to its success and growth. It is the positive impact they have had on their clients' lives that brings her the most fulfillment.