💡 Episode Summary:

In this powerful and candid conversation, Yana Blackwelder, co-founder of C-Suite Readiness, sits down with Florina Shutin, one of Forbes’ top women wealth advisors, to talk about resilience, reinvention, and redefining success on your own terms.

Florina shares her journey—from a medical-school hopeful to a trailblazing financial advisor who built and rebuilt her business from the ground up. She opens up about how hitting rock bottom (yes, down to working in a cubicle) became the turning point that transformed her career and mindset.

Together, Yana and Florina dive into the mindset shifts that matter most: knowing your worth, setting boundaries, learning to say no, and surrounding yourself with people who lift you up. Florina’s story is a masterclass in courage, curiosity, and continuous growth—perfect inspiration for any woman striving to rise in a competitive, male-dominated industry.

🧭 Key Topics Covered:

• The unexpected detour that launched Florina’s career in finance
• Why knowing your worth is the foundation for long-term success
• The hard-won lesson of letting go of clients (and energy) that don’t align
• Rebuilding from failure: how sitting in a cubicle became her comeback story
• The importance of mentors, positivity, and lifelong learning
• How women can (and must) speak up in male-dominated rooms
• Balancing family, ambition, and purpose—without losing yourself
• Florina’s advice for handling setbacks and maintaining momentum
• Her vision for empowering young women through financial literacy

🗝️ Key Takeaways:

• “If you let go of the negative, you create space for the positive.”
• “Always raise your hand.” Say yes to opportunities—even if you’re not 100% ready.
• “Don’t take things so personally.” Learn, move forward, and don’t dwell on the past.
• Surround yourself with smart, positive people—and walk away from constant complainers.
• Balance comes from presence, not perfection. Be there for the moments that matter.

🌟 Guest Bio:

Florina Shutin is an award-winning Wealth Advisor and Portfolio Manager, recognized multiple times on Forbes’ “Best Women Advisors” list. Known for her integrity, leadership, and advocacy for women’s financial empowerment, Florina is passionate about mentorship and helping women take control of their financial futures.

🔗 Connect & Learn More:

• Podcast: Her Story to the Top
• Hosted by: Yana Blackwelder, Co-Founder of C-Suite Readiness
• Follow: @c_suite_readiness,on Instagram