INTERVIEWER: Okay, so we're rolling, and okay.
MICHELLE: Oh, we're doing it? Okay.
INTERVIEWER: Can you state your name and your role at Schwab?
MICHELLE: My name is Michelle Palermo, and I'm the Managing Director over the Network Service segment.
INTERVIEWER: How long have you been working with independent advisors?
MICHELLE: I've been working with independent advisors for the last 15 years.
INTERVIEWER: What do you like most about it?
MICHELLE: They inspire me because of what they've gone through in their journey to become independent, and really admire what they do for the clients each and every day. And they push us to do better.
INTERVIEWER: What's your biggest motivator?
MICHELLE: I'm a doer, I like to get stuff done, and that fulfills me. And the impact that I make is one of the, you know, motivators that I have as far as in my personal and professional life.
INTERVIEWER: Why does collaboration matter to you?
MICHELLE: We're the quarterback. You know, we're working with the advisor to service their day-to-day, meet their needs. And so we're bringing in business partners, again, bringing in the advisor to make sure that we're providing a really great client experience. This is a high-integrity company, vision and values, and there's just a lot of people working to support you and ensuring that the transition over is a success.
INTERVIEWER: Describe your best day at work.
MICHELLE: Working with my employees on initiatives that will impact positively the employee and advisor experience, and cherry on top, getting amazing feedback from our advisors.
INTERVIEWER: What would your best day be like not at work?
MICHELLE: I love to be active and outdoors, and I love to eat, so enjoying really good food.
INTERVIEWER: What would you say to advisors who are new to working with Schwab?
MICHELLE: Well, to the new advisors that are joining us here at Schwab, we are so excited and can't wait to formalize the two organizations coming together. So thank you.
INTERVIEWER: Feel good?