Growth in progress

At Raymond James, growth isn’t just a goal, it’s a way of life. The firm is committed to cultivating a culture where people can continuously learn and grow. A lifelong learner, Bonnie Harper, vice president, Private Wealth Consulting, has experienced the firm not only support her desire to grow professionally, but also empower her personally.

We spoke to Bonnie about her career journey, the transitions she’s made and how the Raymond James community has stood beside her every step of the way.

Q: What sparked your interest in the private wealth sector?

A: It started with a personal experience. I was working in equity research when my grandfather passed away, leaving behind a very complex estate. My mom worked in financial services and was one of the trustees, and still needed to engage a team to help navigate the estate settlement process. This piqued my curiosity and I wanted to learn more so I could understand and even help. That led me to pursue my Certified Financial Planner^® professional designation and eventually transition into planning and then private wealth consulting. Today, I lead a team that helps advisors and their clients proactively plan to preserve their assets, so families don’t find themselves in the same difficult position my family did.

Q: You’ve gained experience in multiple positions at Raymond James. What helped you make those transitions?

A: Advocacy and support. From my very first interview, I’ve had people at the firm advocating for me. It’s how I’ve gotten every single position at Raymond James. I initially applied for an equity research role, but the hiring manager saw I wasn’t quite ready for that position and shared my resume with a colleague who gave me an impromptu interview for another position and hired me. That manager later introduced me to the person who would become my next manager. Every step of the way, someone has believed in me. I’ve always been a student at heart, and the firm has given me room to grow. Now, I try to pay that forward by supporting others in their journeys.

Q: How do you bring your passion for learning into your current role?

It’s multifaceted. As the leader of our Private Wealth Consulting team, I work to keep the team updated about everything that’s going on in the firm, so they can share with advisors and their clients when appropriate. If we have a new product or solution, I want them to be aware of it. The team are all financial planning technicians, so there are always technical items to learn, like the recent tax legislation, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. I’m also thinking about the evolution of the advisor and how my team can help free up their time. Whether it's through a tool that can create capacity or offering support services from the home office. Advisors can leverage us as an extension of their team, which adds real value for clients and sets us apart in the industry.

Q: How does the Raymond James culture align to your personal values?

A: The culture is really steadfast. At the core of it, our culture is people. It really shows when I can be my true, authentic self at work and feel supported. I don't have to hide a piece of me or worry if someone’s going to judge me. I can talk about my life and my partner, and that allows me to be vulnerable and create a sense of community. Because of this, I’m the best employee that I can be, and I empower others to be the best version of themselves too. I’ve found that when I show up authentically, others feel comfortable doing the same.

Q: What led you to get involved in the Pride Inclusion Network (PIN)?

A: A coworker invited me to co-present at the Pride Symposium on financial planning. It came at a time when I happened to be learning a lot about myself. I had just started dating my now-fiancé, but I really hadn't shared that with anyone at work. I remember walking into the Pride Symposium for the first time and being in complete awe of this group. They were trailblazing advisors that were so unapologetically themselves, so welcoming and kind. They were really good at their jobs, very successful, and they did it while bein themselves. I thought, “Wow, I can do that.” All this to say: I got involved with PIN by chance, but I keep going back to learn and grow with like-minded people.

Q: What advice would you give to others interested in getting involved?

A: Show up. Every year, I attend the Pride Symposium to build relationships with the advisors – and I continue to grow with them. The more confident I became in myself and who I am, I realized it helped me be a better employee and better person. I really felt empowered to be myself because I saw them doing it. I’m so thankful for the people who have brought me along for the ride throughout my career, and that’s a testament to networking and connecting with people. The benefits of getting involved in inclusion networks can’t be overstated. You may be surprised at what opportunities arise from it.

To learn more about how Raymond James embodies inclusivity in our culture and about our inclusion networks, visit.

Follow along on social media with #RJPFAN.