Today we’d like to introduce you to Faith Teope.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Faith. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I love that we live in this amazing era of innovation and invention. What got me where I am today, though, was the discovery that innovation is sometimes just turning something on its head.
In college, I had a light bulb moment about innovation when I saw my real-world come alive in the classroom. I was working at a retirement benefits provider at the time and suddenly I heard the roaring sound of opportunity. I loved finding better ways to do things and, at that moment, I was empowered with a newer way to interact with old tech. I had no clue that I had just launched myself into the future.
People are by nature problem solvers and my human drive was awakened.
It was almost like physically turning your head sideways and seeing things from a different angle, then standing on your head and asking the same questions. I honed my craft of asking questions and I learned to get down to the utmost root of a problem. Rather than look at an existing solution and make improvements, I would go down to its fundamentals and fully immerse myself with the problem. Sometimes this showed me that the solution in place was perfect; sometimes it showed me that the solution in place was not even addressing the real issue.
It doesn’t stop at operational processes and tech; problems are also at the human level. For the life of finances, experts strive to guide individuals to take action in saving for the future. For the majority of the masses, long-term goals go against the personality-grain. I love helping people reach their potential, but we have to first start with what they’re made of. Once we accept that humans will gravitate to doing things they like and understand what they don’t like then we can create more powerful solutions for them.
This is how the Leverage Retirement sound was birthed. We don’t really believe in retirement the same way as most. I believe in meeting society where they are and helping them (through their employer) create sustainable lifestyles – meaning, live the life they want and keep it going. It’s all in creative strategy using common resources. The 401k is one of the most underused resources commonly available to employees in America.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No, and really should it be? A struggle is a mountain begging for a climb, daring you to prove how strong you are. Struggles are the beautiful opportunities to grow, adapt and learn.
Ignoring the noise. I’ve learned there may be nay-sayers or harsh critics, but when you truly believe in what you are doing, just tune them out and stay focused. It’s too easy for doubt to creep in and take root. It is always wise to seek wise counsel, but sometimes not everyone can see what you see (yet) and you have to learn to keep things to yourself until it’s all fleshed out (even if you are so excited and can barely contain yourself). Sometimes this means keeping a 3-year secret.
Work-Life Balance. All my fellow hustlers out there know, when you have skin in the game you burn the candle at both ends. The needs of your company are handling the day-to-day, but also the weight of keeping the company alive into the future is on you – so you’re on. All. The. Time. With my four kids, I felt like I was half-way everywhere. I had to redefine things and go where I was most needed. I do not want any regrets. I once had lunch with my 2-year-old because I realized I wouldn’t say ten years from now “Gee, I’m really glad I got those quarterly reports out over lunch that day.”
Burnout. I had my very first and very last burnout. I lost all happiness in everything. I didn’t care anymore. It wasn’t that life was so hard, it’s just that it all fell away and felt so insignificant. Finding my way back was a journey I am so grateful for. Once the kids are in bed, I still work in the wee hours of the night and rise early to take care of packing lunches or cleaning before my kids and dog wake, but I now understand my personal signs and what I need to do to decompress.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Leverage story. Tell us more about the business.
At Leverage Retirement, we manage corporate retirement plans (think 401k) with craftsman care no matter if you are a 2-person design studio or nation-wide hospital chain.
As a company, we pride ourselves in the energy we bring when looking out for the good of humanity. We see what we do as a mission field, where we have the honor to serve individuals and help them in daily small choices.
One of our prime differentiators is that our focus is on strategy: strategy to fine-tune the 401k to the company’s goals and its culture; For the employees, we love to showcase ideas that help them discover what works for them and drive them to fortify their future.
Currently in the works, is software that will compress heavy processes that burden our industry. This is the stepping stone to our Fin-Tech entry and intentions of breaking barriers for mankind’s ability to access the fortified future, free of financial burdens.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Sure, I’ve noticed the harder I work, the greater my luck. I firmly believe everything happens for a reason. When seemingly bad things happen, I believe it was divinely placed and it’s my job to rise to the challenge. Some may call it luck, but if we feel called to a pursuit and with rigorous diligence chase it, then it only makes sense that you will see “good luck.” Failing is just giving up too early.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.getleverage.io
- Phone: 8006153687
- Email: experts@getleverage.io
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leveragemy401k/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leveragemyretirement/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/leveragemy401k
Image Credit:
Natalie Tuggle Photography
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