When I started my financial career, I was in awe of the people who managed money professionally. I thought that these people had the secret sauce to creating wealth. I wanted to know what set them apart and learn what made them so special! I craved their knowledge – and I wanted it fast! I was impressed with these high achievers and their prestigious backgrounds. Many came from the best colleges and had advanced degrees in engineering, mathematics and finance. Some had MBA’s and other impressive designations like CFA’s and PhD’s. They also had histories of success, meaning that they had done something very special in previous years that set them apart. During the typical work day, it was not unusual to be working with an Ivy League quarterback, a professional hockey player or a world famous tennis player. Some had extraordinary resumes such as running a well-known family business, designing a computer system, doing high level medical research, or even working as a rock band promoter – I mean you’re talking about some serious cocktail party bragging here!