Less than a year ago, Jenny was teaching math and science to middle school students, bringing together two things she has always loved: working with numbers and helping others learn. After six years in the classroom, she found herself considering how she might apply those strengths in a new setting while finding more balance in her life.
One evening over dinner with my son John, Jenny shared that she was exploring a new career path. John knew we were expanding our team at LCM—and that we look for people whose abilities and values complement our own. Knowing Jenny’s mathematics background and her commitment to helping others, he thought we should meet.
Jenny grew up in our neighborhood in Huntington Beach and knew two of my kids, John and Kat, from high school. After high school, she headed off to UC Santa Barbara before landing a teaching job at nearby Orange County Academy of Sciences and Arts. When John told me about his conversation with Jenny, I was intrigued by her mathematics background. After hearing strong recommendations from both John and Kat, I decided to meet with her to explore how her strengths could contribute to our team.
In our first discussion, I shared my experience with the firm and our common belief that work/life balance is essential. I told her how the team has huddled together to support each other through some of the most difficult life challenges and celebrated together when the wonderful things happen to each of us.
Jenny shared her stories too. She spoke about the skills she had developed as a teacher—breaking down complex ideas, approaching problems from different angles, and helping others build understanding and confidence. She was looking for a way to bring that same sense of purpose to a new role.
By the end of our conversation, I shared John’s hunch: Jenny could be a great fit at LCM.
We invited her to the office to meet the whole team and explore the possibilities. Her mathematics degree and classroom experience offered a strong foundation for a role as an associate trader and research analyst. As we talked, we could see how her analytical skills, ability to communicate, and enthusiasm for learning could contribute to our work. She also connected naturally with the team. Jenny officially joined LCM three months ago and now works alongside Pat and Eric on the trading team.
For Jenny, the transition from teaching into the investment world has been a welcome opportunity to put her strengths to work in new ways. “I came from a background where investments were seen as scary. I remember being so excited as a kid when my savings account statement came in the mail and I’d earned a penny! Now, learning all about the investing process—and seeing the real data that supports every investment decision—is incredibly rewarding. It’s a different career path for me, yet I see my love for teaching coming into play here, too. I feel what I’m doing can make a real difference in our clients’ lives. Plus, I love numbers, and the fact that my job tickles that part of my brain is fantastic.”
Jenny also loves that she sees so many different paths she may take here at LCM. Her love for helping others may steer her toward becoming an advisor. Her fascination with numbers may lead her to dive deeper into investment research. “I don’t know yet what I’ll decide to lean into, but I know my options are open,” she says. “I love learning, and I’m excited to see where the road takes me.”
Jenny came to LCM with a strong mathematical foundation that fits perfectly with her new role. That, along with her love of teaching and a genuine drive to help people, is proving to be exactly the combination we were hoping for. We didn’t just find a new member of our team with a great head for numbers. We found someone who believes, the way we do, that this work is about people first—and numbers in service to them.
Welcome to the team, Jenny. We’re glad you’re here.
