Outside of Gravity, the Law of Averages is arguably the next greatest force that affects people on a daily basis. The theory suggests that the result of any given situation will be the average of all outcomes. The most powerful demonstration of this is in human potential. Hence the phrase, “you are an average of the five closest people around you.” But what does this mean? Pick any characteristic or trait. Chances are: if one person possesses it, so do their five closest friends. Drinking beer, smoking, work ethic, politics, even the way they dress. That said, what averages someone has now doesn’t matter. What matters most is whether someone is intentional about upping their average. In fact, it’s part of why Allison Felix, President & COO, Principal of Cassaday & Company, continues to foster a culture of entrepreneurship for her team. The goal? Providing objective guidance to investors seeking financial advice, with excellence and integrity in everything they do. To achieve this, founder and owner Stephan Cassaday, sought to establish an independent and employee-owned firm with fewer conflicts, and no proprietary interests. One that could act in the client’s interest 24/7 by selling advice, and not products. To complete the vision, it required an investment larger than money: the right people. People with character, not afraid of challenges and growth. Those who show mass potential exhibited by behavior. This was something Allison learned from her mentor first hand, who pushed her limits and encouraged her to get her MBA. The investment paid off. Seventeen years later, Allison grew from Executive Assistant to become Cassaday & Company’s first COO. And was just recently promoted to President. Her advice to anyone looking to achieve a massive goal: latch on to the person [with experience and credibility] who sees something more in you that you may not see in yourself. Then, surround yourself with people you can “give and take from,” that can help you reach that potential. “The best thing to be is the person talking the least in the room.” Today, she continues the work of Stephan Cassaday and promotes ownership over individual performance, learning from peers, and corporate responsibility. In fact, Allison recently founded the Northern Virginia Women’s COO Forum for local operations leaders to network, problem solve, and share resources across all industries. To learn more about Allison and the services Cassaday & Company offers, you can visit: www.cassaday.com
