Name: Filomena Soyster
Occupation: Private client financial advisor, U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management
Location of Business: West Hartford
Accomplishments: Soyster was named among Barron’s Best Bankers in 2009, and included among the Top 10 private client advisors at U. S. Trust. She is the president of Malta House of Care Foundation, a community leader and volunteer on local boards.
Who is your most influential role model, and why?
I am blessed with a wonderful, loving and supportive family, filled with family “stars.” These include my husband Tom and our three treasured children, Tom, Jeff and Mary – plus great parents, parent-in-law, my brother Lou, and other close family relationships. Other role models include great sustaining friendships, caring work associates, fabulous clients and their families, and business and community leaders and volunteers. These constituencies are exceptional sources of learning, personal growth, inspiration, motivation, and friendship.
Why are you good at what you do?
I live and work with talented people who love what they do and are very accomplished. A comfort level with ambiguity and change is a big positive. I have a persistent, persevering, and curious nature and am fearless about tackling new challenges and goals. I have abiding faith in ethics, credibility, confidence and trust, and the value of a well earned reputation. Clients and their families are the raison d’etre in an advisory business and, truly, in every business. My personal goals and my professional aspirations are in sync: to help assure the success of others, including all generations.
How does your organization give back to the community, and what role have you played in those efforts?
Personally, I am involved with many fine organizations that make a powerful difference in our community. These include Metro Hartford Alliance, the Connecticut Women’s Council, Junior Achievement, Estate and Business Planning Council, St. Francis Hospital, and Malta House of Care. As president of the Malta House of Care Foundation, I am privileged to work with community volunteers who provide free primary health care to the poor and the uninsured in Greater Hartford. My own firm, U. S. Trust, also “walks the walk” in community service. This past year, Bank of America provided over $3 million in support from our charitable foundation to our Connecticut community. My work associates also donated over 20,000 community volunteer hours.
What has inspired you in your career or where do you draw your daily inspiration?
Optimists tend to find more inspiration in their field of vision. I find many people to admire, and love to learn from the wisdom and accomplishments of others. Inspiration rises from many things as we keep our minds open and our eyes open. I try to spend time with people who are doing things that matter with their lives, who challenge and stretch themselves and others, and who are willing to give their time, talent and money to others. Generosity of spirit and commitment to others inspire me.
How have you tried to balance your career and your personal life? Give an example or two.
Women are masters at multi-tasking. We try our best to do many things well, and at once. It is a privilege to have a loving, healthy family and a wonderful career. I appreciate the exceptional blessing of having both opportunities realized in my life.
