When it comes to financial services, Tammy Haygood emerges as a trailblazing force, wielding her expertise as a financial advisor and managing director of the Black Pearl Wealth Management Group at RBC Wealth Management. With a nearly 40-year career, Haygood started her path to financial services in an unlikely place. From her roots as an automation and controls engineer, to her ownership of a law firm, no matter her career, her focus has been serving people.

On entering financial services – “I’ve had a long and varied career that has often landed me in places where my contributions and what I brought to the table weren’t always recognized. I had to advocate for myself constantly.” Haygood’s nontraditional path to financial services included earning degrees in electrical engineering, physics and law. She worked as both an engineer and a lawyer before turning her focus to wealth management. She is passionate about her current work helping clients build their financial know-how to fund the futures they desire.”

Her inspiration – “My aunt Cora T. Walker, who was one of the first African American women to attend St. John’s Law School and to be licensed to the New York State Bar in the 1940s.”

Her mission – “To serve clients’ needs today and support their dreams for the future.”

The best advice she’s received – Even superheroes put things off. Haygood said the most impactful advice she received was when a coworker said, “I’d do it right now. Procrastination is the kryptonite of your superpowers.”

Advice she would give – “Be authentic.” Speaking to younger employees entering the financial services industry, Haygood emphasizes that embracing authenticity is the key to unlocking the best opportunities and cultivating meaningful connections.

On what she’s proudest of – “I’m proud of the fact that my clients trust me with their financial wellbeing. I’m honored to serve those who are changing their communities and the world for the better.”

RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, registered investment adviser and Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC.