Rising Stars: Meet Vera Phipps

Today we’d like to introduce you to Vera Phipps.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Six years ago, I decided to leave my beloved investment company, which had taught me so much, and take a break to start my own business. I never imagined that this sabbatical would lead to marriage and a move to a different continent. Relocating from Ukraine to California meant beginning from scratch, leaving behind a thriving career and reputation, and facing a significant blow to my ego. It was incredibly challenging.

To avoid starting at entry-level positions, I took on the task of crisis management for my husband’s business, which he was on the verge of abandoning. During this period, I also launched a CBD brand, undertook various consulting projects, assisted a friend in building a jewelry brand in Europe, and even learned coding through MIT.

When the war in Ukraine began, I brought my family to California and took on the responsibility of caring for everyone amidst intense anxiety. During this tumultuous time, life presented a new opportunity—my friends invited me to co-found a tech startup. This venture allowed me to leverage both my existing knowledge and newly acquired skills, along with a flexible mindset, to create a successful product.

Reflecting on all the steps I took to start over, I can now see a more direct path. I’ve learned my strengths and discovered that I’m capable of starting afresh repeatedly, using each new beginning as a springboard to propel myself further. Now, I am consulting companies in finance and building a new startup, continuing to apply my experience and resilience to new challenges.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting from scratch is an incredibly humbling experience and a real test for your ego. It strips away everything you once relied on and shows you who you truly are, but it is undoubtedly painful. The process of rebuilding from the ground up forces you to confront your limitations and vulnerabilities, but it also provides a unique opportunity for growth and self-discovery. You learn to appreciate the small victories and understand the value of perseverance and hard work.

Adding to this, having a war break out in your home country is an experience you wouldn’t wish on anyone. It drives home the harsh reality that life is not linear and everything you have can disappear overnight. Watching your homeland endure such turmoil and knowing that your loved ones are affected brings an overwhelming sense of helplessness and fear. Yet, it also reinforces the necessity of resilience and adaptability. You realize that you must be ready to face any challenge head-on and that your strength lies in your ability to adapt to new and often harsh realities.

These challenges teach you the importance of being resilient, flexible, and grateful for what you have. They highlight that material possessions and external validations are fleeting, and what truly matters is your inner strength and determination. Each setback becomes a lesson, and each new beginning is a chance to apply what you’ve learned in a more meaningful way.

Moreover, these experiences underscore that you are your own biggest asset. Your skills, knowledge, and the ability to reinvent yourself are invaluable. They remind you to invest in yourself continuously, nurture your mental and emotional well-being, and maintain a sense of gratitude for the journey, no matter how difficult it may be. In the face of adversity, you discover that your true power lies within, and this self-reliance becomes the foundation for future success and fulfillment.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in helping businesses get their financial house in order and streamline operations. Whether it’s assisting startups in developing bulletproof business and financial models, creating sustainable revenue streams, or helping established companies clean up their financials, I provide the clarity and structure needed for growth—across any industry. Think of me as the architect of financial stability and long-term success!

Right now, I’m also working on an exciting new venture that helps people better manage their stress in a more effective, science-backed way. It’s still in the development phase, so I can’t spill all the details just yet, but trust me, it’s going to be transformative!

One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is mentoring women in their relationships with money. Watching them gain financial confidence and independence brings me so much joy. It’s incredibly empowering to help someone realize their full potential and take control of their financial future.

What sets me apart is my holistic, adaptable approach. I’ve worked with a diverse range of industries, from tech startups to more traditional sectors, turning financial obstacles into opportunities. My resilience, creativity, and absolute commitment to my clients’ success are what make my services stand out. I don’t just solve problems; I transform them into stepping stones for long-term success. And hey, I like to have fun along the way too!

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
In 15 years, with the advancement of large language models and AI, the world will look drastically different, and I believe the financial system will undergo significant changes. We’re already witnessing a shift with younger generations leading the way towards more horizontal and decentralized decision-making.

I envision the future of finance to be rooted in decentralization, bringing more autonomy to individuals. This trend will likely reduce the power of traditional financial institutions and empower people to have more control over their finances. Additionally, the concept of unconditional basic income could become a foundational element, providing everyone with a safety net and fostering a more creative economy. This could lead to a surge in new ideas, research, and breakthroughs becoming part of our everyday lives.

The financial industry will need to adapt to these changes by embracing new technologies and adopting more flexible and inclusive approaches. The rise of decentralized finance (DeFi), blockchain technology, and AI-driven financial services will play a crucial role in shaping this future. Overall, I believe the industry is moving towards a more equitable and innovative landscape, where financial empowerment and creativity go hand in hand.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/verypersonalspace/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vera-phipps/