Today we’d like to introduce you to JC Abusaid.
Hi JC, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I had spent most of my career in operational roles. I started as an Operations Manager at Halbert Hargrove in 1996. At that time, my goals had always been to work hard, advance in my career, and provide for my family. Becoming CEO was never my plan. However, over time and as my role in the firm evolved, I became a part of my boss’s succession plan.
I have had the opportunity to fufill many roles at Halbert Hargrove, ultimately moving from president and COO to CEO in 2021. When the opportunity came to step into the CEO role, I wasn’t confident that I fit the traditional idea of what a CEO should be. Over time, I learned that leadership isn’t about being the perfect successor or having all of the answers. It’s about growth, humility, and trusting yourself.
Looking back, I’m grateful for the journey. It’s been full of lessons, great people, and many opportunities to grow—both personally and professionally.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This journey hasn’t been a smooth road. Like most people stepping into something new, I had moments of doubt along the way. When I became CEO, I felt the weight of following a strong predecessor and questioned whether I was ready. That kind of transition can be humbling—you’re trying to find your footing while also setting the tone for everyone else.
Initially, I tried to take on too much myself. One of my biggest mistakes was delaying a reporting structure and pulling away from the team. I thought I was protecting them from added pressure, but instead, I left them without direction, which only created confusion. It was a hard but necessary lesson: Structure is not about control. It’s about giving people the clarity they need to do their best work.
There have been challenges, of course—long days, big decisions, moments of uncertainty—but those are the experiences that teach you the most. They’ve helped me grow not just as a leader, but as a person.
Another challenge I have faced is that English is not my first language. Having grown up in Colombia, presenting and writing in English was a struggle to overcome, both in terms of confidence and proficiency.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Halbert Hargrove?
At Halbert Hargrove, we believe that clients deserve more than an advisor who only cares about their portfolio. For us, wealth management is personal—it’s about people, families, and futures. We’re an independent, employee-owned fiduciary firm that has been guiding clients through life transitions for 70+ years. Every advisor at Halbert Hargrove puts the clients’ interests first, offering advice and planning designed to help the client live a well-planned life.
Our team is guided by the following core principles: we are fearless, we are innovative, we give back, and we have fun. These values shape everything we do, from how we collaborate internally to how we serve and support the communities where we live and work. We’re proud of our unique company culture, which supports higher education and fosters an ongoing commitment to fun and excellence. We recently earned a spot on the CNBC Financial Advisor 100 list for the seventh consecutive year*, which reflects our dedication to clients and the high standards we hold ourselves to as a team.
Our LifePhase Investing® approach also sets us apart. This framework evolves with clients through every stage of life. Rather than focusing only on investments, we help clients navigate key life events, explore alternatives, and create action plans that align their goals, values, and financial well-being.
*Last received October 2025 based on 12/31/24 data. All prior rankings were published in September or October of each ranking year and were based on 12/31 data of the previous year. CNBC enlisted data provider AccuPoint Solutions to assist with the ranking. Halbert Hargrove Global Advisors did not pay a fee to participate in the survey; however, HH did pay to license the CNBC FA 100 logo. Methodology
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my favorite childhood memories is visiting my mother in Hawaii each year. When I was younger, I only had the chance to see her once annually, but those visits were always the highlight of my year. She was passionate about conservation, and we spent our time together interacting with animals.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.halberthargrove.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jc-abusaid-a66a41/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOspePccG7YQZBB-GUv12kg
