Leading with her heart and standing up for her people

What does it look like to lead with your heart when a difficult decision could cost you business?

For Diane Compardo, it includes telling a client that respect for her team is part of the relationship. In this episode of the She Lift Project, she shares why there have been moments when protecting her people mattered more than protecting revenue.

Diane joins Cynthia Kirkpatrick for a conversation about the experiences behind her success in wealth management. Raised on an Illinois farm as one of six children, she grew up expecting everyone to pitch in. She carried that expectation into a professional world where women were often outnumbered, entering rooms without assuming she should be treated differently.

One memory remains particularly vivid. Her parents dropped her and her belongings at the curb outside her college dorm, then drove away. Unprepared for how quickly they left, she had to figure out what came next. The experience helped her discover that she could take care of herself and move through unfamiliar systems independently.

Confidence did not arrive all at once. Diane describes being quiet and reserved early in her career and leaning on knowledge to build her confidence. She also recalls a trusted friend who helped her understand how to present herself professionally, and why accepting candid feedback can be an act of growth.

Her approach to leadership combines care with directness. She wants people to feel safe disagreeing with her, but she also expects them to address problems with the person involved. She values looking someone in the eye, owning mistakes, and making intentions clear instead of letting frustration spread through a team.

The conversation becomes especially personal when Diane shares how her 13-year-old son’s calm response during an argument prompted her to change. She also reflects on making her parents proud, hearing pride from her own children, and working alongside her husband, Ron, by trusting their different strengths.

Giving back is another expression of the same values. Diane discusses serving Covenant House Missouri and sleeping outdoors seven times as part of its fundraising efforts, as well as supporting Southern Illinois University through its foundation. Throughout the conversation, her satisfaction in watching others grow is as clear as her commitment to doing the work well.

In this episode

• The college drop-off that helped Diane discover her independence
• Growing up on a farm and bringing that work ethic into business
• Building confidence through knowledge and preparation
• Learning to advocate for yourself and accept useful feedback
• Leading with care while addressing conflict directly
• Making room for disagreement and protecting team members
• Hiring people who bring strengths you do not have
• Setting boundaries with clients who disrespect the team
• Learning from your children and changing your response to tension
• Working with a spouse without competing for the same role
• Giving back through service, fundraising, and education

About Diane Compardo

Diane Compardo, CPA, CFP®, PFS, AWMA®, is a partner at Moneta and the founding partner of Compardo, Wienstroer & Janes. Her career began in public accounting before she moved into wealth management, where she has built a team focused on comprehensive service and developing the next generation of advisors. Her community involvement includes service with Covenant House Missouri and the Southern Illinois University Foundation.

Connect and explore

• She Lift Project
• Diane Compardo at Moneta
• Diane on LinkedIn
• Compardo, Wienstroer & Janes
• Cynthia Kirkpatrick at Moneta
• Covenant House Missouri
• Southern Illinois University Foundation

Who has helped you discover what you are capable of, and how are you helping someone else do the same?

Listen to episode 85 and subscribe to the She Lift Project for conversations that help women reach higher levels of success in the workplace. Share this episode with someone who is building a career or learning to lead a team.

Content notice

The opinions expressed are those of Cynthia Kirkpatrick and her guest and do not represent their employers. This episode is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as financial, legal, medical, or other professional advice.