As we approach the end of 2024, I’m filled with immense pride and gratitude for the remarkable efforts of every individual at Deerfield. Our collective success this year has been the result of teamwork, creativity, and dedication across the board. I am pleased with the members of my client service team, where Hope, Lori C., Susanna, and Caroline have been instrumental in their roles, alongside so many others who have contributed to our achievements. It’s truly inspiring to see how each person’s unique strengths have driven us forward, and I’m excited about what we can accomplish together in the year ahead.
Hope: Elevating Collaboration and Maintaining Excellence in Client Experience
Hope’s thoughtful integration into our team has been instrumental in sustaining the exceptional service our clients have come to value. Her ability to adapt to and respect the existing team dynamics has been key to maintaining the natural flow and rhythm of collaboration.
Hope’s approach to the Surge meeting structure has been a great addition to how we prepare for client interactions. She’s helped us stay true to our focus on being detailed and thoughtful, often starting preparations weeks—sometimes even months—in advance, so every client feels well cared for.
She’s also introduced tools like Teams Whiteboard, Salesforce dashboards, and Canva, which have been a welcome boost to our creativity and efficiency. These tools haven’t just made workflows smoother—they’ve sparked new ideas and brought fresh energy to the way we work together. In addition, we’ve made strides in using Holistiplan, our tax planning software, to serve clients in a more holistic and integrated way, further strengthening the value we deliver.
One of Hope’s biggest contributions has been her role in fostering open communication and creating space for team growth. By bringing in the 2×2 Feedback process, she’s encouraged us to share insights and learn from each other in real-time. Her presence has been a perfect complement to the standards we already uphold, helping us continue to grow as a strong, collaborative team.
Lori C.: Strengthening Team Culture and Client Relationships
Lori C. has brought valuable new dimensions to our client engagement and business development efforts throughout 2024. One of her standout contributions has been creating a business development tracker. It’s given us an easy, organized way to keep tabs on all our non-client meetings, helping deepen relationships that were already solid.
She has a remarkable ability to keep everything running smoothly, whether it’s aligning schedules or making sure nothing falls through the cracks. Her talent for finding hidden gems in our client records—even pulling insights from old archives—has earned her the nickname “super sleuth,” which suits her perfectly!
What really stands out is Lori’s commitment to fostering open communication and collaboration. Her efforts have brought a sense of cohesion to the team, making the workday more enjoyable for everyone. She’s been especially instrumental in helping newer team members find their rhythm, providing a steady source of support. Lori’s contributions haven’t just improved processes; they’ve strengthened our team and made each day better.
A Personal Reflection on 2024
This year, I’ve been able to focus on initiatives that align with both my personal and professional goals. Writing regularly for these monthly newsletters has provided a unique platform to share not only financial insights but also personal stories that hopefully deepen my connection with clients and colleagues. I’m continually surprised and grateful for the clients, professionals, and friends who take the time to share their enjoyment of what I write. It’s incredibly rewarding to see that something I’ve written resonates with someone or brings them a new perspective to share with others.
Our “Morning Meetings of Joy” (MMJ)—named for the joy of working with my team first thing in the morning 😊—have remained a critical team huddle, keeping us connected and engaged in our shared goals.
One of the highlights this year has been incorporating the DISC self-assessment tool into my work, which has enhanced my communication and leadership skills. Understanding each person’s unique “language” allows me to communicate with greater empathy and clarity, creating stronger connections.
In everything we do, I stay focused on providing value that goes beyond finance. Whether it’s connecting clients with shared interests or sharing career opportunities, it’s the human connections we foster that bring me the greatest sense of fulfillment.
Looking Ahead to 2025: A Year of Purpose and Growth
As we look forward to 2025, our focus on serving clients is stronger than ever. We’ve always believed that exceptional client relationships are the heart of Deerfield Financial Advisors, and next year we are doubling down on that commitment. Our goal isn’t simply to meet client needs but to exceed expectations by offering a personal, high-value experience that goes beyond standard financial services.
At Deerfield, we’re not aligned with the one-size-fits-all model of high-volume, low-value services. We’re proud to offer something different—deep, meaningful relationships that allow us to truly understand our clients’ goals and aspirations. Our work doesn’t stop at offering guidance; we actively collaborate with clients, providing them with the tools, resources, and insights they need to make well-informed decisions. Our approach aims to make clients feel supported, heard, and empowered to make informed decisions.
As we reflect on 2024, it’s clear that our journey has been one of collaboration and growth. We’ve embraced innovation, strengthened team culture, and focused on what matters most—people. Looking ahead, we’ll continue to explore new ways to enhance the client experience, whether through improved planning tools, greater community involvement, or simply being a trusted partner as clients navigate key life moments.
Our expected move to a modern new office space in the first half of 2025 (more to come!) is another exciting step in our evolution. It reflects our commitment to adapting and growing while staying true to our client-first philosophy. In 2025, we are excited to continue this path, finding new opportunities to bring even more value to our clients and their families.
Here’s to a future shaped by purpose and excellence, where we continue to evolve, adapt, and work alongside our clients as they pursue their goals.
About Susie
Susie Steel is COO, Wealth Manager, and Senior Shareholder at Deerfield Financial Advisors, a fee-only financial advisory and wealth management firm with offices in Indianapolis and Chicago. With over three decades of experience in financial planning, Susie’s approach has always been rooted in a spirit of service, treating each client as an extension of her own family. She simplifies the complex for clients, with the goal of creating a calm, trusting, and nurturing environment. Her unwavering commitment to the principle of “To whom much is given, much will be required” serves as the driving force behind her dedication, diligence, and empathy.
Susie obtained a business management degree from Ball State University, holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® designation, and held the Accredited Estate Planner (AEP®) designation from the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils (NAEPC) from 2013 to 2018. Susie is actively involved with an extensive list of professional organizations, including NAPFA (The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors), a premier association of fee-only financial advisors, and has served on multiple boards, committees, and councils. Her consistent recognition as one of Indianapolis Monthly’s “Five Star Wealth Managers” for the past decade attests to her outstanding accomplishments (2009-2023).
Outside the professional realm, Susie has contributed to her community through numerous efforts including her involvement in the Financial Center First Credit Union (FCFCU), the Indianapolis Children’s Museum Planned Giving Council, the Kiwanis Club of Northwest Indianapolis, and Junior Achievement. She mentors women through the CFP® Board’s “WIN-to-WIN” program, embodies the spirit of Rotary Club of Carmel, advocates for Indiana Canine Assistant Network (ICAN), and actively serves on the board of the Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center (MRNC).
Susie and her husband, Kevin, reside in Carmel, Indiana, where they raised their three children. Outside the office, her focus centers around family, spirituality, and fostering meaningful connections. Embracing the concept of the body as a temple, her personal growth is nurtured through practices like strength training, yoga, and meditation. In her leisure time, she enjoys strolls with her dog, Lulu, and indulges in movies, podcasts, books, and the theater. To learn more about Susie, connect with her on LinkedIn.
