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  • Podcast

Episode 226: The Power of Experience and Allyship

Valarie Vest of Cambridge Investment Research

“I really like solving problems. As long as I have the opportunity to interact with our financial professionals and know that I'm making an impact and figuring things out on a daily basis, I like that. I like the fun of that.” – Val Vest

Don’t miss this episode of Cambridge Stronger as Valarie Vest, Executive Vice President and Chief Experience Officer at Cambridge, shares her inspiring journey into financial services. Tune in to hear how Val’s passion for problem-solving and dedication to core values led her to a leadership role focused on enhancing experiences for advisors, associates, and clients. She also discusses the evolving landscape of financial services, the power of digital transformation, and the importance of fostering an inclusive and values-driven culture.

In Episode 226: The Power of Experience and Allyship, Val discusses:

  • Her path from an economics graduate to a leader in financial services
  • How embracing risk, continuous learning, and relationship-building shaped her leadership approach
  • What being named a finalist for the InvestmentNews Women to Watch Allyship Champion of the Year award means to her and the impact of allyship in the industry

Listen now to hear Val’s leadership insights and how Cambridge is shaping the future of financial services!

InvestmentNews 2024 Women to Watch Excellence Awardees (Finalists) Employer of Choice, Cambridge Investment Group, and Allyship Champion of the Year, Valarie Vest, honor the contribution and achievements of firms and individuals in the financial services industry. Finalists are chosen based on nominations and winners are selected by an independent judging panel. To learn about the award nomination and selection process, visit https://womentowatch.investmentnews.com/process/.


About Valarie Vest

Executive Vice President and Chief Experience Officer
Member, Executive Council

Valarie Vest is an Executive Vice President and Chief Experience Officer at Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. With more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, Vest collaborates with teams across the firm to shape key client-centric strategies and deliver exceptional financial professional and associate experiences. She also works directly with financial professionals and associates, as well as Cambridge’s executive and leadership teams, to identify emerging trends and translate insights into actionable strategies that create growth and meaningful engagement across all touchpoints. Vest earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from the University of Washington and completed additional coursework at Strayer University and Rutgers Center for Innovation Education. Additionally, she holds the FINRA Series 7, 24, and 66 licenses.

About Cambridge Stronger

Integrity, commitment, flexibility, and kindness are at the core of Cambridge’s values and drive the Spirit of Cambridge. Join our host, Cambridge CEO Amy Webber, for each Cambridge Stronger episode as she invites independent financial professionals to offer insight on how they integrate values and purpose in their care for their investing clients; and hear their stories on how they got their start as well as why they are in the advice profession. 


The opinions expressed are those of the interviewees and do not represent the opinions or views of the interviewer and/or Cambridge.