Open to opportunities

Lesley Gadson

@lesleygadson

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Results-driven wealth management leader improving advisor performance and operational efficiency.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I seek a role where I can lead practice management and coaching initiatives, drive SaaS adoption and operational improvements, mentor advisors, and support inclusive, growth-oriented teams.

I am a wealth management and financial advisory professional with over 14 years of experience focused on improving advisor performance, client engagement, and operational efficiency. I work closely with advisors and teams to streamline workflows, reduce errors, and implement risk management and internal controls that align with strategic objectives.

Throughout my career I have led program and project management initiatives, SaaS adoption (including Salesforce), and performance coaching that developed high-performing teams and drove measurable outcomes. I have designed national workshops, implemented systematic routines for tracking and support, and performed analytics to identify growth opportunities.

I am committed to inclusive leadership and community impact, having served as COO of a leadership council, co-chair of employee resource groups, and CEO/president of a youth empowerment organization. I bring a blend of executive-level communication, coaching certification, and hands-on operational execution to drive sustainable growth.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Practice Management VP

Current

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management

Jan 2022 - Present (3 years 8 months)

Provided service support and tactical guidance to financial advisors, implementing systematic routines and SaaS tools to improve advisor productivity and drive business growth across the region.

Salesforce Data Analysis Stakeholder Management Training

Wealth Management Banking Specialist

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management

Jan 2020 - Jan 2022 (2 years)

Designed and led national workshops for advisor teams, improved client financial literacy engagement by 25%, and partnered with advisors to deepen client relationships and deliver digital enablement.

Workshop Facilitation Client Engagement Enablement Market Training Relationship Management

Client Associate

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management

Jan 2017 - Jan 2020 (3 years)

Provided operational and confidential sales support to multiple financial advisors, participating in high-level client interactions and ensuring accurate execution of administrative processes.

client support Sales Operations CRM Communication

Personal Banker

Wells Fargo

Jan 2015 - Jan 2017 (2 years)

Delivered tailored financial solutions including loans and cards, oversaw accounts, and proactively generated new business opportunities while ensuring regulatory compliance.

Retail Banking Loans Account Management Sales Customer Acquisition Compliance Consultative Selling Cross Selling

Internet Sales Director

Dick Dyer Toyota

Jan 2013 - Jan 2015 (2 years)

Managed internet sales leads and departmental operations, oversaw digital marketing updates, customer database maintenance, and supervised hiring and staff management.

Internet Sales Lead Management Digital Marketing CRM Team Supervision Database Management Recruiting Operations

Bank Teller

BB&T

Jan 2011 - Jan 2012 (1 year)

Assisted customers with transactions, maintained compliance with financial procedures, and educated customers about available financial products.

Cash Handling Customer Service Compliance Product Education Attention To Detail

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Universal Coaching Institute

Certification — Life and Solution Focused Coaching, Coaching

Completed certification in Life and Solution Focused Coaching to support professional coaching and development practice.

Southern Wesleyan University

Bachelor of Science, Psychology

Completed a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, focusing on foundational psychological theories and applications relevant to organizational and coaching contexts.