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Social Impact Heroes: Why & How Cristian LaCapra of Northern Trust Is Helping To Change Our World

Do the Right Thing: Playing the long game and maintaining integrity always pays off in the long run. Early in my career, I was too young to understand this fully. Relationships in wealth management are complex and require time and patience. I’ve learned that consistently doing the right thing, even when there’s no immediate benefit, builds a solid foundation of trust and respect. This approach has been instrumental in my career, reinforcing the importance of integrity and long-term thinking.

As part of my series about “individuals and organizations making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Cristian LaCapra.

Cristian LaCapra is a trusted Senior Wealth Advisor at Northern Trust, empowering families and building legacies through customized strategies and effective problem-solving for ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families. With over 13 years of experience, he combines financial expertise with a deep commitment to community engagement, actively contributing to various organizations including The Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (CARD), Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami, and United Way of Miami-Dade. Known for his empathetic approach and dedication to building meaningful relationships, Cristian helps clients achieve financial peace of mind and secure generational wealth.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?

I started my career in investment banking in New York City, where I learned a great deal about finance and investments. However, it wasn’t until I began working with the United Way Miami that I discovered my true calling in wealth management. During my time there, I had the opportunity to present to the leadership team at Northern Trust, a company I had not been familiar with before. I was deeply impressed by their genuine commitment to community involvement and the relationships they built within the community. It was this alignment of values and the organic relationships I formed with their team that drew me to wealth management and ultimately led me to pursue it as a career. Seeing how they led by example and actively engaged with the community resonated with my personal goals for fulfillment and making a meaningful impact.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company or organization?

The year 2020 was a pivotal time for everyone, both personally and professionally. For me, it reaffirmed my decision to be in private banking. When the global pandemic hit, there was a lot of uncertainty. I remember being extremely stressed about the impact on my family and my clients. One day, a managing director who had been with the bank for over 20 years pulled me aside. He reassured me, saying, “We as a bank are going to be okay. Go home, take care of your family, and then come back to do what you do best — taking care of our clients.” This moment of empathy and leadership provided me with the peace of mind I needed to support my clients effectively. It highlighted the strength and integrity of the institution and further solidified my commitment to my team.

It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

Looking back, one of the funniest things I remember is my appearance in my early professional days. I had big, unruly hair. It’s humorous to think of now, but I’ve learned the value and importance of presentation and professionalism in our business. In a field where every detail matters, showing up in a way that instills confidence in clients is crucial. I learned that while experience and knowledge are paramount, the way you present yourself can significantly impact people’s trust and confidence in you.

Can you describe how you or your organization is making a significant social impact?

I firmly believe in leading by example. One of the most impactful ways to lead is through action and engagement within our communities. Personally, I am involved in various community organizations like the United Way Miami, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami, the Orange Bowl Committee, and the Center for Autism & Related Disabilities. By showing up, doing the work, and actively participating in initiatives that matter, I’m able to build organic relationships and demonstrate my own commitment to making a difference. This approach not only benefits the community, but also aligns with core values of integrity and empathy.

Can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted or helped by your cause?

There are many individuals and families who have been positively impacted by my civic work, but one story that stands out is a family that I assisted through a particularly challenging family transition. By spending a lot of time listening first and physically being there to provide empathetic support, I was able to help them navigate a deeply personal and emotional time in their life, secure their financial future, and achieve peace of mind. I like to say that I am in the “Life Event” business — death, divorce, retirement, inheritance, a move to a new city or job, sale of a business or real estate. It’s moments like these where I get to help and that reinforces why I do what I do professionally.

Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?

1. Empathy and Understanding: Encourage a culture of empathy and understanding. People are often dealing with unseen challenges, and a little kindness can go a long way.

2. Active Participation: Promote active participation in community initiatives. When everyone shows up and contributes, we can make significant strides in addressing community issues when we work together.

3. Support for Mentorship Programs: Advocate for and support mentorship programs. Mentorship has a profound impact on personal and professional development, and providing access to mentors can help individuals achieve their full potential.

How do you define “Leadership”? Can you explain what you mean or give an example?

Leadership is about doing the right thing, even when there’s no immediate benefit to you. It’s about showing up, taking action, and following through on your commitments.

What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.

1 . There’s More to Wealth Management than Investments:

When I first started in wealth management, I believed it was all about the numbers and investment portfolios. Over time, I learned that it’s much more about building relationships and understanding people’s needs. The real value lies in connecting with clients on a personal level, deeply understanding their goals, and helping them navigate their financial journeys. Wealth management is fundamentally a “people business,” where trust and empathy are as important as financial acumen.

2 . Opportunities Are Endless:

One of the most enjoyable aspects of my career has been meeting diverse and fascinating people, each with their own unique journeys. This has opened my eyes to the endless opportunities we all have to grow and succeed. Many of my clients’ stories reflect personal journeys filled with trials and tribulations. It’s rarely a straight line to success and often involves navigating paths of challenges and setbacks. Recognizing the grit and persistence that people exhibit in their pursuits is truly inspiring. This has taught me that success is about finding your path and staying committed, no matter the obstacles.

3 . Psychology and Emotions Around Money:

Money is a central part of our lives, yet it’s often a taboo subject. I’ve learned that understanding the psychology and emotions around money is crucial. Many people are scared to talk about it, despite its significant impact on their daily lives. Addressing financial concerns openly and honestly can be incredibly therapeutic. Whether it’s discussing retirement plans, supporting children and grandchildren, or managing day-to-day expenses, having these conversations is essential for financial well-being.

4 . It’s a Hard Business, but It Can Be Fun:

Wealth management is undoubtedly challenging, but I’ve found immense joy and satisfaction in my work. When I first started, I didn’t realize how fun it could be. A lot of this enjoyment comes from the amazing people I interact with everyday — clients, colleagues, and community members. For instance, early in my career, I was involved in promoting Miami nightlife, which was a stark contrast to the professional environment in private banking. However, these experiences taught me valuable lessons about accountability, client engagement and relationship building.

5 . Do the Right Thing:

Playing the long game and maintaining integrity always pays off in the long run. Early in my career, I was too young to understand this fully. Relationships in wealth management are complex and require time and patience. I’ve learned that consistently doing the right thing, even when there’s no immediate benefit, builds a solid foundation of trust and respect. This approach has been instrumental in my career, reinforcing the importance of integrity and long-term thinking.

You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂

If I could inspire a movement, it would be to ensure everyone has a mentor. Mentorship has been pivotal in my life, providing guidance, support, and inspiration at crucial moments. Whether it’s a parent, friend, or business colleague, a mentor can help navigate life’s challenges and opportunities. This belief in the transformative power of mentorship has led me to join the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami. Through this role, I am committed to fostering connections that can change lives. I have seen firsthand the difference a mentor can make, not only in my own journey, but also in the lives of countless others. By creating a movement that ensures everyone has access to mentorship, we can unlock potential, drive personal and professional growth, and build stronger, more resilient communities.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

“Patience, persistence, and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success.” This quote resonates with me because it encapsulates the values that have driven my career. Success doesn’t come overnight; it requires hard work, grit, determination, and the ability to always do the right thing.

Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂

I would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with Jeff Bezos. His journey from humble beginnings to building one of the world’s most successful companies is incredibly inspiring. Jeff Bezos is the classic American success story — born to immigrant parents who started with nothing, he had the capabilities and vision, which his parents recognized and supported. Throughout his life, he had the support of teachers, parents, and mentors who drove him to succeed. What fascinates me most is his philosophy of focusing on what doesn’t change, which I believe has profound implications for long-term success. I would love to have a larger conversation around this philosophy and understand more about how he navigated the challenges and opportunities along his remarkable journey. Bezos’s willingness to take risks and his persistence in pursuing his vision are qualities I deeply admire and strive to embody in my own life.

How can our readers further follow your work online?

Readers are welcome to follow my work on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristianlacapra/).

This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success in your great work!


Social Impact Heroes: Why & How Cristian LaCapra of Northern Trust Is Helping To Change Our World was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

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