Shannon Csapilla is a Wealth Management Client Associate at Merrill Lynch in Stamford, Connecticut. She helps clients with financial planning and wealth management.
But her approach to work and life offers lessons for everyone—not just about money. Let’s explore how her journey and ideas can inspire us to build better habits and achieve success.
How Shannon Got Started
Shannon grew up in Stamford, Connecticut, and had a love for planning and structure early on. She played volleyball at Stamford High School, where teamwork and strategy became second nature. After high school, she went to Curry College, making the Dean’s List in her first year. Later, she transferred to the University of Rhode Island and graduated with a degree in Economics in 2017.
“Studying economics helped me see how small decisions add up over time,” Shannon says. “That lesson applies to life, not just finances.”
After graduation, she worked in various roles, including as an administrative assistant and later in mortgage administration. Each job taught her skills she uses today. From juggling deadlines to solving problems under pressure, Shannon learned how to stay organized and build strong relationships.
What Shannon Does Now
At Merrill Lynch, Shannon helps people with their finances. She crafts personalized plans for her clients to help them meet their goals. This can include saving for retirement, planning for big purchases, or managing investments.
“No two clients are the same,” Shannon explains. “What works for one person might not work for another. My job is to listen, understand their goals, and come up with a plan that fits.”
She also believes in keeping things simple for her clients. Many people feel overwhelmed by finance. Shannon breaks it down so her clients can make confident decisions.
“When clients tell me they finally feel in control of their money, that’s the best feeling,” she says.
Lessons We Can All Learn
Start Small, Stay Consistent
One of Shannon’s key beliefs is that small actions lead to big results. Whether it’s saving money, creating a budget, or building a new habit, the key is to start small and stick with it.
“It’s not about doing everything perfectly,” Shannon says. “It’s about showing up every day and making progress.”
The same applies to health, fitness, or learning a new skill. Small, steady efforts build momentum over time.
Stay Organized
Shannon’s early jobs taught her the value of staying organized. Whether she was managing mortgage paperwork or balancing deadlines, she learned how to keep everything on track.
Her advice? Create systems that work for you. Use tools like planners, calendars, or apps to keep everything in order.
“Being organized reduces stress,” she explains. “When you have a plan, you can focus on what matters instead of worrying about what you might be forgetting.”
Build Relationships
Shannon emphasizes the importance of relationships, both in work and life. She listens carefully to her clients to understand their needs. She also values collaboration and teamwork.
“Success is never a solo effort,” she says. “The best results come from working together and supporting each other.”
This applies to all areas of life. Building strong relationships—whether with coworkers, friends, or family—creates a solid foundation for growth.
Adapt to Change
The financial world is always shifting. Shannon has learned to stay flexible and adapt. She encourages others to do the same.
“Change is constant,” Shannon says. “The more you can roll with it, the better you’ll handle whatever comes your way.”
In life, this might mean switching up your workout routine, trying new strategies at work, or adjusting plans when things don’t go as expected.
Invest in Yourself
For Shannon, investing isn’t just about money. It’s also about self-improvement. She’s passionate about lifelong learning and encourages others to keep growing.
“Whether it’s reading, taking a class, or learning from someone else, there’s always more to discover,” she says.
She’s particularly interested in sustainable investing and plans to deepen her expertise in that area.
Looking Ahead
Shannon isn’t just focused on her career. She’s also passionate about mentoring young professionals, especially women entering finance.
“There’s so much potential in this field,” she says. “I want to show people—especially women—that they can thrive here.”
Her advice for anyone starting out? Be curious, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Shannon Csapilla’s journey is a reminder that small steps, strong relationships, and a curious mindset can lead to big results. Whether you’re managing your money, building a new habit, or just trying to figure things out, her approach can inspire you to take action and keep growing.
What’s one small change you’ve made recently that’s made a difference? Let’s chat about it in the comments below!
