Home » Featured News » Student Voices | Navigating Success: Lessons from a Leader in Wealth Management

Student Voices | Navigating Success: Lessons from a Leader in Wealth Management

Graduate | Feb 03, 2025 |

John M. Boccio, a seasoned executive in the financial services industry, recently shared his professional journey and leadership insights with students at Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business. As an alumnus of the School, Boccio’s story is both relatable and inspiring, offering practical guidance to those aspiring to succeed in wealth management or any field requiring strategic vision and adaptability.

During his talk, Boccio outlined a few key leadership principles that he believes are critical for long-term success. He emphasized the need for a vision; setting goals for one, five, and 10 years, along with the ability to adapt to unforeseen changes. In addition, he stressed the importance of hard work, urging students to immerse themselves in their industry’s data, metrics, and trends.

Boccio’s career path has been a mosaic of diverse experiences, beginning with technical positions that honed his expertise in financial modeling, valuation, and analytics. Over the years, his career expanded to include global business operations, product innovation, and regulatory complexities, leading to his current role as the president and CEO of New York Life Securities. These skills formed the foundation of his success as a leader, however, Boccio is quick to acknowledge that the path was not always smooth. He recounted the humbling experience of losing a job, which was a turning point that underscored the importance of resilience and flexibility in navigating professional challenges. Reflecting on this, he quoted Winston Churchill: “Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.”

Another cornerstone of Boccio’s philosophy is relationship building. Trust, authenticity, and collaboration are invaluable in any profession. He reminded students that asking for help and showing vulnerability are not weaknesses but strengths that foster meaningful connections. Equally important is emotional intelligence. Leaders must harness their emotions constructively and maintain composure under stress. Finally, Boccio advocated for giving back. Leadership, he asserted, is about service, mentoring others, and contributing to the growth of the professional community.

For students seeking to emulate Boccio’s success, he offered a clear roadmap: focus on building technical and analytical skills early, embrace diverse experiences, and commit to a lifelong learning. He also encouraged taking calculated risks and viewing failures as opportunities for growth. Above all, he urged students to embody integrity, humility, and perseverance—these are traits that inspire respect and foster trust.

Boccio’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of vision, dedication, and adaptability. His insights provide a blueprint for students aiming to navigate the complexities of a dynamic professional landscape. As he aptly concluded, “Think about how you want your profession to be perceived and respected—then, embody those character traits and teach others.” These words challenge the next generation to lead with purpose and passion, ensuring their careers are as impactful as they are successful.

Written by: Ahmad Sharifi, M.B.A.’25

Connect with the Gabelli School of Business

© 2025 Gabelli School of Business

GabelliConnect is the news site of the Gabelli School of Business at Fordham University. Read about career opportunities, campus events, student and alumni success stories, and more.