From Wall Street to Global Impact: Anna Bruno’s Mission

With over 25 years of experience in finance, Anna Bruno has built an impressive career advising high-net-worth clients and leading at top firms like Raymond James, Solomons Smith Barney, CitiGroup, and AXA Advisors. As the founder of Anna Bruno & Associates and co-founder of Acceleration Circle Inc., she blends financial expertise with a passion for empowering businesses and communities worldwide. Through her work as a certified holistic financial coach and dynamic speaker, Anna continues to transform lives by equipping individuals and organizations with the tools for financial success and growth.

You’ve had an extensive career in finance, starting at Solomon Smith Barney and later establishing your firm. What inspired you to leap into entrepreneurship?

The jump into entrepreneurship was driven by a motivation to create and make a difference on a larger scale. Although I gained valuable experience working at different financial firms, I knew I had to create something that better aligned with my vision of financial literacy and empowerment. This gave me the ability to tailor services directly to clients’ needs, innovate in financial planning, and create an environment for a culture that encourages financial literacy and empowerment. It’s been a rewarding journey using my expertise in entrepreneurship to positively impact people’s financial lives.

As one of the few Columbia University-certified holistic financial coaches, how does your approach differ from traditional financial advising?

As a Columbia University-certified holistic financial coach, my approach differs from traditional financial advising in several key ways:

I take a holistic approach, blending financial goals with personal ambitions, values, and health into a cohesive strategy. This means understanding the whole person to design a financial plan that truly reflects their success.

Unlike traditional firms that focus mainly on numbers, holistic coaching goes deeper. I work closely with clients on financial literacy while addressing emotional and psychological patterns around money that may affect their success.

I prioritize building long-term relationships based on trust, support, and accountability. It’s about guiding clients through life changes and adjusting financial plans as their circumstances evolve.

Empowering clients through education is crucial. Instead of just giving instructions, I explain the reasons behind financial strategies and how they align with clients’ values and goals.

By seamlessly integrating life planning with financial planning, I ensure clients achieve a balanced and fulfilling life that considers career goals, family dynamics, health, and personal growth.

In essence, my role as a holistic financial coach is to offer a comprehensive perspective that supports clients in navigating not just financial decisions, but also the emotional and personal aspects that shape their journey towards financial well-being and personal fulfillment.

What inspired you to co-found Acceleration Circle (www.accelerationcircle.com), and what gap in the market are you addressing?

The inspiration behind co-founding Acceleration Circle came from a deep recognition of a market gap where driven individuals,especially early-career professionals, solopreneurs, creatives, and small business owners, lacked a holistic platform that fused financial empowerment with personal and professional development. After years of working closely with clients, it became clear that many were overwhelmed, under-supported, and missing the foundational tools for sustainable success,especially in business development, branding, financial literacy, and emotional resilience. Acceleration Circle was created to bridge that gap by combining expert-led mentorship programs, interactive weekly activities, and a vibrant, supportive community. We attach the right experts to guide members through every aspect of business development, from branding and finance to leadership and AI-driven solutions, making the path to success not just clearer, but also more collaborative, engaging, and empowering.
We’re empowering people not just to learn, but to transform,scaling their personal growth as confidently as they scale their businesses.

You’ve spoken at TEDx and other global events—what topics resonate most with audiences, and what do you hope they take away from your talks?

When I speak at TEDx and other global events, I find that topics like achieving financial independence, understanding the psychology behind money decisions, and fostering entrepreneurship really resonate with audiences. Sharing personal stories of resilience, including my journey through cancer and its impact on my financial outlook, also deeply connects with people on a personal level. I hope that from these talks, audiences walk away feeling empowered and equipped with practical insights to navigate their financial journeys confidently. It’s about inspiring them to embrace their financial goals with resilience and to understand how their behavior shapes their financial outcomes, ultimately empowering them to take charge of their financial futures with clarity and purpose.

Link to my TEDx talk- https://youtu.be/aC8_BT9jIhI?si=-fKIPafvr3OHsC21

Thrive Armenia Foundation is a significant part of your work. What inspired you to start this initiative, and what impact has it had so far?

Thrive Armenia Foundation is deeply meaningful to me as it stems from a heartfelt desire to contribute to Armenia’s development in a comprehensive way. The initiative was inspired by a vision to unite Armenians worldwide, leveraging education, technology, and community support to foster sustainable growth and empowerment. Since its inception, Thrive Armenia Foundation has made a significant impact by supporting skills development, creating employment opportunities, and providing humanitarian aid. Programs like the Get Skills Academy have empowered individuals, especially those affected by the Artsakh conflict, by equipping them with valuable skills for global competitiveness. Through these efforts, we aim to transform lives and contribute positively to Armenia’s future as a technologically advanced and socially thriving nation.

What drives you personally in your work, and how do you define success beyond financial metrics?

Personally, what drives me in my work is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on individuals’ lives and communities. Beyond financial metrics, I define success by the positive change and empowerment I can facilitate through my initiatives, whether it’s helping someone achieve financial independence, supporting community development through Thrive Armenia Foundation, or inspiring others through speaking engagements. Success, to me, is also about creating lasting value, fostering growth, and leaving a legacy of knowledge and empowerment that extends far beyond immediate financial gains. It’s about making a difference and contributing to a world where individuals and communities thrive.

You’ve worked with both high-net-worth individuals and small business owners. What key financial principles apply universally, regardless of income level?

Whether working with high-net-worth individuals or small business owners, several key financial principles apply universally:

Budgeting and Cash Flow Management: Understanding income and expenses is fundamental to financial stability and growth.
Saving and Investing: Building wealth requires disciplined saving habits and strategic investment decisions tailored to individual goals and risk tolerance.

Debt Management: Effectively managing debt, including understanding interest rates and repayment strategies, is crucial for financial health.

Risk Management: Protecting assets and income through insurance and appropriate risk mitigation strategies is essential for long-term financial security.

Financial Education and Planning: Continuously educating oneself and having a clear financial plan helps navigate life’s transitions and achieve long-term goals.

Applying these principles lays a strong foundation for financial success, regardless of income level or financial situation.

Looking back at your 25+ years in finance and business consulting, what’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned that continues to shape your approach today?

Reflecting on my experience in finance and business consulting, the most valuable lesson I’ve learned is the importance of empathy and personalized guidance. Understanding that each client’s situation is unique and requires tailored solutions has been pivotal. It’s not just about numbers and strategies but about listening deeply, empathizing with their goals and challenges, and guiding them with a holistic approach that considers both financial and personal aspects. This lesson continues to shape my approach today, ensuring that I prioritize building trust, delivering value, and empowering clients to achieve their financial aspirations with confidence and clarity.