Mandi Leonard

MY BACKGROUND AND WHAT BROUGHT ME HERE…

Even though my focus at UCLA was English literature, I have always been interested in numbers and how they impact the world around me. So along with my literary focus at university, I decided to tack on a “business emphasis” and basically ended up with two very different majors. 

I continued to work with numbers and, more interestingly, honed my relationship-building skills during my career in software marketing and then sales. I loved working with different companies, learning about their industries, understanding their complicated system requirements and creating solutions to fit their needs. 

Over 25 years ago, when Scott ventured off to begin his first corporation, I was one of his first “unofficial” employees, always listening to ideas about offering unbiased financial consultations and helping him build his practice. I found my skills that I developed in the software sector were a good complement for a career in the financial services industry, so I made the transition. Now, I’m a part of the permanent Navigoe team helping our team of financial advisors in Redondo Beach.

OUTSIDE OF WORK, I’M MOST PASSIONATE ABOUT…

Outside of work I am most passionate about the health and happiness of my family, being a trusted friend and always trying to learn and grow. 

Recently, our family has returned from a 3-year sailing journey. As the trip progressed, we became a finely tuned machine, each performing a separate responsibility for the good of the whole. It was rewarding to see our three boys grow in skills and confidence along the way. They were tasked with not only the usual cleaning and maintenance, but also were assigned critical duties that were important to our safety and well-being. Not many children get the chance for this type of character-building experience. Our trip was inspiring, challenging and reinforced what is important and meaningful.

WHEN NOT IN THE OFFICE, LOOK FOR ME…

• Adventuring with my family

• Exercising (Doesn’t matter what – just something everyday!)

• Reading

• Skiing with my family and friends

• Spending time on the ocean (Warm water only please.)

• Traveling anywhere new and exciting

AS PART OF NAVIGOE’S 1% FOR THE PLANET COMMITMENT, WHAT ARE YOU MOST PASSIONATE ABOUT?

Having spent, and continuing to spend, so much time in the oceans around the world, I really appreciate our support of the Aquarium of the Pacific. With their breeding and rescue programs, they are working hard to preserve what I love so much about being at sea. I appreciate their educational outreach. And when I can’t get back to the South Pacific for a while, a visit to the aquarium can serve to ‘tide me over.’