Sanford Schmidt, Founder and Chairman of Schmidt Financial Group, has spent over 30 years building a career at the intersection of innovation, integrity, and personalized financial planning. Based in Northbrook, Illinois, Schmidt Financial Group is a boutique firm dedicated to helping affluent families manage, protect, and transfer their wealth with customized strategies. Sanford’s deep well of experience, extensive certifications, and collaborative approach with legal and accounting experts have made him a trusted advisor for high-net-worth individuals seeking long-term financial stability.
This interview explores Sanford Schmidt's philosophy on leadership, innovation, and how creativity plays a vital role in his firm’s ongoing success. The conversation reveals a thoughtful, measured approach to organizational growth and client satisfaction, with a focus on inclusivity and employee empowerment.
How do you foster a culture of innovation and inclusive leadership across academic and nonprofit spaces?
We foster innovation and leadership by getting our key people involved in the process. We have found that when our team plays an integral role in the planning process, creativity and collaboration tend to come to the forefront. This shared responsibility builds ownership and encourages proactive thinking across the organization.
What role does creativity play in your decision-making process when aligning teams with mission-driven goals?
Creativity plays a significant role. We’ve discovered that understanding each individual’s personality, along with their strengths and weaknesses, maximizes both creativity and overall effectiveness in achieving our goals. When team members feel that their unique perspectives are valued, they contribute more meaningfully toward our shared mission.
What’s one creative initiative you've launched that made a measurable impact in the community or within your organization?
We launched an initiative encouraging each employee to reflect on their closest personal relationships and articulate the value of the work they do every day. The goal was to help them better connect with the client experience. This simple exercise deepened their sense of purpose and reinforced their role in the success of the organization.
How do you maintain inspiration and fresh thinking while navigating complex institutional systems?
Inspiration and fresh thinking emerge when individuals are granted autonomy. We empower our team to make decisions the way an owner would within their own company. This trust fosters innovation and encourages accountability, both of which are vital to thriving within a complex system.
Are there any frameworks or strategies you use to consistently generate and nurture innovative ideas?
Yes. Our core framework is based on a philosophy of non-micromanagement. We encourage our staff to run their departments as if they were independently owned. This level of ownership leads to better decision-making and a continuous flow of new ideas, as people feel personally invested in the outcomes.
How do you strike a balance between visionary thinking and the practical demands of operational leadership?
Leadership starts with granting employees the autonomy to make and execute decisions. This not only expands their capacity for strategic thinking but also helps them align their daily work with broader organizational objectives. Balancing vision and operations becomes easier when each team member takes ownership of their domain.
What current project or collaboration are you most excited about from an innovation perspective?
We are particularly excited about our ongoing collaborations with other firms. By accessing and integrating some of their systems, we’re expanding our capabilities and delivering added value to our clients. These strategic alliances enhance our technological edge and position us for long-term growth.
What metrics or signs do you use to evaluate whether a creative strategy has been successful in driving progress or engagement?
We primarily evaluate success through two key metrics: client satisfaction and revenue growth. When both are trending positively, we know our strategies are effective. These indicators help us fine-tune our approach and ensure that innovation translates into tangible results.
How do you define leadership within your organization, and how does it evolve with market trends?
Leadership in our organization is defined by responsibility, adaptability, and the ability to inspire others. As markets evolve, so must our leadership practices. We emphasize staying informed about industry changes and continuously developing our team’s skills to adapt quickly. This evolution ensures we maintain a strong strategic direction while remaining flexible.
What are some ways you encourage younger professionals in your firm to contribute innovative ideas?
We give them ownership of projects and encourage open dialogue across all levels. By eliminating hierarchical barriers, we create space for everyone—regardless of experience—to contribute their thoughts. We’ve found that newer professionals often bring fresh perspectives that complement the experience of senior staff.
In what ways has your financial planning approach shifted in response to economic changes over the past decade?
Over the years, we’ve adjusted our strategies to be more resilient to volatility. The key has been staying ahead of industry trends and developing holistic plans that account for market swings. We focus on education and communication so clients understand the rationale behind our decisions, reinforcing trust even during uncertain times.
How does innovation impact your long-term vision for Schmidt Financial Group?
Innovation is essential to our long-term strategy. It helps us refine services, increase efficiency, and meet clients’ evolving needs. As we look forward, we’ll continue integrating technology and forming strategic partnerships to enhance client experiences. Our vision is to remain a forward-thinking firm that adapts without compromising our core values.
The insights Sanford Schmidt offers underscore his thoughtful leadership and commitment to maintaining an innovative workplace culture. Through autonomy, shared purpose, and strategic collaborations, Sandy has cultivated an environment where creativity and client satisfaction thrive. His approach not only drives organizational growth but also reinforces the long-term vision of Schmidt Financial Group.
We appreciate Sanford Schmidt for sharing his experience and perspective on innovation and leadership in the financial planning space.
For more information about Schmidt Financial Group or to connect with Sanford directly, visit Sanford Schmidt financial planning or email [email protected].
Sanford Schmidt’s contributions highlight the ongoing importance of leadership grounded in collaboration, creativity, and adaptability. His work continues to shape how financial professionals think about innovation and client-centered planning.
