An Interview with Steven Hughes: How His Expertise in Behavioral Finance Led Him to BrightPlan

Our Q&A series gives you a behind the curtain look at life at BrightPlan. Hear from our team members on why they love the work that they do.

Get to Know Steven:

Steven Hughes is the Senior Strategic Account Executive at BrightPlan. In his role, he is responsible for helping companies execute their financial wellness initiatives with BrightPlan’s Total Financial Wellness solution. Steven works from his home office in DC.

Steven has an undergraduate degree from Clemson University, a Certificate in Behavioral Finance from Duke University and is currently enrolled in Creighton University’s Financial Psychology and Behavioral Finance program.

Steven is a first generation Jamaican American. When his parents arrived in America their priority was to provide  their children with a solid education, but they didn't talk about finances or focus on financial literacy. Steven took this lack of financial acumen with him to college where he made several financial missteps that harmed his financial well-being: he maxed out his credit cards and experienced multiple repossessions and an eviction.

One day a mentor shared a book with him, the Richest Man in Babylon. Steven strongly believes in the power of storytelling and the book changed the course of his life. Soon after reading it, he started sharing his money story with other people so they could avoid the same missteps and alter their own relationship with money.

In 2012, Steven started the non-profit Know Money focused on educating the community on how to think about and behave with their money. Inspired by his own financial missteps in college and his challenges on the road to financial recovery, he saw an opportunity to reach college students at risk of experiencing similar financial struggles. Alongside this, he built a successful sales career but decided to leave the corporate world in 2020 to turn his attention to growing his financial wellness practice. Until he joined BrightPlan…

Q: What made you decide to join BrightPlan?

A: After running my financial wellness business full-time for two years, I decided I wanted to join a company that shares my mission so that I can have a greater impact on more people. I didn’t make this decision lightly. I love the work I’ve had the opportunity to do these last few years, and I plan to continue it, just in a different capacity. I was interviewing at several different companies but chose to join BrightPlan because I felt like I didn't have to portray myself as someone I wasn't. I felt comfortable sharing my whole self and talking about money and emotions.

Q: What does Total Financial Wellness mean to you?

A: Total Financial Wellness is the foundation to making sound financial decisions that positively impact every area of your life. It means that you're making the best decisions for yourself financially with positive impacts on you physically, mentally, and emotionally. When people are able to understand what financial wellness feels like - for themselves, their families, and their communities - they're more open to making changes and learning new habits. Everything starts with the mind.

Q: What does a typical “day-in-the-life” look like for you?

A: I start every day by working out, followed by meditation and prayer. I also recite reiki principles and a set of 30 affirmations, starting with “I create the atmosphere that I live in,” and ending with “I am a creator and have been given the power to create starting with my life.” After concluding my spiritual practice, I review my calendar for the day, put my phone on “do not disturb” and get to work. I typically start my work day with discovery calls to learn more about the financial wellness initiatives from HR and DE&I leaders to see if we’re a good fit. In the afternoon, I typically do demos and end the day with any necessary follow-ups.

Q: What do you love most about the work that you do?

A: I’m a naturally curious person. Learning more about how people have experienced money both personally and professionally and guiding them to make healthier money decisions in and outside of work is something that I love.

Q: Any final thoughts?

A: Right now the field of financial wellness is getting murky. People who can't define financial wellness are claiming they have financial wellness solutions. People who don't have the experience or education are claiming they’re financial wellness experts. It’s really important to educate each citizen on what true financial wellness looks and feels like so they know what to look for and what tools will help them. The work we’re doing at BrightPlan does exactly that and I’m truly excited about the direction we’re headed. BrightPlan’s mission is aligned with the mission I had when I worked alone. Now I have the opportunity and access to more tools that can help more people.

Stay tuned for more employee spotlights in our Q&A series. If you’re interested in learning more about life at BrightPlan, visit our Careers page.