Fearless Conversations: JC Abusaid on Leading Halbert Hargrove with Heart

One story about his grandmother and the tragic way she lost everything in Black Monday, tells you everything you need to know about why JC Abusaid, now CEO of Halbert Hargrove, chose a career in wealth management.

In this episode of Money Chronicles, recorded live at the 2025 Wealth Management EDGE conference, JC opens up about the family history, personal regrets, and leadership philosophy that continue to shape his approach to providing financial advice and leading a growing company.

His story is one of humility, reflection, and the kind of purpose-driven leadership that doesn’t always get talked about in the wealth management industry.

A Family Story That Started It All

JC’s earliest memory of money isn’t about wealth. It’s about loss.

After his grandfather, a successful stockbroker, passed away in 1984, JC’s grandmother attempted to manage the family finances herself. When Black Monday hit just three years later, she panicked.

She sold everything, and her life changed forever.

“She went from saying ‘I’m okay’ to ‘I can’t afford this.’ She kept $100,000 in cash in a safety deposit box. That moment stuck with me.”

That single event shaped JC’s drive to become the type of advisor and professional leader who could help others avoid the same fate.

The Money Mistake That Still Echoes

When asked about his biggest financial mistake, JC didn’t talk about a bad stock pick or a missed opportunity.

Instead, he shared a broader regret you might not associate with someone in finance: being too cautious early in his career.

“I wish I would have been riskier. There were opportunities to become an equity holder, and I didn’t take them. I didn’t understand how much I could afford to take those risks while I was young.”

It’s a reminder that sometimes the lessons that matter most aren’t about the numbers, they’re about mindset.

Culture, Teamwork, and Fearless Conversations

When it comes to what gives Halbert Hargrove its edge, JC is quick to point away from himself and toward the people around him.

“It’s not about me. It’s about our culture. We’ve evolved from calling ourselves a family to calling ourselves a professional team. We support each other, but everyone holds their own.”

One of the most powerful pieces of that culture? What JC calls “fearless conversations.”

It’s a concept rooted in honesty and accountability. One where team members are encouraged to speak the hard truths, not just the comfortable ones.

Whether it’s about internal processes, leadership, or client experience, JC believes in a willingness to break things down and rebuild as one of his firm’s secrets to staying sharp.

The Takeaway

JC Abusaid’s leadership style is built on memory, mission, and a firm belief that better outcomes start with braver conversations.

In a time when many firms chase the next tool or tactic, JC reminds us that a thriving, people-first culture is what creates staying power.

Watch the full episode with JC Abusaid here.