When I was first approached to write a book, I gave it considerable thought and finally came to the conclusion that it was too important an opportunity to pass up and I really did have something meaningful to communicate. However, given that I had never done it before, I had no idea how difficult a process it is to complete. It takes shifting one's mindset out of the day‐to‐day “bits and bytes” of the modern world and focusing so you can deliver your message in a profound and effective way. Although a lot of the actual work is done alone, I could not have taken on or accomplished this endeavor without a lot of help and support.

I want to start by thanking my writing partner, Gretchen Hirsch. Not only is she an exquisite and creative writer, she has the most positive attitude of anyone I know. During the process of writing the book, she dealt with some significant personal challenges that would have caused most people to quit. Gretchen is just not most people. She is a cut above, and a consummate professional. This book would never have been completed without her.

Along with Gretchen, I need to acknowledge and thank my support system, which mostly includes my amazing family. The people who read this book will likely do so because they want insights about managing wealth. However, the foundation of the book is really about family, and my family provides the foundation of my existence. They give me the ability to try things, and even if I fail, I know that they will still be there for me no matter what.

It starts with my two amazing children, Daniel and Ellie. Although, at the age of sixteen, they are far beyond anything that I could learn from the parenting manual and at times push me beyond my limits, they give me much more than they can ever appreciate or understand. I love them completely and could not imagine my life without them.

Along with my two children, my love, Alicia, encourages me to seek the best of every day and live with passion and joy and be present so that I do not miss a moment. I love her spirit and am so fortunate that our paths came to be one.

My mother, Gloria, has been my greatest fan since the day I was conceived, and she is unwavering in her support of me even when it is unwarranted. She also inspires me in so many ways, including as a writer, a journalist, a feminist, a mother, a grandmother, a friend, and a believer in the possible—or sometimes the impossible.

My two sisters, Loren and Suzy, are truly the core of my foundation. More than anyone else, their commitment to family, to me, and to each other provides the inspiration for this book. They made me appreciate and realize that a strong family bond can withstand adversity, pain, and anger, and rise above it and provide strength, hope, commitment, belief, and joy. I am so proud of both of them for who they are and the wonderful families they have created and continue to foster. Due to them, we have remained a very tight‐knit family. I am so honored by and proud of all my nieces and nephews, including Becca, Jake, Ben, Elijah, and Madeline. As they have grown into capable young adults, I am confident that the next generation of the Cole family will have a “wealth” of wonderful family experiences and will make the world a better place.

I also want to thank my cousin John. He is my brother from another mother. His compassion, creativity, and commitment to family above all else helps me stay focused and true and that has motivated me to stay on course in my life and my career.

In addition to my family, I need to acknowledge all of the terrific team members and partners I have the incredible honor and pleasure of working with every day at Ascent and at US Bank. The Ascent leadership team is the best in the industry. Through their incredible work and the efforts of the other members of the Ascent family, they are changing the wealth management industry for the better and helping great families do great things for themselves, their family members, and their society. In my mind, nothing could be a nobler calling.

I would like to also thank and acknowledge the incredible support I have received from the US Bank Executive Leadership team. In particular, my friend, my leader, and my mentor, Mark Jordahl, has created the environment that allows me to develop and grow as I never could have done under another leader. Along with Mark, Richard Davis, Andy Cecere, and Terry Dolan provided unwavering support, which has been amazing in an effort to complete this project.

There are many other people who have guided, inspired, and motivated me. There just is not enough space to cover them all. Nevertheless, this book is a product of all of the influences and events that have touched my life and my career, and they all have their place in this journey.