An Interview With Martita Mestey
Mentorship is incredibly powerful. I’ve always been a very spiritual person, and I believe the greatest contributor to my success has been my personal and spiritual growth. I learned early on that if you want to receive, you must be willing to give. The more you give, the more you receive. This mindset has been foundational in my career. If you want others to trust you, you must be willing to trust them.
Women remain significantly underrepresented in financial advisory roles, comprising only about 15–20% of the industry. What does it take to thrive as a woman financial planner or advisor? We would like to interview accomplished women financial planners and advisors who can share their stories and insights about the essential steps required to build a successful and fulfilling career in this field. As part of this series, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Ella Rivkin.
Ella Rivkin is the Founder and CEO of ERPS Group, Inc., a full-service business advisory firm. With over 26 years of experience, she specializes in helping business owners and medical and wellness professionals achieve financial freedom and build profitable, sustainable businesses and practices. Her journey — from immigrating to the U.S. with just $100 to her name to leading a thriving company — is a testament to resilience and purpose-driven leadership. Ella’s work bridges the gap between business, healthcare, and finance. She empowers clients through strategic tax planning, cash flow optimization, and passive income creation, enabling them to focus on their businesses while building long-term wealth. Her approach is holistic, shaped by her certifications as a strategic tax planner, 10X business coach, real estate investor, health and life coach, and yoga instructor, and grounded in the belief that true success includes both financial stability and personal well-being. Ella is also a bestselling co-author of two books: Cracking the Code to Success with Brian Tracy and Performance 360 with Richard Branson. Beyond her professional life, Ella is a devoted wife, mother of two, dog lover, and passionate world traveler who has explored over 75 countries. She embodies the very principles she teaches: living a life rooted in purpose, balance, and fulfillment.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Our readers would love to ‘get to know’ you a bit. Can you share with our readers a little about your childhood backstory?
Iwas born in Moscow, Russia, and came to the U.S. at age 14 as a refugee with just $100 to my name. My mom had a dream to take us to the U.S. We had tickets to go to Israel, where my grandfather had recently immigrated, but my mom took a chance and stayed in Austria for a month, and then moved to Italy for five months, asking for refugee status before finally arriving in America. My mother — my greatest role model — had taken a leap of faith to give my brother and me a better life. That courage, vision, and determination shaped me into who I am today. The moment we left Russia, I grew up overnight. It was a challenging journey, and my brother and I had to work and help our mom make money to buy food and pay rent. From a young age, I loved numbers. I remember making paper money and playing “store” or “bank” with my brother. The day we came to the U.S., I took charge of our family’s financial matters. I remember my mom giving me $30 per week to manage the three of us. I was responsible for budgeting that money throughout the week to buy food, groceries, and all household items. When I arrived in the U.S., I was placed directly into the 10th grade, skipping the 9th grade. We even had a bookkeeping class in school. With no English, no computer, and no Google in 1990, the only way to learn was to go to the library, borrow books, and teach myself. With the help of a kind classmate who tutored me, I mastered four years of curriculum in just two weeks. That’s when I knew accounting was my calling.
Can you share the funniest or most interesting story since you started your career? What was the lesson or takeaway you took out of that story?
When I graduated college in 1997, everyone was pivoting into computer programming because it was a hot, high-paying career at the time. I tried studying it, but it wasn’t my passion. A friend had just opened a tax firm, and I convinced him to let me work as an unpaid intern because I sensed he would succeed — and I wanted to learn from him. A few weeks later, one of the partners left unexpectedly, and since I had been helping and learning the ropes, they offered me the position full-time. That opportunity came simply because I put myself in the right place at the right time — and was ready to say yes. Over 12 years, I went from unpaid intern to partner before eventually starting my own firm.
The lesson learned: Even though I was in need of money, pregnant and starting a new family, I took a chance just like my mom did when she brought us to the U.S. for better opportunities. I started working for free; I didn’t care about money because I knew that when I helped others succeed, the rewards would come.
Can you share a challenge you faced in your journey and how you overcame it to achieve recognition in the industry?
One of my biggest challenges was self-doubt. I wanted to grow and do more. As we started growing in the firm, I wanted to add more services and bring more value. At one point, I even felt like I was dying inside. For years, I held myself back because I didn’t fully believe in my own abilities. In January 2009, after years of disagreements with my partners, I reached a breaking point. On a Friday night, I packed my things and walked away from the business I had spent 12 years building.
It was the height of the financial crisis. My husband was unemployed, we had two young children, $150k in credit card debt, a $500k mortgage on a house worth only $300k, and $14k in the bank. I had to decide whether to pay my mortgage, feed my kids, or start my own business. I chose to bet on myself — just like my mom did — and that decision changed everything. I fully submerged myself in building my own business. It was a hard and challenging time, but commitment and focus on my vision, combined with discipline, helped me succeed. Not only did I succeed in accounting, but I also began adding more services to help my clients. I brought my husband, brother, mom, and eventually my kids into the business too.
What role does feedback, both positive and negative, play in your development and growth?
In 2020, during a financial workshop with Tony Robbins, I raised my hand during a discussion. His response hit me hard. At first, I was defensive and upset, thinking he didn’t understand my life or business. But that night, I reflected on his words with an open mind. I realized the uncomfortable truth: I was my own biggest obstacle in both my personal and business life.
I had been stubborn, convinced I knew best, and unwilling to try new approaches. Once I embraced learning from others and seeing things from different perspectives, my business and life transformed. The lesson? Success is not about being right — it’s about being willing to grow, to understand, and to strive to be the best version of yourself. It’s not just about what you achieve; it’s about who you become.
Self-reflection has played a crucial role in my development ever since. By consistently looking inward, I’ve been able to identify limiting beliefs and behaviors, making necessary adjustments. It’s allowed me to continuously evolve, embrace new challenges, and adapt my approach to both life and business. I’ve learned that taking the time to pause, reflect, and be honest with myself has been the key to unlocking my full potential. It’s through this practice that I’ve found clarity, growth, and the ability to stay aligned with my true vision.
What first inspired you to pursue a career in business strategy and tax planning, and did you face any early obstacles breaking into the industry as a woman?
As an immigrant, arriving in the U.S. with only $100, no English, and a fierce determination to create financial freedom for my family, I knew from a young age that numbers were my calling. Over the years, as I worked with business owners, I realized many lacked a clear understanding of their numbers, how to effectively manage their businesses, and how to create a solid financial plan. While they started with passion and the desire to build financial freedom, they often lacked the right systems and advisory teams to help them succeed.
Years later, many find themselves stuck in the hamster wheel — overwhelmed, overworked, struggling financially, and losing their health, family, and even their businesses. In fact, 3 out of 4 businesses either lose money or barely break even. This is a reality in the land of opportunities, and it’s something I’m passionate about helping people overcome.
When I started my career in business strategy and tax planning, breaking into the industry as a woman meant I had to work twice as hard to prove myself. I quickly learned that success wasn’t about complaining, waiting, or playing the victim — it was about taking action and showing results. In those early years, I often felt unseen, doubted by others, and that doubt fueled my own self-doubt. But I came to realize that the only person I needed to prove anything to was myself. Every time I was criticized or doubted, whether in a presentation or a business discussion, I pushed forward to prove that I could succeed, not to others, but to myself.
That drive has remained with me. There are still moments where I encounter doubt, mostly from those who don’t know me. But for those who have seen my results, we’ve built strong, successful ventures together. I remember working on a real estate project where, during a business lunch, two gentlemen directed their responses to my husband instead of me, despite me asking the questions. At the time, I didn’t mind — it was something I was used to. Today, those same gentlemen work with me as equals, and they take me seriously.
It took years for me to be recognized as a partner, but those years shaped my resilience and deepened my expertise. I’ve been through the struggles and challenges, and that’s why I’m so passionate about helping others in the industry, especially women, overcome these same obstacles. I want to help others achieve what I did — to prove to themselves that they can make it, just as I did.
In a field historically dominated by men, what unique strengths do women bring to financial advising, and how can those strengths be leveraged for long-term success?
In a field historically dominated by men, women bring a unique set of strengths that can significantly enhance financial advising. Beyond the traditional skills of financial expertise, women often juggle multiple roles — mother, wife, sister, daughter, and leader. These roles naturally cultivate a deep sense of empathy, intuition, and emotional intelligence, which are invaluable when working with clients.
Women possess the ability to listen deeply, understand underlying emotions, and build meaningful relationships, which allows us to connect with clients on a personal level. This connection is key in financial advising because, often, the financial decisions people make are tied not only to numbers but to emotions, fears, and dreams.
Our unique strength lies in understanding both the financial and emotional dimensions of decision-making. Women’s empathy enables us to craft financial plans that truly reflect the values, lifestyles, and aspirations of our clients. It allows us to approach financial planning with a holistic perspective, where the client’s well-being, relationships, and personal goals are just as important as the numbers on the balance sheet.
I remember many instances where women, after our in-depth meetings and the results we achieved together, would tell me, “You understand me.” They’d express that they felt truly heard and understood, which was powerful. It’s in those moments that I see the true impact of what we do — not just the financial outcomes, but the deeper connection we create.
Moreover, women are skilled at multitasking, prioritizing, and finding creative solutions, which makes us well-suited to navigate the complexities of financial advising. Our ability to manage several moving parts at once — whether balancing business, family, or community — translates into a practical, solution-oriented approach to helping clients achieve long-term success.
Ultimately, these strengths not only allow women to create impactful, customized financial plans but also foster trust and loyalty from clients. By bringing these qualities into the workplace, women can create a lasting, positive impact in the financial advising field
Can you share a defining moment or breakthrough that significantly shaped your career path?
In 2015, I experienced a serious bike accident that required a 6-hour surgery and served as a powerful wake-up call. Lying in the hospital, hearing my doctor say that my arm might be permanently paralyzed, I realized how much I had been sacrificing — my health, my relationships, and my overall well-being — in pursuit of success, money, and recognition. It was at that moment that I understood something I had been overlooking: none of that matters if you don’t have the balance to truly enjoy it.
For so long, I had been chasing after success, thinking that it would finally make me happy. I was living by the concept of “Have, Do, Be.” I thought, When I make money, I’ll have the time to take care of my health and be a better wife. When I make money, I’ll be happy. I believed that achieving success would unlock the time and happiness I craved, but in reality, I was missing the most important things — my health, my relationships, and the ability to live fully in the present moment.
That accident was a pivotal moment, forcing me to step back and reevaluate everything. I had been chasing external markers of success, but neglecting the internal aspects that really matter. Life can change in an instant, and I realized that we can’t take our physical well-being, relationships, or time for granted.
From that moment, I made a promise to myself: if anything like this were to happen again, I would be proud of who I’ve become, how I’ve lived, and the choices I’ve made. I shifted my entire model — both personally and professionally — creating space for a more balanced life. I built stronger systems, focused on self-care, and ensured that my business could thrive without me having to sacrifice the things that matter most.
That decision didn’t just improve my quality of life; it made my business stronger, too. Because when you focus on all areas of your life — health, relationships, personal well-being, and business — everything else falls into place.
How do you maintain client trust and confidence — especially during volatile market periods — and what advice would you give to newer advisors trying to build that trust?
Trust is built by showing up, especially when it matters most. During COVID, I recognized that taxes wouldn’t be my clients’ top priority during the lockdown — they needed immediate access to cash flow to keep their businesses afloat. I quickly pivoted, diving into every detail of the SBA loan process, training my team, and getting them up to speed so we could help our clients apply.
Within days, we had every single client secured funding, and many were able to use that time not just to survive, but to strengthen their businesses. It was a testament to the power of being proactive and responsive when our clients needed us most.
This experience reinforced my belief that trust isn’t built in good times — it’s built in moments of challenge. By being there, anticipating needs, and acting quickly, we demonstrated that we were not just advisors, but partners in their success.
Thank you for all that. Now we are ready for the main question of the interview. What are your “5 Things You Need To Create a Highly Successful Career as a Woman Financial Planner or Financial Advisor” and why? Please share a story or an example for each.
1. Believe in Yourself and Your Vision Before Anyone Else Does.
Success begins with self-belief. When I made the decision to leave my partnership in 2009, I had every reason to doubt myself. But betting on my own abilities turned out to be the best decision I ever made. What you think, you speak; what you speak, you act on; and what you act on shapes your reality. Choose your thoughts wisely. I always knew I would succeed — I could visualize it, I could feel it. As a young girl, I began to design the life I wanted: my future family, my business, my legacy. I manifested those visions into reality through determination and faith in myself.
2. Mindset is Everything: Be Willing to Learn, Adapt, Teach, and Invest in Others.
The most valuable investment you can make is in yourself — because it’s the one thing no one can ever take away. No economy, no inflation, no external forces can impact the knowledge and growth you build within. Make learning a part of your everyday routine — whether it’s through podcasts, seminars, books, or acquiring new skills. If you want to make money, learn about money. If you want to be healthy, learn about health. If you want meaningful relationships, learn about them and invest in your personal growth. One example of this in action is how I’ve always prioritized investing in my team’s growth. From teaching them new strategies to sending them to seminars and educational courses, I believe in empowering them through continuous learning. By investing in their education and development, I’ve seen firsthand how it strengthens not just their skills but also our collective success. When you invest in others, you build a team that grows alongside you. From teaching myself bookkeeping as a teenager to embracing new strategies after receiving tough feedback, I’ve learned that adaptability is crucial in this industry. There’s an old saying, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” My mentors, including Tony Robbins, Grant Cardone, Sadhguru, Brian Tracy, John Maxwell, and Dr. Joe Dispenza, have taught me the importance of constantly evolving and investing in the growth of both myself and those around me.
3. Build Relationships, Not Just Client Lists.
True success comes from building lasting, meaningful relationships. I take the time to know my clients personally, and they know I’m invested in their growth, not just as business owners, but as people. These relationships have been the foundation for growing my firm and for helping my clients achieve their own dreams. I’ve believed in them, supported their ideas, and many of them have become business partners.For the first 20 years of my career, I didn’t rely on traditional marketing — I built my business through relationships and word of mouth. Most of my investments have come from clients who trust me, and that trust is a result of years of nurturing relationships. The value of connection can’t be overstated; it’s the cornerstone of long-term success.
4. Mentors — The Importance of Choosing the Right Ones
Mentorship has been a cornerstone of my success. Throughout my journey, I’ve had the privilege of learning from many incredible mentors who have shaped me both personally and professionally. My first mentor, my high school bookkeeping teacher, sparked my love for numbers. Then, a friend who opened a tax firm inspired me to work with him, teaching me the importance of hands-on experience. Later, I sought guidance from thought leaders like Tony Robbins, Grant Cardone, Sadhguru, Brian Tracy, and John Maxwell. Each mentor brought a different perspective, offering valuable lessons that pushed me to evolve and grow. Mentorship isn’t just about learning new skills or gaining knowledge — it’s about being challenged to think bigger, step outside your comfort zone, and continually expand your vision. A mentor can help you see possibilities you might not have considered and give you the courage to take bold steps. If you want to be successful, seek out mentors who have already achieved what you want. They’ve left clues on how to get there. Success leaves breadcrumbs, and mentors are the ones who guide you to pick them up.
5. Give Back and Create a Ripple Effect
My motto, “It’s All In Your Hands,” reflects my mission to empower others to take control of their own futures. I believe that by helping business owners achieve their goals, we can create a powerful ripple effect — transforming not just their lives, but also the lives of their families, communities, and beyond. This belief fuels everything I do. That’s why I founded the ERPS Group Foundation, where we focus on giving back through education, and why I’ve dedicated time to hosting workshops for kids and teens. I’ve also launched educational content through my YouTube channel, with some materials in Russian, so we can reach an even wider audience and create global change. At ERPS Group, our work extends beyond financial advisory. We are deeply committed to teaching and providing workshops that help individuals and business owners unlock their financial potential. We aim to equip them with the tools they need to succeed — empowering them to live their best lives and create lasting change in the world around them. True success isn’t just about what you know; it’s about how you use that knowledge to make a difference. The impact of your work lies in how you help, inspire, and empower others to take action. By giving back, we start a ripple effect that goes far beyond our individual achievements. It spreads, influencing others and sparking transformation. When we uplift others, we multiply our impact and create a legacy that lasts far beyond our own success. This is the essence of my mission — to empower others, to create change, and to leave a lasting, positive imprint on the world.
These five principles have been integral to my success and will continue to guide me. By believing in yourself, committing to growth, building genuine relationships, embracing mentorship, and giving back, you create not just a successful career, but a meaningful and lasting legacy.
How do you navigate the work-life balance, especially in a demanding field like financial planning, and what advice do you have for women juggling both career and personal responsibilities?
Navigating work-life balance, especially in a demanding field like financial planning, comes down to one key principle: design your life intentionally. Know what you want and plan accordingly. Just like you schedule client meetings, make time for yourself a non-negotiable priority.
For me, every day begins with yoga and meditation, no matter where I am in the world. I protect my mornings for self-care so I can show up as my best self — for both my clients and my family. My advice: schedule personal time just as you would a meeting with your most important client — because you are your most important client.
Plan time for loved ones, family, travel, and health. I’ve adopted the “Be, Do, Have” concept: Be the person you want to be, do the things that person does, and you’ll have what you want. At the start of each year, I schedule everything I want to accomplish — family time, travel, health, and then business — on a monthly, weekly, and daily basis. When you take the time to design your life, the balance between work and personal fulfillment naturally falls into place.
What role has mentorship (either giving or receiving) played in your journey, and how can women in finance support each other more effectively?
Mentorship has played a pivotal role in my journey, both as someone who has received guidance and as someone who now mentors others. As women in finance, it’s essential that we open doors for each other, share resources, and lead by example. Success is so much sweeter when it’s shared.
Mentorship is incredibly powerful. I’ve always been a very spiritual person, and I believe the greatest contributor to my success has been my personal and spiritual growth. I learned early on that if you want to receive, you must be willing to give. The more you give, the more you receive. This mindset has been foundational in my career. If you want others to trust you, you must be willing to trust them.
That’s why I invest every single day in the growth and education of my team. I mentor them daily because I know that when I help them succeed, they will help me, our company, and our clients succeed. I’ve been told by former partners and business owners that I’m not afraid to teach my team everything I know, even though they might leave. But I left my previous partnership because I stopped growing; I felt limited by the fear of others. I realized you can’t operate in an environment of fear — it stifles growth. True success comes when we embrace trust, collaboration, and a willingness to share our knowledge with others.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
If I could inspire a movement that would bring the most good to the greatest number of people, it would be the “It’s All In Your Hands” movement. This is exactly the movement I’m already working to create — empowering individuals to take full ownership of their personal, professional, and financial futures. The resources are already out there. The strategies are available. But the real power lies in the decision to act, and that decision is always in your hands.
We are the architects of our own lives. We have the ability to design and build the future we want. The key is not to listen to others who project their fears onto you. Their limitations are often things they were too afraid to do. Your path is yours to create, and the only limits are the ones you impose on yourself.
This movement is about recognizing that it’s all possible, that you can have it all. All areas of your life — health, wealth, relationships, and personal fulfillment — should be at 100%. You can’t just focus on one area and neglect the others. True bliss, true happiness, comes when every aspect of your life is aligned. When all parts are in harmony, that’s when the miracles happen.
I’m already living this mission, and I’m here to help others do the same. Keep visualizing, keep taking action, and never stop. It’s about living with intention, stepping into your power, and knowing that everything you desire is achievable when you put in the work.
The truth is, the power to create your life is already within you. It’s all in your hands!
How can our readers follow you online?
ERPS Group
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ella-rivkin/
Thank you so much for these insights. This was very inspirational!
You can find the full article here: https://medium.com/authority-magazine/ella-rivkin-of-erps-group-on-5-things-you-need-to-create-a-highly-successful-career-as-a-woman-c46a7451eb83