60-second interview with Patricia Saputo TEP
This is a reproduction of the article published on Monday, January 27, 2025 on STEP.org
We spoke with Patricia Saputo TEP from Crysalia, winners of Family Business Advisory Practice of the Year at the19th Annual STEP Private Client Awards.
What is your role within your firm?
As Executive Chairperson at Crysalia, I directly support our Managing Director to make strategic decisions as our firm expands and builds on the decades of experience of our multidisciplinary team.
As Strategic Advisor, I help multigenerational families have critical conversations, answer difficult questions and find alignment to navigate together the complex issues arising in enterprising families.
How did it feel to win a STEP Private Client Award?
It felt unbelievably gratifying, particularly since Crysalia was only founded three years ago. Our entire team felt validated and energized by this wonderful recognition of excellence at Crysalia.
Why is winning a STEP Private Client Award important to your firm?
As a boutique consulting firm assisting enterprising families in nurturing their human capital, being recognized on a global scale with such a prestigious award is unbelievably rewarding. It gives us tangible proof of our commitment to excellence.
What are the main challenges facing your organization at the moment, and how will you deal with them?
As we experience the largest wealth transfer in history, we are receiving numerous queries from families seeking our assistance in educating and guiding their members on what it means to be stewards of their wealth.
They aim to discover the roles they wish to embrace and to understand the various responsibilities and how these intersect across business operations, ownership (governance), and family dynamics.
What do you like best about your job?
I enjoy helping families and individual family members navigate different areas to discover their own definition of success and the future they wish to create.
…and what do you feel is most worthwhile?
I find it worthwhile when I am listening to their needs and helping them devise a plan to attain their desired goals and objectives.
What would you say to a young person thinking of a career in this industry?
The range and depth of potential conversations with business families are limitless. This creates countless opportunities, providing young professionals with the chance to shape their careers and thrive.
Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your role or this industry?
As an advisor and third-generation enterprising family member, I want to remind all advisors of their significant and long-lasting impact on families, which makes STEP’s work even more important.