In "My Life Journey," Jenna Ryan shares her inspiring story, from her bicultural upbringing in Paris and San Francisco to her influential career in finance and philanthropy. The memoir begins with her core philosophy: "wealth is not in what you keep—but in what you give, with clear purpose, clear intent, no applause required".
Ryan details her formative years, influenced by a French entrepreneur father and an American school teacher mother, which instilled in her a unique perspective on business and social responsibility. She recounts her rigorous education at the London School of Economics and the pursuit of CFA® certifications, which built the foundation for her career. Readers are taken through her decade at a prestigious investment bank across London, San Francisco, and New York, where she led over 80 major transactions that raised more than $14 billion.
The memoir highlights the pivotal relationships that shaped her path, including mentorships with a legendary venture capitalist and a Wall Street veteran who became her "intellectual ally". These connections and her unique vision led to the creation of Alpha Wealth Capital, a firm designed to democratize access to institutional-quality investment strategies for families and founders.
A key turning point occurs at a summit in Austin, where a strategic act of generosity leads to a primary hosting role at America's largest investor forum. It was there she demonstrated her philosophy of strategic giving by winning a rare painting for $130,000 at a charity auction and immediately donating it to a college initiative for students.
Ryan's commitment to philanthropy is cemented with the founding of the BrightPath Foundation, which she funded with her first million dollars in personal earnings to support youth education. Throughout the book, she distills the lessons she's learned about leadership, authentic networking, and aligning profit with purpose, offering a compelling guide for anyone seeking to build a life of meaning and impact.
