Everyone is paying tributes to Aretha Franklin, so I will take a part of her recording history and see if it might have a lesson for you.

Columbia Records

Aretha started in her professional career with Columbia Records in 1961.  She was a young, extremely talented singer with a background in gospel music.  She was not the only one at the time.  Although she did have some commercial success while at Columbia, the relationship was not a home run.  According to some reports, the head guy at Columbia did not really “get” Aretha and her gospel music talent.  Had Aretha stayed with Columbia, she likely would not have had the success that she ultimately had.

Atlantic Records

Aretha moved to Atlantic Records in 1967 and her career took off, despite personality issues between her family and Atlantic executives.  Unlike Columbia, Atlantic Records recognized Aretha’s talent and matched her with songs and styles that fit her talents.  Aretha’s biggest hits, such as “Respect”, “Natural Woman” and “Chain of Fools” were all from the Atlantic period.  Aretha clicked with the team at Atlantic, and the pair made it big.  

Later

Aretha’s producer at Atlantic Records, Jerry Wexler, departed to another company in 1976, and Aretha departed Atlantic in 1979.  Though a few hits followed during the 1980’s, Aretha didn’t have the same commercial success after she left Atlantic.  There are probably a number of reasons why, and other singers probably would be thrilled with the level of success that Aretha had post-Atlantic, but Aretha’s best years were behind her.  My point is that the team of Aretha and the executives at Atlantic Records brought Aretha the success she had and deserved.  

IMO

How many Arethas are there out there now or were there back in the day that had the talent but weren’t matched correctly with the professionals necessary to move their careers forward?  Do you think that relates to you and your activities?  Talent alone isn’t enough.  Talent has to be nurtured, guided, and put on the proper path to success.  If that is in the field of investing or financial planning, it is best if you team up with a like-minded professional who understands you and your goals and can set you on the proper path for you to meet your goals.  Don’t go it alone, and don’t try to make it work with people with whom you don’t mesh.  Demand excellence for yourself and demand that the people who are there to help you actually understand you and put your goals first.  Just like Atlantic Records did with Aretha.