Britta McKee | 20 Under 40
Britta McKee
Creative Account Manager
Advisors Excel
Britta McKee is a creative account manager at Advisors Excel, combining creativity, strategy and problem-solving to help financial advisors bring marketing ideas to life. A University of Kansas graduate with a BFA in metal smithing and jewelry, Britta’s path to Advisors Excel includes construction work with her dad, 10 years as an assistive technology specialist at TARC, program director for Scouting America’s Jayhawk Area Council and grant coordinator for the Kansas Department of Labor.
Outside work, Britta is active in scouting, advocating for inclusion and opportunities for youth of all abilities. She and her husband, James, have two children, Daniel and Tesla. Her varied path has taught her that creativity and a willingness to approach problems differently can open doors others don’t see.
Who has had the greatest influence on who you are today? Why?
My father, Robert Tobias! He has always reminded me to “Strive to do better, have the drive to succeed, and love what you do!” Those words have stayed with me throughout my life.
He is the hardest-working person I know, and he has shown me through his actions what dedication, determination, and a strong work ethic truly look like. I’m incredibly grateful for the example he has set for me and the values he has instilled in me.
What should someone never take for granted? Why?
We all have a wide range of abilities, and the way one person does something may not be the same way someone else does it and that’s okay.
How I cross my arms may not look the same as how someone else crosses theirs. How I communicate may not be the same as how someone else communicates. Some people use their voice, while others may communicate through vocal tones, paper, technology, sign language, or other methods.
Different doesn’t mean less capable. It means we each have our own way of participating, contributing, communicating, and taking action. Never take for granted the abilities you have or the abilities others have. What may seem simple or automatic to one person may be a completely different experience for someone else. Every ability has value, and everyone deserves the opportunity to use their abilities to take action and make a difference.
What does good leadership look like to you? Why?
A good leader, in my eyes, is someone who is willing to push you because they see what you are capable of, even when you may not see it in yourself yet. They listen, consider all sides of a situation, and take the time to understand the bigger picture.
A good leader advocates not only for you as an employee, but for the department and team as a whole. They recognize that everyone plays an important role and work to create an environment where people can succeed together.
I also believe a good leader is not afraid to fail. Leaders are human, and mistakes will happen. What matters is how you respond to those failures; learning from them, making changes, doing better, and trying again. To me, true leadership is about continuing to grow while helping the people around you grow as well.
What motivates you professionally? Why?
Collaboration with the incredible people I work with!
At the end of the day, we are here for our advisors. I am incredibly fortunate to work with some of the best financial advisors across the nation. They often come to us with a challenge or problem, and together, we find creative solutions through strategic marketing.
That kind of success doesn’t happen with one person. It takes copywriters, designers, web developers, digital specialists, coaches, and so many other talented people working together. We have to look at each challenge from every angle, bring our unique expertise to the table, and collaborate to find the best solution.
The best part is that we are constantly learning from one another. We challenge each other, build on each other’s ideas, and turn different perspectives into something remarkable.
I am proud to work alongside some of the most talented, award-winning creative masterminds in the industry. When we collaborate, we don’t just solve problems we create something better than any of us could have created alone.
What's at the top of your bucket list? Why?
I have always wanted to visit Ireland. I’m fascinated by the culture, the music, the history, and the overall vibe of the country. I’m a quarter Irish, so getting the opportunity to visit a place that represents a small but meaningful part of my heritage would be really special to me.
A closer-to-home bucket list item is to conquer the Manitou Incline in Colorado. It would definitely be a challenge, but it’s one of those things I’d love to accomplish and be able to say, “I did it!”
What’s a hobby you wish you had more time for? What do you enjoy about it?
Science experiments!!! I love science! There is something exciting about not knowing exactly what the outcome will be. The uncertainty creates unique opportunities to explore, learn, problem-solve, and discover something new. That curiosity and the possibility of an unexpected result are what make science so much fun to me.
