Asset Management leader reflects on lessons learned from personal, professional life

U.S. Bank’s Lisa Erickson retires after long career of helping clients achieve financial freedom

After a 37-year career in financial services, including 12 years with U.S. Bank, Lisa Erickson retired in early April after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

As head of the Public Markets Due Diligence team in Wealth Management’s Asset Management Group, Erickson is known among her peers as a pioneer in her field and as someone who always puts the needs of her clients first. During her career at U.S. Bank, Erickson was part of team that managed more than $500 billion in assets for clients and helped design and research customized investment portfolios.

In addition to her business acumen, Erickson was best known, her colleagues have said, for her selflessness, positivity and character.

As she prepares for the next phase of her life, Erickson reflected on her career, lessons learned in her personal life that she was able to apply to her professional life, and how she tries to see the good in every situation – even the difficult ones.

You’ve had a long career in a field dominated by men. Why did you choose this niche?

I never thought about the fact that there weren’t a lot of women in my field. Having Chinese parents, I was taught to focus on working hard to make a difference. I will forever appreciate that gift and the opportunity I was given.

You have such a positive attitude, despite enduring a number of difficult periods in your personal life. What’s your advice for others?

My husband Chris passed in 2020. He got a staph infection, and it attacked a lot of his internal organs. He died three months later, after a valiant fight. Of course I wish it had never happened, but I tried to focus on putting one foot in front of the other and taking the next step. I also tried to keep the faith that all things can be used for good. I had to remember that, through my life, the most challenging periods were the ones where I had grown the most. If you can keep perspective, a challenging time can be used in a positive way.

When Chris passed, I realized that I had compartmentalized our duties. As a missionary, he had a more flexible career schedule than I did, so he did most of the family and house care. I had buttoned down in my investments career. It was a symbiotic relationship. When he wasn’t available anymore, I realized I needed to make sure I was spending enough time with the kids as opposed to delegating to him. Finally, Chris’ death caused our family to live in honor of his memory. All of us took steps to continue the giving of life that he gave to others.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

Raising two young men who care deeply for others. They see the good in life, despite living through Chris’ passing and the mistakes I made as a single mom. I hope they continue that giving spirit.

You are known for always thinking of others – giving back to your community, your church, your co-workers, your friends, your family. Why is this a focus for you?

I do it because it means so much to me when I see I’ve made a difference for others. It’s a way to pay it forward, for all the people who have mentored and prayed over me through the years.

You recently got some difficult news about your health. How are you doing?

I have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a progressive disease with no cure. Despite that tough news, I’m doing OK. I think I’ve passed through the mad, sad and “it’s not fair” stages.

Now I’m trying to focus on giving thanks in all circumstances and how I can use the diagnosis for good.

Although I love my career, my colleagues, my clients and the bank, I made the difficult decision to retire so I can focus on maintaining my physical well-being and investing in my family and friends. My doctor says I should be in good health for 5-10 years, but Parkinson’s does worsen over time. My hope is to get to the longer end of that prognosis by taking good care of myself.

What are your plans after retiring?

I want to use the time I’ve been given and help my family and friends where I can. I want to take some trips: Hawaii -- beach vacations are my favorite -- and perhaps to Japan, which is a place one of my sons would love to visit due to the cuisine.

I want to make sure I spend time with my parents and relatives who are aging. I’d like to volunteer at my local church and perhaps some other nonprofits. Now that I say all that, I think I may have to work on keeping a lid on my calendar.

Are you excited about retiring? Sad? Some of both?

Both. I’m so grateful I have this opportunity to take better care of myself. But my retirement is more sudden than I anticipated. I love what I do here at the bank; I get to help others with their financial freedom. I’m mourning the loss of serving those amazing clients. But it’s a good mourning – it speaks to the quality of what we have here at the bank and what we do to serve others.