Welcome back to Role Call, our Women’s History Month special where our writers wax poetic about their personal queens. Keep reading for this week’s life-changing lady.

Hey! I’m Megan, the Editorial Director of The Newsette. My family is full of bada*s women, but my aunt, Jenny Ritter, has been my #1 since day 1. (Literally—she was in the delivery room when I was born.) As a former principal at Edward Jones (read: BFD), she was also my go-to for career advice. Because despite rising to serious heights in the financial services industry, she still struck the ideal balance between caring about work and never losing sight of what really matters (kids, traveling, taking your niece out for cool dinners, yada yada). TLDR: “Having it all” is an unreachable goal, but she came pretty dang close.

Keep reading to hear how she stumbled into a job she loved, her advice for getting ahead, and why we should all be saving for retirement—because it sounds freakin’ awesome.

Since you influenced me, I’d love to know the woman who influenced you and your management style.
My mother was an influencer in respect, discipline, planning, and high standards. She always said how proud she was of us. As a leader for 35 years, the most important thing you can do is show others that you care about and respect them, and don’t forget to tell them you see their accomplishments. At work, it was my first leader at Edward Jones. She showed me the ropes in an industry I knew absolutely nothing about by taking me to meetings and conferences so I could learn hands-on and build relationships. She also gave me feedback in real-time. I knew exactly what I needed to do to grow and develop due to her style.

What did your career path look like?
I was hired into a retail management training program right out of college and worked as a leader in that space for 8 years. After having our first child and realizing retail was not for me, one of my dad’s friends recommended I apply for a position at a financial services firm. After 4 months of interviews, they hired me! But I knew nothing about the industry and felt fortunate they took a chance on me. Through my 27 years, I held various leadership roles in 9 different areas, gaining additional responsibility with each one. I also received my Executive MBA in 2009.

Nine different areas?! How did so many of those opportunities come your way?
Mostly I was “tapped on the shoulder” for a specific challenge. They were always a bit frightening as they involved new topical areas, new leaders, and new associates. I wouldn’t change that for the world. The challenge of a new opportunity was far better than staying put in my comfort zone.

Since a comfort zone doesn’t define you, tell me about a time when someone at work underestimated you and you proved them wrong.
In 2004, a leader wanted me in her area. There was a rumor that working for her could be career-ending. People told me the move was a mistake, some thought I got demoted since I was now leading a team of 5 instead of 25, etc. I could have let all of those thoughts get in my head. Ultimately, I worked hard and gained her respect. If it weren’t for her, her leadership, and her confidence in me, I never would have had my career. Again, accept the challenges!

The industry is pretty male-dominated. Did that ever bother you?
I can honestly say I never thought much about it being a “male-dominated world,” although I certainly remember many times being the only female in a room. In 2010, I was at a conference of 20 executives and I was the only woman for 3 days. At the end, the organizer apologized and said they would find more women to invite next time.

You put in a ton of time at work during the same period your children were growing up. Was it ever difficult to juggle both your career and parenthood?
Sure, there were difficult times. But those times weren’t the norm. My husband and I had a good understanding of balance. When at work, focus on work. When at home, focus on home. We sat down to dinner at a table every night. I said “no” to a lot of happy hours or gatherings because I wanted to be there for the kids and help with their homework. I demonstrated to my leaders I was committed and they, in turn, trusted me as an associate who was also a committed parent.

What was the first big thing you bought for yourself after you felt like you made it?
I don’t know if I thought “I made it,” rather, “Am I doing the best I can for the firm?” However, I think I realized it when I knew we could pay our kids’ college tuition. That was my long-term focus. My first personal purchase was actually the day I told the firm I was retiring. I bought myself my first-ever Louis Vuitton bag.

Be honest: Is retirement amazing? And how are you spending your days now?
Better than what I imagined! I had a wonderful business coach who is now a good friend. She helped me create a retirement vision, which was a saving grace. I’m now focused on what’s most important to my husband and me, and trying new things. I see my kids in their spaces and on their time, instead of the other way around. We also travel to our favorite town, Oxford, MS, and I volunteer with the sweetest little senior dogs at Second Chance Ranch in St. Louis. I’m definitely blessed and not bored!