Beyond Careers and Titles: Stephen Albert on What Really Matters

By Brandon Urias

Across decades that carried him from Brooklyn to Harvard, from Wall Street to retirement, Stephen Albert has held onto a simple but powerful conviction: life’s worth is found in the people we walk alongside. Brotherhood, community, and respect are not footnotes in his journey; they are the throughline.

1. Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Brooklyn, New York, where I spent most of my childhood. As an only child, I relied heavily on the guidance of my parents, who supported me in both personal and professional ways. I was also close to my cousin, who played an important role in my early life.

I left Brooklyn to attend Union College in upstate New York, where I studied Mechanical Engineering. College was transformative, not just academically, but socially. I was deeply involved in my fraternity, Kappa Nu, where I educated new members about its values and eventually became president. That leadership role helped me grow into someone who could represent the morale and spirit of an entire group. The bonds I formed with my fraternity brothers, the laughter, and the shared challenges remain some of my most cherished memories.

After graduating, I expanded my horizons by pursuing an MBA at Harvard Business School. Transitioning from engineering to business was a leap, but I knew it would open new career paths and allow me to find work that I could truly enjoy for the long term.

2. Did you know for certain what you wanted to do with your life? Were there any setbacks you faced throughout your career?

My parents, both successful attorneys, initially encouraged me toward pre-law. But I followed my own path into engineering. My first job was at a technical firm in research planning. Though the role was clear, it didn’t align with my expectations. After a few years, I pivoted to the investment sector on Wall Street—where my MBA became invaluable.

Working in Manhattan’s fast-paced investment world was exhilarating, though not without setbacks. When my firm was taken over by another brokerage, it was a difficult moment, but also an opportunity to regroup and find a stronger place. Moving into a larger firm on Wall Street taught me that the industry was full of wins and losses, and that resilience was essential.

3. What accomplishments are you most proud of, personally or professionally?

Above all, I am proud of the respect I earned from others, and the respect I gave in return. From my fraternity brothers to my colleagues, mutual respect has been the foundation of my relationships.

Professionally, being named to the All-American Investment Team was a highlight I never anticipated. It validated not only my skills but also the passion I brought to my work. Later, moving from Wall Street to Philadelphia firms was a risk, but one I am proud to have taken, even with the challenges it entailed.

4. How has your family helped you become who you are today? What do you hope your children and grandchildren remember you for?

My parents were instrumental in shaping my life, offering unconditional love and a foundation that carried me through uncertainty. I was also blessed to be married to my wife for 43 years, and together we raised children to whom I passed down that same foundation.

I hope my children and grandchildren remember me first as someone they respected, and then as someone they loved unconditionally. Respect, in my view, is lasting, it doesn’t waver as much as love might over time. I also hope they see me as a figure of gratitude, someone they can look up to and appreciate.

5. How do you feel about CMAP and the community it fosters?

CMAP has given me the support I needed after retirement. Friends encouraged me to join, and I quickly saw its value. The seminars, the accessibility, and the opportunities to keep learning gave me a renewed sense of purpose. It has helped me stay forward-thinking, open-minded, and engaged.

At the end of the day, we’re not here for a long time, we’re here for a good time. And CMAP has reminded me how much we can still learn and enjoy, no matter our stage in life.

6. What life lessons have you learned? If you could give advice to your past self, what would it be?

Persistence has been the greatest lesson. Getting back on my feet after setbacks carried me further than I could have imagined. I learned to view disappointments as opportunities rather than defeats, and to recognize the blessings I already had.

If I could speak to my younger self, I would say: face challenges with courage, never let fear dictate your choices, and trust in the foundation you’ve been given.