Spencer Short is a finance professional working at the crossroads of technology, strategy, and human connection. Originally from San Antonio, Texas, Spencer’s journey led him through athletics, student leadership, and academic excellence, culminating in a degree from Texas A&M’s Mays Business School. Now living and working in Alpharetta, Georgia, Spencer combines his love for finance with a curiosity about digital innovation.
Spencer’s experience is a blend of high-performance environments and a grounded sense of community. He’s a lifelong fan of Cleveland sports, an active tennis and pickleball player, and someone who finds peace in Port Aransas, Texas, where his family owns a beach home. In every part of his life—whether working in digital finance, giving back through service, or navigating change—Spencer believes in thoughtful growth. This INSPIREY interview dives into that journey.
What first sparked your interest in finance, and how has that interest evolved over time?
I’ve always liked working with numbers, but it wasn’t just about math. It was about solving real-world problems. In high school, I was drawn to the idea of how money works—how it’s managed, how it flows, how it can help people achieve goals or, if misused, hold them back.
When I got to Texas A&M, finance became more than just a subject. It became a way to think. It gave me a structure for decision-making and a way to understand risk, reward, and long-term impact. Over time, especially now in my current role, I’ve realized that finance isn’t just about profits or projections—it’s about people. The numbers always represent someone’s life in motion. That’s where my interest has deepened.
You work as a Digital VEA—what does that actually look like day-to-day?
It’s a mix of finance, technology, and problem-solving. I help build and refine digital strategies that enhance how financial services are delivered. On any given day, I could be reviewing systems, supporting financial advisors, evaluating new tools, or analyzing user data to improve client experiences.
It’s not just behind-the-scenes work, though. I’m often helping teams adopt new technology, which means making it simple and useful for real people. That’s where communication matters. You have to know finance, understand the digital tools, and be able to explain things clearly. That blend is where I find purpose.
How has digital strategy changed your view of the finance industry as a whole?
It’s completely changed the playing field. For a long time, finance was slow to innovate compared to other industries. But now, digital strategy is leading the way. Automation, AI, and data-driven insights are making things faster, more accurate, and more transparent.
But I think the biggest shift is psychological. Clients now expect personalization. They want instant updates, mobile access, and tools that fit their lives. And financial professionals are adapting—not just to provide answers, but to deliver insight through technology.
It’s made me appreciate how quickly the field moves now, and how important it is to keep learning. You don’t just work in finance anymore. You work in digital finance. That’s the new normal.
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What’s one piece of technology that has made a real difference in your work or productivity?
I rely heavily on note-taking and task-organizing software—something like Evernote or even simple digital planners. With so much happening in digital finance, it’s easy to let things pile up. But having a place to record and prioritize tasks keeps me clearheaded.
The real value isn’t in the software itself—it’s in how you use it. I always break my work down into small, actionable parts. That’s what keeps me from feeling overwhelmed. One task at a time.
What does balance look like for you between career, hobbies, and personal life?
Balance isn’t about getting everything right every day—it’s about being present wherever you are. When I’m working, I give it my focus. When I’m playing tennis or attending a game, I let myself enjoy it.
I’m a huge Cleveland sports fan. Following the Browns, Cavaliers, and Guardians has taught me patience and loyalty—things that carry over into work. Living in Georgia now, I’ve adopted the Braves as a team I follow locally. I attend games when I can.
I also play tennis and pickleball, which gives me physical activity and a social outlet. And when I really need to reset, I head to Port Aransas, Texas, where my family has a beach house. Being near the water helps me clear my mind.
How do you handle moments of burnout or stress?
When I feel overwhelmed, I do something completely different. I step outside, hit a few tennis balls, go for a walk, or even just listen to music. I’ve learned that trying to “push through” doesn’t always work.
Clarity comes from stepping back. Once I reset, I can return to the problem with a better mindset. That’s something I’ve learned not just from work, but from life in general.
You’ve volunteered with several organizations. How does service play into your values?
Service has always been a part of my life. Whether it was through school programs or family influence, I was taught early on that giving back is part of being a responsible person.
I’ve volunteered with The Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, Mobile Loaves & Fishes, and Special Olympics. Each experience reminds me that everyone is carrying something. Even small acts of service can mean a lot to someone else.
It’s not about checking a box. It’s about remembering that no matter how busy or successful we are, we’re still part of a community.
What’s something you believe that others might disagree with?
I honestly believe being a Cleveland sports fan builds character. Some people laugh at that, but it’s true. Following teams that have had more losses than wins over the years teaches you something deeper than loyalty—it teaches resilience.
And that mindset helps in the rest of life. You learn how to hope without guarantees, how to stay committed even when it’s hard, and how to find joy in progress, not just in trophies.
What advice would you give your younger self just starting out?
Slow down. You don’t have to figure everything out in your early twenties. Focus on learning more than performing. Take smart risks, be open to feedback, and understand that your path won’t look like anyone else’s—and that’s okay.
I used to think success had to be fast. Now I know that lasting success takes time.
What does long-term success look like for you?
It looks like a life where my work has purpose, my relationships have depth, and I’m growing in ways that matter. Professionally, I want to keep developing in digital strategy and financial innovation. Personally, I want to stay grounded and keep making time for family, hobbies, and service.
Success for me isn’t just about milestones. It’s about feeling like I’ve used my time well. That I’ve contributed, connected, and kept learning.
What’s a book or resource that shaped how you think?
A book that really shifted how I think is The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday. It reframed my view of challenges—not as things to avoid, but as things to move through. The core idea is based on Stoic philosophy: that every obstacle presents an opportunity to grow, adapt, and get stronger.
That mindset has helped me both professionally and personally. Whether it’s a tough project at work, a setback in my routine, or something unexpected in life, I try to approach it with the attitude that the challenge itself is part of the path forward.
It’s not always easy, but it keeps me grounded. It reminds me that resilience isn’t something you’re born with—it’s built through how you respond.
Final Thoughts from Spencer
“I’m still learning every day. Finance is changing, life is moving fast, but I think if you stay grounded, stay curious, and treat people well, you’ll always be heading in the right direction.”
Spencer Short’s story reminds us that personal growth and professional impact don’t have to come at the cost of each other. With clarity, balance, and an eye on what matters, he’s building a career—and a life—rooted in progress and purpose.