
FTG 0086 – Building Your Own Pathways with Engineer Turned LGBTQ+ Financial Advisor Christopher Stroup ’14
Discover how Christopher Stroup ’14 EMS shifted from oil and gas to become a successful LGBTQ-affirming financial advisor. His story offers invaluable lessons on city life, career pivots, authenticity, and building community as a Penn State alum no matter where life takes you. (Nothing said in this episode should be taken as financial advice! Please consult with Christopher or another financial advisor for proper advice.) Main Topics Covered: Navigating city life without a car in Los Angeles and the benefits of mass transit Career pivot from petroleum engineering at Chevron to wealth management How an MBA opened doors to new opportunities and professional growth The importance of authenticity and visibility in the workplace Supporting underserved communities, including LGBTQ+ clients, through financial advising Strategies for young professionals to plan financially in their early careers Building a personal and professional network through alumni and community engagement Advice for students contemplating big career or life changes The entrepreneurial mindset and side gigs in today’s gig economy Balancing community involvement, personal identity, and professional success The significance of trust in personal evolution and career development Guest Bio: Christopher Stroup is the founder of Silicon Beach Financial, a fiduciary wealth management firm based in Santa Monica, CA. As a Certified Financial Planner™, he partners with ambitious entrepreneurs, small business owners, and tech professionals to make smart, life-changing financial decisions. Before launching Silicon Beach Financial in 2024, Christopher was a financial advisor at Abacus Wealth Partners. He began his career as a petroleum engineer with Chevron before pivoting into wealth management, leveraging his MBA from Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business. He earned his B.S. in Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering with Honors from Penn State’s College of Earth and Mineral Sciences in 2014. A regular contributor to Business Insider, Yahoo Finance, and Investopedia, Christopher frequently shares insights on entrepreneurship, equity compensation, and financial planning for founders and creatives. You can connect with him on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/christopherlstroup. Connect with Christopher: LinkedIn Instagram Website ----- Schreyer Honors College Links: Website Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Upcoming Events Scholars – Need Assistance? Book an Appointment! Alumni – Learn Why and How to Volunteer Make a Gift to Benefit Schreyer Scholars Join the Penn State Alumni Association ----- Credits & Notes: This show is hosted and produced by Sean Goheen '11 Lib (Schreyer), '23g Bus. It was edited by Brady Sanders. The artwork was created by Isabella Gasparraj '28. The sound effect is “Chinese Gong,” accessed via SoundBible used under Creative Commons License.










