Finance is often seen as a numbers game, but for Jesse Ransford, it’s also about people, purpose, and perspective. A consultant at Economics Partners in New York City, Jesse has built a fast-moving career in corporate finance and an even stronger personal philosophy around learning, growth, and humility.

We sat down with Jesse Ransford to hear his take on professional identity, the experiences that shaped him, and the values that guide him today.

Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in your chosen field?

I've been obsessed with transformative products since childhood, always analyzing which innovations might disrupt entire industries. My investment interest began with Tesla—at just 14, I convinced my father to buy 200 shares. Tesla wasn’t just a green car company; it was a movement. That experience taught me to look for impact over hype.

At Economics Partners, I’ve sharpened my skills in financial modeling and valuation, especially using tools like Capital IQ. More than the technical challenge, though, I’m driven by the democratic nature of public markets. They’re not just for the wealthy—they build the retirements of everyday Americans. That purpose keeps me engaged.

Can you share a defining moment that shaped your career?

Absolutely. During a wealth management internship, a student came in having just lost his father. He and his mother didn’t know how they could afford for him to stay at CU Boulder. We created a comprehensive financial plan, combining savings and student loans, to bridge the gap.

A few semesters later, he walked across the graduation stage. That moment grounded me—it reminded me that finance isn’t just spreadsheets; it’s about giving people tools to overcome life’s toughest moments.

How would you describe your personal and professional values?

Humility. I’m surrounded by colleagues with decades of experience. That keeps me grounded and hungry to learn. I embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth, and I’m always open to feedback. To me, professionalism is a balance of competence and teachability.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Relax. I pushed myself hard from an early age—worrying about grades, tests, the next big step. That pressure came from a fear of failure. I now realize that growth comes from the process, not perfection. Things have a way of working out.

What personal or professional achievements are you most proud of?

One that stands out is my time at a neuroplasticity training center, working with Adam, a paraplegic patient. Initially, he couldn’t even float in the pool. But over weeks of aquatic therapy, we worked together to retrain his muscles and rebuild his confidence.

Eventually, Adam was treading water independently. It was a profound reminder of what persistence and human connection can achieve. I didn’t fix him—he did the work. But I helped pave the way.

Another moment I take pride in came during my transition into high-level valuation work. Breaking through the steep learning curve, earning the respect of peers, and seeing my financial models used in real-world decisions gave me a profound sense of validation and momentum.

How do you manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance?

CrossFit has become a core part of my routine since 2022. It was tough at first—brutal, really—but now it’s the best hour of my day. It keeps me focused, energized, and balanced. There’s something powerful about pushing your physical limits and leaving the day’s stress behind.

I also prioritize sleep, outdoor time, and limiting screen exposure when I’m off the clock. Living in New York City can be intense, so I’ve found it helpful to stay grounded with routines and by spending time with friends or exploring new parts of the city.

How do you define success?

It’s not about luxury—unless that’s what truly fulfills you. For me, success is discovering what you love and aligning your life around it. One of my friends grew up in Idaho, created a conservation apparel brand, and now works full-time advocating for the environment. She’s doing what she loves. That’s success.

At this stage in my career, I define success by how well I can apply my skills to make a real impact. Whether it’s advising a startup on its valuation strategy or helping a peer develop professionally, the reward comes from creating lasting value.

Who is the one entrepreneur or business leader you consider your greatest example and inspiration? Why?

Scott Galloway. His story—growing up in a single-parent home, getting rejected from UCLA, and then convincing the admissions officer to give him a shot—is incredible. He went on to Morgan Stanley, launched multiple companies, and now uses his platform to advocate for men’s mental health and social mobility.

His honesty, intellect, and purpose-driven focus really resonate with me. He talks about real problems and uses his voice to create impact.

What’s especially compelling is his willingness to talk about failure. That kind of transparency is rare among high-profile entrepreneurs. It encourages people like me, early in our journey, to take risks, stay grounded, and remember that vulnerability and strength can coexist.

Are there any charitable organizations or community service-oriented activities that you are involved in?

I have just moved to New York City and am actively looking for organizations to give back to. I have a couple of ideas in mind for the ways I want to give back. One is to the LGBTQ community. My younger self struggled with feeling accepted. I want to do what I can to create spaces that allow individuals to thrive no matter what their identity is. That experience shaped my belief in service, and I plan to return to similar initiatives when I can give them the time they deserve.

Even though I’m not formally tied to an organization today, I see community contribution as a key future goal. Once I’m in a position to scale my time and resources, I’d love to contribute more meaningfully in the education or healthcare access space.

Please tell us an inspirational, uplifting story about a time you helped change someone’s life, or someone helped change your life and made a difference.

I go back to Adam, watching him overcome paralysis and achieve independence. That process changed my outlook. It reminded me that transformation is possible, even when the odds are grim. It taught me empathy, patience, and the importance of seeing people beyond their limitations.

But the truth is, Adam changed my life, too. Witnessing his courage and resilience pushed me to reframe how I handle my own setbacks. Whenever I feel overwhelmed or frustrated, I remember that growth is a process—and that our greatest victories often come from our deepest challenges.

What are two early-stage software-based companies that you encourage venture firms to invest in?

Boulder Care—Telemedicine

Addiction is a leading cause of premature death in America. Boulder Care addresses this with a mobile-first platform offering support for substance use disorders. It combines telehealth, medication-assisted treatment, and clinical psychology, making recovery accessible anytime, anywhere.

With rising demand and opioid settlements flooding into prevention, Boulder Care is well-positioned both financially and socially. It’s a smart investment and a moral one.

Paradigm—Artificial Intelligence

I’ve spent countless hours manually screening business data. Paradigm changes that. It’s an AI platform that integrates Excel with LLMs to automate data analysis. It’s already used by top consulting firms, and it drastically reduces time and cost.

With only a few employees and Y-Combinator support, Paradigm represents the kind of scalable, efficiency-boosting software that the finance industry needs.

What excites me most about both companies is their ability to drive meaningful change while offering strong ROI potential. It’s the ideal blend of ethics and enterprise.

Thank you to Jesse Ransford for sharing his time, insights, and story. As he continues to grow in his role and expand his impact, one thing is clear: his commitment to values-driven success is only just beginning.

Whether analyzing data in Midtown or lending a hand to someone in need, Jesse Ransford is shaping a future grounded in purpose and driven by potential.