Iván Watanabe, managing partner of Opus Private Client, LLC, got into the wealth advisory business in 2008. “I’m sort of a person people turn to if they are trying to solve a problem,” says Watanabe. “Financial planning allows me to do that; I help clients accomplish their goals and create a significant legacy.” Today, he leads the Purchase-based firm while raising two young children with his wife, Joanna, in Goldens Bridge. Come along for a typical work day:
5:30-6:30 A.M.
This hour belongs to me. Black iced coffee made the night before, my Full Focus Planner open in front of me. I write down a few words to get my mind right how I want to prioritize my family, clients, health, and goals. I’ve repeated this ritual every workday for the past seven years, usually with Gary Vaynerchuk’s The GaryVee Audio Experience podcast on to get my creative mind moving. It’s packed with insights on business, tech, marketing, and the idea that being a good person is a strength—not a weakness.
6:30-7:30 A.M.
I wake up Mia (4) and Luca (2), and the real adventure begins. Getting two toddlers fed, dressed, and out the door on my own when my wife has to leave super early for work is, without question, the most nerve-wracking part of my day, and easily the most unpredictable. Still, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I’ve intentionally designed my life and career to give me the ability to wake my kids up and drop them off every single morning. Our commute soundtrack is an eclectic mix: Gabby’s Dollhouse, K-Pop Demon Hunters, Teddy Swims, and Bad Bunny.
“Stacking small, intentional habits daily has been an extremely valuable practice. I go into every day with purpose and refuse to let the day simply happen to me.”
7:30-9:30 A.M.
On any given morning you’ll find me at F45, Fwd Fit, Orangetheory, or BARC Run Club, all in pursuit of my personal best in HYROX fitness racing, which combines running and functional workout stations. I’ve competed in New York City, Chicago, and Miami so far, and it’s become something of an obsession. Beyond the competition, I want to be a living example of what prioritizing your health looks like, for my kids most of all.
9:30 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
Client meetings, back to back. I run almost all of them virtually from my home office, which allows me to see more families and individuals more efficiently. One hour might be helping a business owner map out their exit strategy, the next, a high earning ‘Sandwich Generation’ executive juggling college and retirement planning, plus aging parents. My goal is always the same: to deliver real value, wherever someone is in their journey.
12:00-1:00 P.M.
My partner, Evan, and I sit down to record an episode of the Opus WealthStyle Podcast. The conversations are wide-ranging, from complex estate planning and tax strategy to hearing from psychologists and longevity experts on parenting and living well. Our best ideas almost always emerge from our planning conversations with clients; there’s usually a clear theme depending on what’s happening in the world at that moment.
1:00-4:30 P.M.
More meetings, more calls, more value.
4:30-5:30 P.M.
My wife and I pick up Mia and take her to karate. Watching her find her voice and her confidence on that mat has been one of the greatest joys of my life. I did martial arts for about 12 years myself and earned a black belt, so this one hits a little differently.
5:30-8:00 P.M.
Family time for the four of us. Dinner together, running around the house, playing catch, winding down with a movie (usually something from Pixar on repeat). We do bath time as a family, read a few books, and ease into the night.
8:00-9:30 P.M.
Joanna and I catch up on each other’s days over a last protein smoothie. I wrap up any final emails, then we usually watch TV; lately The Pitt, true crime, and any Miami Dolphins game. I’m usually asleep before my head hits the pillow.
