It’s been an emotional year for Kathleen Malone’s clients. They’re worried about their families’ health, the economy and the election, says the Charlotte, N.C.-based Wells Fargo adviser, who ranked 74th in this year’s Barron’s Top Women Financial advisers. “But the overriding emotion that I feel from them is they’re very grateful,” she says.

Catching up with Barron’s Advisor by phone, the 38-year industry veteran describes learning about financial advice when she was growing up, and how diversification and asset allocation have mattered so much this year. Malone also details her succession plan.