Joshua I Wilson PhD, C.M.T.(R)
Early Life
The seeds of Dr. Wilson's American dream were sown amidst a humble upbringing in the fields of rural Alabama, in a county where the poverty rate soared over 50% higher than the national average.
“Most of what we ate came out of our garden or from our animals, and Mama made most of our clothes at home on her sewing machine. We didn’t have health insurance, but plentiful chores kept us healthy and strong. Fresh air and sunshine are good for the body and spirit, and you could say we were eating ‘organic’ before it was trendy! No matter what we were dealing with ourselves, we always grew more food than we needed so we’d have plenty to give away, and I think that instilled an attitude of gratitude that has stuck with me. I think my parents’ faithfulness is a big reason my siblings and I are so blessed today. There were times when we had more, and times when we had less, but we always had faith, family, and grit—everything we needed.”
He quietly worked long hours on a nearby farm and at his father’s junkyard, where he learned grit, humility, and the value of hard work. The son of an ordained minister, Joshua enjoyed playing guitar and singing at churches where he or his father were invited to speak. He excelled in both the classroom and in athletics, breaking multiple state records as a member of the football team. Despising not the days of his small beginnings (Zech. 4:10), Dr. Wilson went on to give his graduation speech from Brown University, becoming the first Ivy League graduate in his county's history. He used this opportunity to honor his faith and his family.
Career and Achievements
Dr. Wilson brings a wealth of leadership and investment expertise. His early career at TD Ameritrade was marked by a rapid ascent through the ranks, earning him national recognition in several roles. He then transitioned to serve as a Chief Investment Officer, and later, took on the role of CEO. Under his guidance, firms have achieved national rankings in Forbes, Financial Times Top 300 RIAs, and RIA Database’s Top 100 Emerging Wealth Managers, among others. Individually, he has been named to multiple Forbes lists honoring the top advisors in the United States and has been recognized as a 5 Star Wealth Manager multiple times. Combining his experience as an advisor and investment manager with his academic research in behavioral psychology, Dr. Wilson offers a unique lens through which to better understand the human side of money.
Why He Founded United Ethos
Dr. Wilson shares his vision for a financial sanctuary for those who feel their values are underrepresented by traditional financial powerhouses:
“You shouldn’t have to compromise your values to get premium financial advice. While many are becoming increasingly selective about the brands they support, the financial sector often goes unnoticed, despite its tremendous influence. We aim to bring that influence to light. However, we won’t resort to political or social gamesmanship to force our values on others. We believe good ideas don’t require force; instead, we simply align our resources and influence with our values.”
His Vision for United Ethos’ Advisors
Financial Advisors often find themselves in a difficult position, not just constrained from expressing their own values and beliefs, but also compelled to toe the line on their firm's social and political agendas—agendas that may starkly contrast with their own convictions and those of their clients. This not only stifles individuality but also undermines the trust and rapport advisors could build with clients who share their values.
“Advisors shouldn't have to compromise their principles or go along with corporate agendas that don't align with their own beliefs. At United Ethos, we offer a haven where advisors can freely express themselves, innovate, and serve their clients without the looming fear of corporate or societal backlash.”
We celebrate the diversity of thought and opinion among our advisors and clients. While we share core values, we don't require uniformity in every belief. We celebrate the true diversity that enriches our collective wisdom and enables us to serve a broad range of clients who appreciate an advisor that respects not only their values, but their individuality.
The 10% Promise and Its Importance to Our Vision
“ While defunding institutions that don't align with our values is a critical step, we believe there is more to be done. Our 10% Promise ensures that as we grow, so does our positive impact. We leverage success to support causes that align with your core values and positively impact our communities.”
Personal Life
A former collegiate athlete, Joshua remains dedicated to physical health—lifting weights or doing cardio and mobility training almost daily. He enjoys family time, playing guitar and singing, attending his nephews’ college and high school football games, spending time outdoors or at the gun range, going on long walks with his Beagle, Pippa, and occasionally struggling mightily at golf.
Faith & Values
Dr. Wilson is open about his Christian faith and how it guides his professional life.
“My faith and values can’t be completely separated from business, because I express who I am and what I value in the way I run my business. I aim to follow the advice of Colossians 3:23 which says, 'Whatever you do, do it with all your heart, as unto the Lord, and not unto men.”
Dr. Wilson enjoys speaking at churches and other religious gatherings. For scheduling, email info@unitedethos.com.
Academics
Dr. Wilson earned a B.A. from Brown University and an M.S. from Salve Regina University. He is a Chartered Market Technician® (CMT) credential holder and has passed the requirements for the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF) credential. He holds a Ph.D. from Oklahoma State where he concentrated his research in Behavioral Finance.
Podcast
Dr. Wilson is host of the “Untamed Ethos” Podcast, where he is joined by investment pros, executives, and other experts to talk about financial markets, business, politics, personal growth, and the trending topics well-rounded pros need to know about.
Research
As a recognized expert in both investment finance and behavioral psychology, Dr. Wilson has lectured at numerous universities and has served as an Adjunct Professor at Baylor University. His research has not only earned him academic accolades but also positions him as a thought leader in the financial industry.
Dr. Wilson has made notable contributions to the field of Behavioral Finance, particularly in his research on market volatility. He provides empirical evidence that the well-known Volatility Index, commonly referred to as "the VIX," is not solely driven by the factors that are traditionally accepted by both academic theory and industry practitioners. His work goes further to demonstrate that the other contributing factors he identifies are not constant but fluctuate depending on market conditions.
His research challenges long-standing assumptions and has the potential to alter the way financial risk is understood and managed. Dr. Wilson's findings highlight the feedback loop between index calculation and volatility expectations—how investor psychology impacts markets and vice versa.