In my prior post, “You, Inc,” I suggested that scrutinizing how you make decisions can lead to a financially successful career. At the same time, no matter how hot and talented you are, making bad decisions can sink your career.  The difference between the two is “wisdom.”

Wisdom isn’t an old man with a long beard that limps with a walker into a cave. But don’t take my word for it; here’s how King Solomon, the wisest person on earth, described wisdom:  

You're blessed when you meet Lady Wisdom,
   when you make friends with Madame Insight.
She's worth far more than money in the bank;
   her friendship is better than a big salary.
Her value exceeds all the trappings of wealth;
   nothing you could wish for holds a candle to her.
With one hand she gives long life,
   with the other she confers recognition.
Her manner is beautiful,
   her life wonderfully complete.
She's the very Tree of Life to those who embrace her.
   Hold her tight—and be blessed!  (Proverbs 3:13-18)

The challenge is that there are few places where one can learn how to be wise and get all of “her” benefits – and frankly speaking, good decisions rarely make headlines. Well, fortunately for you, I had an opportunity to interview Miss Finland 2011, Pia Pakarinen, and discuss this topic even as she was on her way to prepare for the Miss Universe competition in São Paulo, Brazil.  This beautiful young woman represents a nation of sensible, hardworking, yet fun-loving people.  I think she’s a good example of someone using wisdom to manage her business. She was happy to share an insider’s peek into how she manages her career.  And unless you’re Bruno Mars’ “billionaire,” this otherworldly Nordic beauty may have a couple of tips that inspire you and give you a unique perspective.

Congratulations! You are about to leave for the Miss Universe contest to represent Finland. The contest on September 11 isn’t that far away - how have you prepared for the upcoming contest and what are your feelings on the eve of leaving for Brazil?
I started preparing almost immediately after my crowning, which happened on March 5th, 2011. I started with working out at the gym, building muscle mass and toning in the right areas. I was also collecting all kinds of outfits during the spring and summer.  How I perform is also important at the Miss Universe contest, so I practice that along with my stage work. Being Miss Finland brings performance experience in and of itself, and working as a model helps me become familiar with being on stage and in front of a camera.

Do you have any opportunity to visit the sights while in Brazil, and do you have anything specific you would like to see there?
The Miss Universe contest has strict security, so according to information I have received, I won’t be allowed to move outside of the hotel much on my own. I don’t know the schedule that well yet, but in prior years, the contestants were able to see the most important local sights. Hopefully this will happen again.  It would also be great to experience Brazil during the Carnival festivities and be amongst all the excitement.

In addition to this experience, what else do you hope this contest will bring into your life?
I hope to make new relationships around the world. I believe that one should try everything and keep one’s mind open, because you can never know what will happen. Miss Universe will surely bring me lessons that stay throughout my life in many different aspects. It really is a unique event that only a few people have the privilege of experiencing. I will enjoy magnificent Brazil, meet new people and learn more about their cultures.

I have heard that you have some support during your participation in Miss Universe. Could you tell me a little bit about it, and in what ways they are helping you?
I have two assistants. Their help allows me to concentrate 100% on the contest. We have worked closely together throughout my career and they are a big help in everything.

You’ve risen rapidly with your career in beauty and fashion; how has this changed your attitude towards your financial situation?
Pia: I have always been meticulous with my financial matters, and that has not really changed.

What is the most expensive thing you have had to buy for the contest?
Pia: My fantasy dress.

When did you get your first credit card, and do you use it often?
Pia: I don’t have my own credit card. I created a business, and the business has a credit card, but I haven’t even used that. The reason I got a credit card for the business is so that I can use it when I travel for work, like when reserving hotel rooms.

What did you learn about money from your childhood?
My parents taught that one must earn their money. I received an allowance by doing chores, and when I was older, I worked at a nearby store after school.  Money is not of absolute value, but it is necessary for life.

How might a typical Finnish model deal with money from your perspective?
I believe Finnish models are diligent and work hard. They save their money and also invest. That way you get stability in your finances. This field, after all has drastic swings.

How do you like dealing with paperwork and finances?
I want to keep my paperwork and financial matters in order. If you let them pile up, it is a lot of work to get it all in order. I want to be up to speed with my own dealings. In the more challenging paper and money matters, I happily turn to professionals, so that I know that everything goes correctly.

How do you control yourself when in a shopping frenzy?
I rarely get into a shopping frenzy. I usually only buy when I need something. Besides, in this line of work we get to buy clothes, accessories and shoes “for work”! ☺

Do you do charity work and in what way?
Charity is near to my heart and I believe is a traditional role of Miss Finland. I have visited sick children at a Children’s Hospital with an organization called “Godparents,” and have been a patron of “Clean Finland Day” – an environmental project. I have also helped collect money for the Japanese Disaster Fund through the Finnish Red Cross, and participated in a Unicef gala.

If you become Miss Universe, how would you like to make a difference?
Miss Universe works in charitable events and lifts up important causes. If I become Miss Universe, I would like to bring up topics about the wrongs in the world and help fix them, as well as advance positive things.

What are your longer term career plans?
I want to try and go as far as possible. Let’s see where my wings carry me!

Awesome!

Pia demonstrated some incredible off-stage Sense and Sensibility (ever read that Jane Austin classic?)

Here are a few decisions she made that were significant, that you might want to consider when the timing is right:

• Supporting charity is an important and honest way for her to find balance in this world. She plans this ahead of time and doesn’t wait until it’s the end of the year tax planning season to take a deduction.
• All her expenses and revenues are run through her business.
• She doesn’t use a credit card except through her business, and for making hotel reservations.  
• She hires business managers to take care of the details so she can focus on growing her career.

I wish Pia all the success in Miss Universe and beyond - my (Finnish) wife and I will be watching and rooting for her this year!  

Support Pia by going to her Miss Universe page and voting for her:   http://www.missunive...99522/year:2011

Disclosure: Paul Kizirian is a Vice President at Wells Fargo. The views expressed are his alone and do not necessarily represent the views of Wells Fargo.