There are also loads of women in the industry I aspire to, including Anna Sofat from Addidi who is doing a great job of changing the profession and bringing awareness to women and women’s wealth.”
“It’s definitely helped! People are more likely to stop and listen to what I have to say because I am different to what they are used to. I want to bring a fresh, young, feminine, relaxed outlook to talking about the profession, so it helps that I’m a woman. When I go to events where female advisors make up such a small percentage of the room, those women who are there stand out and we’re more likely to be remembered
I’m shortlisted for Marketing Influencer of the Year at the Women in Financial Advice Awards, where I won the Rising Star award last year. It’s great to be shortlisted in this category and I’m hopeful I can keep advancing!”
Based on your personal experience, what advice would you give to anyone thinking about a career as a financial adviser?
“Don’t buy into the illusion that it’s all numbers and men in suits. It’s ultimately a career that is about helping people and building strong relationships, and its nowhere near as boring as people make out! It’s also got loads of benefits, particularly flexible working. This has been invaluable to me with my son. You can make a career for yourself and come into financial planning from any level, starting like I did in the post room and working your way up. You can build your own success while helping people achieve their life dreams.”div>
If you could change anything in the financial planning world to benefit the industry, what would it be?
“The regulatory perspective can be off putting for people thinking of joining the industry. Financial planning is incredibly heavily regulated compared to other industries, and while we do need that regulation as we’re dealing with people’s finances, maybe there are things we could look at to make the process easier, whether that’s approaching compliance in a different way or reducing client processes that are currently really drawn-out.
I also think the financial advice sector can be quite stale and reluctant to keep up with the changing world. Lockdown has shown people there are other ways of working and communicating, and we need to continue to evolve. Advisors are still reluctant to use fintech, but if we work with new technologies we can offer more and show we’re willing to move with the times. You will never replace the value of personal financial advice, but if technology can help with some of that process then that’s great. It’s kind of like what I do with Instagram, incorporating new platforms to reach people and provide guidance.
Finally, I think schools should be doing more to educate young people on their finances – and not just advice on student loans, as not everyone will go to university. Teachers aren’t getting support on what they should teach and how, so there’s a real gap that I think needs filling. I wish I had more money education when I was at school!”
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