My career so far has spanned 19 years in financial services, mainly specialising in pensions. 16 of those years were spent on the ‘advice side’, advising corporate clients (sponsoring employers and scheme trustees) and individuals, prior to leading teams of corporate and individual financial advisers. Recent years have been spent on the ‘provider side’, as Managing Director of IFGL Pensions, specialist SIPP and SSAS provider in the international market.
What are your career highlights?
A personal highlight would be attaining my Chartered Financial Planner status. Other highlights include hugely interesting projects for corporate clients, and successfully integrating acquired advice businesses to existing teams, but honestly my biggest highlights are those everyday moments where the actions of you or your team make real differences to customers lives, whether that’s confidence to be able to retire, or making sure urgent pension income gets paid on time.
What has been your greatest challenge?
My greatest challenge is the same as many working mums – navigating the perennial juggle between ambition and day jobs that have always been busy and demanding, attaining (and maintaining) professional qualifications, and the absolute imperative not to miss out on valuable family moments while kids rapidly grow up. I’ve benefited from brilliant mentors, some great quality employers, and fantastic teams, and most challenges turned into adventures (in the end!)
How do you relax?
As mum to two teenage boys, most of my relaxing time is spent beside various sports fields. Aside from that I love holidays, fitness and throwing big family parties.
What do you think has been the most significant industry change of the last 5 years? The most significant change is undoubtedly Consumer Duty, which is a considerable step up from the old ‘Treating Customer Fairly’ requirement. Whilst it comes with more work and compliance for firms, hopefully the laser focus on Customers will help drive improved outcomes – which is the whole point of our industry.
