How has FINSIA contributed to your development over your career?
Initially, I joined FINSIA for two reasons: firstly I wanted to do some external education qualifications and secondly, I wanted to see what my peers were doing in different banks. The second reason was much more valuable to me as it showed me that the bank I was working for was actually doing much better than I thought and this gave me a good feeling.
Then the opportunities came later to work with the FINSIA team directly with the NZ FINSIA council enabling me to make a contribution to the wider financial services sector, which is very enjoyable.
Tell us about your career to date?
I have worked for a number of financial institutions including a bank, a trustee company, an investment/retirement company, a life insurance business and now as a financial adviser. The main theme has been these roles are all about money, from when it comes into a client’s life, when it builds up and when it passes on to the next generation, which is extremely interesting work.
We've read your title, now tell us how you would describe what you ACTUALLY do to a friend at a BBQ?
I tend not to introduce myself as a ‘making dreams possible’ type person and I keep it simple and introduce myself as a financial adviser. This may lead into a discussion on what is going on in their lives or it may not.
What are your most pressing challenges in 2023?
For my clients the first big issue is rising interest rates. Paying 7.5% is much more painful than paying 2.5%. The other issue is that literally everything is more expensive than it was - and that inflation continues to bite into disposable incomes.
What led you to pursue your career path in the first place and can you remember where and when the lightbulb came on?
In school I found that economics came easily to me and I had natural inclination towards things like finance and business. I started work at 16 and rose through the ranks quickly enough but I realised I needed to get my university qualifications, which I did at the age of 30.
The role as financial adviser came through as an opportunity at the bank and I loved it from day one. Twenty-nine years later I still thoroughly enjoy advising people and listening to their situation and stories and helping them.
What is the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
Firstly, there is only one person in charge of your career. Secondly, it isn’t necessarily about your next role you want to focus on, its actually the roles that are two to three steps down the road that are more important.
In hindsight, what is the one thing you would have done differently in getting to where you are now?
My advice is you can’t be captain hindsight. If you want to change something about where you are now then you can do so, as you are the person at the driving wheel.
Who is your most influential or inspirational professional influence and why?
I have worked with many inspirational people over the years and some still play a part in my life. A piece of advice is I try to give back more than I receive. It could be just as simple as executing the advice the person has given you. You can always learn something from someone if you want to.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I do several things outside work from coaching a rugby team in Takapuna, to be a weekend warrior cyclist, a very part time golfer and a very casual squash player. I enjoy walking and swimming and I have lots of family and community events I participate in.
I am also going to be sworn in as a Justice of the Peace as I think it is a good community thing to do.
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