Every month we will be featuring a different Brunsdon Financial team member. This month it’s the turn of Ali Waite, Adviser Support Administrator.
What is your role at Brunsdon Financial?
I am an Adviser Support Administrator.
How did you come to your role?
I came to Brunsdon Financial after working for 10 years at a large corporate life and pensions company. This stood me good stead, and it was through a few coincidences that I heard about the position here and decided to apply.
What do you like most about your role?
I love that you never know what type of work you are going to get on a daily basis – it’s always a surprise and a challenge. I like spending time with my colleagues; whilst we work hard, the team is full of laughter and we’re very supportive of each other.
If you could wave a magic wand to achieve anything you wanted at work, what would it be?
I’m not sure my immediate manager, Julie, would want me to answer this question, as I’m sure I test her patience at the best of times! Things run very well in our team so I think I’d use a magic wand to create something fun, like ‘wear-a-hat-to-work day’, ‘trampoline Tuesdays’, or adopt a llama for the office!
What advice would you give someone starting out in business now?
Do something you really enjoy and don’t assume you are better than anyone.
What’s the best piece of business-related advice you were ever given?
The best piece of business-related advice I’ve received is to be honest, be yourself and don’t lie.
If you could, what would you tell your 21-year old self?
Being disabled, I’ve always felt that I’ve had to prove my worth tenfold compared to able-bodied people to get the same job. With that in mind, I would tell myself: don’t try so hard to fit into a square peg when you are a squiggle.
Who are your business heroes?
My heroes are those providing everyday, but nevertheless important, services to us with a smile: waitresses, nurses, bin collectors, and more.
Outside of work, what do you like to do?
My other half is an antiques dealer, so we love wandering around car boot sales, flea markets and charity shops, picking up bargains as we go.
I also collect Moomin memorabilia, love reading and walking, and I’m an amateur gardener.
How would you like to be remembered, a) by your friends and family and b) by your Brunsdon Financial clients?
I don’t have the desire to be remembered but if someone chooses to spend a few moments thinking of me, be it a client or family member, then I’d be honoured.
