What is your role within Brunsdon Financial?
As Client Relationship Manager, I’m primarily responsible for helping employers and their employees with regard to workplace pension schemes.
How did you come to this role?
I have worked in the pensions industry for over 20 years, progressing through various administration and client facing roles. I joined Brunsdon Financial after having spent the previous 15 years working for a large national consultancy firm.
What do you like most about your role?
Without doubt the people. Over the years I have built up great relationships with colleagues, clients and providers alike, some of whom I now consider to be friends.
If you could wave a magic wand to achieve anything you wanted at work, what would it be?
Definitely the scepticism and ‘bad press’ that pensions and the financial services industry in general receives. A pension is a great long-term savings product and I very much enjoy conversations with people who don’t agree!
What advice would you give someone starting out in business now?
To work hard and be honest, both with others and yourself. Not everyone finds their ideal job straight away but doing different things, even those things you don’t like, can provide valuable life lessons.
What’s the best piece of business-related advice you were ever given?
“Do what you say you’re going to do, when you say you’re going to do it.” This was said to me by my first boss many years ago and I still remember it now.
If you could, what would you tell your 21-year old self?
Work hard and keep going. Someone once said to me: “You have to kiss a lot of frogs to find your prince.” The same mentality can apply to work. Don’t be afraid to try a few things until you find something you love.
Who are your business heroes?
No one person specifically, but anyone who works hard, has passion for their job and treats everyone with respect, irrespective of their age or position.
Outside of work, what do you like to do?
Spending time with my family and friends is the most important thing. I am a fan of most sports and also love listening to live music.
How would you like to be remembered, a) by your friends and family and b) by your Brunsdon Financial clients?
The answer to both would be honest, caring and supportive (and also great company that always kept us entertained!)
