For me, it’s about ensuring that you put as much time into organising your private life as you do your work life – for example, ensuring you have a good support network of people outside of work who you can rely on when needed. I also think we shouldn’t feel we have to attain perfection in all elements of our lives.
As I’ve become more senior, and there are fewer women at my level, I’ve become more aware of what it takes to succeed. Women certainly do not lack any of the skills required to flourish but we can suffer from modesty when it comes to promoting ourselves, shouting about our skills or past achievements. You have to make sure your brand is visible, and people are aware of you. Time and time again, I have seen women not put themselves forward for roles because they believe they do not have all the required skills needed whereas their male counterparts still give it a go despite knowing they also don’t totally fit the bill. I would therefore encourage women across Quilter not to underestimate your capability or ability to learn quickly and do put yourself forward for that next role!
Emma Prince, financial adviser at Quilter Financial Advisers:
I decided to become a financial adviser following a period of time out of the workplace after having my three children. I wanted a second career I was proud of and that was also exciting.
Prior to retraining as an adviser, I had worked within the private and public sector, with a lot of overseas travel. As a busy mum to three young children, I was keen to gain a better work-life balance than I had experienced before, while also helping people through various stages of their lives to achieve their goals – financial advice was the perfect fit.
If you are considering becoming a financial adviser but are worried you do not have enough experience, do not worry. Whether you have worked within financial services for years, have recently completed your studies or have experience in a different field, you are likely to have skills suited to becoming a successful financial adviser. The training you receive while gaining your qualifications means you will develop the knowledge base and skills needed to fulfil the role.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my first few years as a financial adviser, and while the role can be challenging at times, I can honestly say I have never experienced the level of passion and enthusiasm for a job as I have in this one. If you are interested in becoming a financial adviser yourself, I would highly recommend it.
Louise Cockburn and Linda Morgan, who job share the role of information security and awareness culture manager at Quilter, said:
We job share the role of information security awareness and culture manager at Quilter, in which we look at the people side of cyber security. Where there is a ‘human element’ to cyber risk, for example, phishing, social engineering and other human-to-human attacks, we look at ways to raise awareness of these threats, and create ways to improve security skills and habits, both at work and at home – to champion and promote a positive security culture across the company.
In the world of financial services, we regularly see first-hand the importance of being able to recognise and stop fraud and other malicious activity in its tracks, which could otherwise result in loss of money, data or other assets.
We have shared the role since 2020 – each wanting to do so for different reasons – and it has been a fantastic way to continue working in a more specialist position that would not have been appropriate as a part time role, and we’ve been well supported by our management.
We are responsible for the same role, splitting the week so each works three days, with a crossover day to work together. The support we have received, coupled with strong communication channels, have made it possible for us to work effectively together for 18 months – without ever physically being in the same location.
We have the benefit of working flexibly in a complex and fascinating world we both love, with a partner who is equally passionate about the role.
