Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries, and financial planning is no exception. The question is, will AI swallow up the roles of financial planners and client managers (paraplanners)?
I think Equilibrium is a great place to work as employees are treated as adults. Information is openly shared so that people feel involved and in the loop. We ask for people’s ideas and implement the good ones. People are treated fairly, praised where it is due and held accountable when they don’t deliver. I feel we have a culture where work life balance is important with the holiday package and flexibility around hours.
Started at Equilibrium
October 2007
Current job title
Head of Training and Development
Job title when first joined
Paraplanner
Other title(s) along the way
Team Leader
What do you remember from when you first started?
I had come from a small adviser firm and Equilibrium seemed much more dynamic and client focused. I was taken out to lunch to meet some of my new colleagues, something that we still do now to make people feel welcome at EQ.
What's the biggest positive change you've seen during your time at EQ?
The setting up of the Equilibrium IFSL funds – it changed the way we manage money and enabled us to spend more time on other areas of our service.
What's been your biggest personal challenge so far, and how did you overcome it?
Probably the part I played in organising the client documentation and fee paperwork for the fund project. There was a lot to coordinate with Nucleus and 7IM with deadlines that couldn't be missed. Managing people also brings its own set of challenges at times, which can be difficult!
What's your favourite EQ memory?
There's a lot to choose from over the past 11 years - some of the team events have been great, but probably the surprise shopping trip - great fun!
What excites you about your future at EQ?
The chance to keep growing and learning and to help others develop too. It feels like there are a lot of opportunities here for people as we continue to grow and evolve.
How did your current role come about?
Expansion of the Client Manager team - Toby and I took on newly created roles to help continue to drive the team forward.
