Q & A: FINANCIAL PLANNING INSTITUTE
Remove
obstacles, create opportunities
How has your understanding of leadership changed as you have moved into more senior roles? The greatest lesson I have learnt is that leadership is not about me. It is about the people I lead and how I can help them reach their full potential so that, together, we can deliver on our strategy.
People are every organisation’ s greatest asset. As leaders, our role is to remove obstacles, create opportunities, and help others grow. When people feel valued, supported, and trusted, they perform at their best. That is the type of environment I strive to create every day.
I have also come to realise that servant leadership is the style that works for me. Leadership is not about position or authority. It is about serving others and enabling them to succeed.
Integrity is an equally important factor. People remember whether your actions matched your words. Leadership is also a lifelong learning journey. One of the books that has influenced me most is God is my CEO by Larry Julian, particularly its emphasis on humility, purpose, and integrity in leadership.
What does effective leadership look like in a profession built on trust, ethics, and responsibility to the public? Leading a profession is a humbling experience. It reminds you that you do not know everything and that you grow alongside the profession you serve.
Effective leadership means acting authentically and believing in the purpose of your organisation. At the FPI, we are committed to empowering people to build better futures through trusted professional financial planning and advice. That purpose guides our decisions.
Financial planners help people navigate some of life’ s most important decisions. They protect families, make goals achievable, and prevent loved ones from being left financially vulnerable. Our responsibility to the public is immense.
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