Getting to know Ashleigh Williams our Financial Services Manager.
Tell us about yourself
I joined David Allen Financial Services in November 2015 as a Paraplanner. I had been conditioned right through school that University was my only option; I had to study more and obtain a degree to make a success of myself. I never liked the idea…I wanted to earn money! Working in Financial Services wasn’t what I had planned for myself, but I fell in to it and since developed a passion to promote the importance of financial planning. Just over three years later and I now manage the team that I joined, showing my parents that perhaps University wasn’t the only option after all.
What did you aspire to be as a child?
When I was really young, I wanted to be a paper girl – riding my bicycle round the streets of America throwing papers on to people’s lawns. Then I realised I live in Cumbria and the reality was very different – so after that, I wanted to be a teacher.
What do you feel most proud of in your life to date?
The ability to turn my life around when I thought I was stuck.
Describe your job in three words.
Fast-paced, diverse and (hugely!) rewarding.
What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most?
As a new Manager I have found it very rewarding helping develop the trainee members of the team. The speed in which they have picked up their role, watching them learn every day and take on responsibilities is incredibly satisfying.
What drew you to work at David Allen, and how has your career progressed since starting?
As soon as I walked through the doors of our Dalston office for my interview I knew I wanted to be a part of the business. I then met a few members of the senior management team, most of whom were female, and I instantly thought ‘I’ve got an opportunity here’ – something I’d never been made to feel in my previous employment. Three years later, after joining as a Paraplanner, I now manage the Financial Services team which proves that my initial instinct of the opportunities available at David Allen was correct.
What is your strongest personal quality?
I listen. I don’t profess to have all of the answers, but if you want to talk, I’ll listen all day.
If you could trade lives with one person for an entire day, who would it be and why?
Malala Yousafzai; one of the most inspirational female activists of our time. I’d give anything to know how she transforms fear into such remarkable strength.
Choose a movie title for the story of your life.
Titanic!? Just kidding…I’d choose ‘The Pursuit of Happiness’.
What is the first piece of advice you would give an aspiring Financial Adviser?
Use your support team, invest in them, trust them and never forget their value. It’ll make your job a hundred times easier and more importantly will enable you to focus more on your client.
What is your Monday Motivation?
You just can’t beat a ‘to-do’ list. Starting with my most difficult task first and always remembering ‘proper preparation prevents poor performance’.