When did your interest in financial markets start?
My interest in the financial markets began in university when one of my major assignments in financial management was to monitor and pick 5 stocks. We had to write a short investment thesis, and then report on them over a 6-month period. I started to really enjoy the complexities of the markets and the intricate attention to detail required.
What did you study and why?
I initially studied a National Diploma in Landscape Technology at CPUT as I have a deep appreciation and love for the outdoors and nature. After completing my studies as the top student in our final year, I joined a firm in Bree Street. My advisor there managed to encourage me to make a career change, which I am grateful for, as it has ultimately led me to Northstar. This had been a goal of mine but I did not know how I was going to enter given my background. I then obtained a Higher Certificate in financial Planning and am currently awaiting acceptance to study my CFP through UFS. I have come to realise where my passion lies with helping people plan and enjoy the life they ultimately would like to live.
What do you think equips you to do this job properly?
I have a passion for helping others and a natural inclination towards building strong, long-lasting relationships. This has enabled me to build a wide network of influential industry leaders and combined with my 5 years of experience in the financial planning industry, gives me the ability to manage the adviser/BDM relationship. The combination of technical and people skills helps me position Northstar with both investment and advice driven clients with a focus on what differentiates us.
What do you love about investing?
Two parts fascinate me, firstly wealth is built by investing consistently over a long period of time. Anyone can achieve investment growth, especially if you partner with a trusted firm or individual to guide you along the journey. Secondly, as you dive deeper into investments, more complexity is revealed. I love the intrigue of figuring out the multitude of factors that drive markets. I am also interested in the psychology of investing, which stems from my background in financial planning and helping individuals along a journey. I believe coaching is an essential part of the journey, which is often neglected.
What do you find the most challenging part of your role to be?
Often advisors are set on the big dominant investment firms, even when they lack the flexibility and uniqueness that Northstar offers as an exciting and innovative brand. People naturally resist change and I seek to educate the advice industry that change may be exactly what they need!
Why do you think clients will do well at Northstar?
Northstar is a group of professional individuals, working as a closely knit team to create solutions to real life problems, with the client at the heart of every single decision made. The investment process and philosophy is true and robust, and along with our strong client servicing team, each client is given the attention he/she deserves. All of us at Northstar understands our personal responsibility and our contribution to the firm and with this in mind, enables us to take our clients on a meaningful journey.