MY BUSINESS

Outstanding advice

Christchurch adviser Maria Thackwell took home the outstanding adviser award at last year’s Financial Advice NZ conference and it all comes down to her refusal to give up, along with an unwavering client focus.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND: WHAT PROMPTED YOU TO BECOME A MORTGAGE ADVISER?

I was a branch lender at Westpac and loved the VW the mobile manager drove. Plus I thought the role seemed really exciting, especially the part which involved being out and about and networking. I was at Westpac for 26 years. Nine years ago, I went out on my own as an adviser and established the Maria Thackwell Mortgage Company. HOW DID YOU GO ABOUT LEARNING THE BUSINESS? & HOW DID YOU FIND THAT PROCESS?

I learnt by being on the job, perseverance and tenacity, relationships with those who had been doing the job longer and some online training. Initially, it was a case of “here's the keys to the car, now write the business”. I thought I knew lending but, at that point, I realised I had lots to learn. I found the process stressful but I’m not one to give up easily.

Setting up my own business was also

The earthquakes got me thinking about my values and what I wanted to do.

quite a shock to the system and very hard work. The Christchurch earthquakes were in February 2011 and I set up my company in June 2011, so it was a difficult time generally. People thought that I was nuts and, in hindsight, I probably was. I didn’t really have a plan to set up my own business. But the earthquakes got me thinking about my values and what I wanted to do. And it all just fell into place.

YOU RECEIVED THE OUTSTANDING ADVISER AWARD AT LAST YEAR’S FINANCIAL ADVICE NZ CONFERENCE. HOW DOES THAT FEEL?

There are always two sides to a story or success. It was so awesome to be

It was so awesome to be recognised, especially as my business is a small business.

recognised, especially as my business is a small business. And it has really helped my business growth. But, for several months, I felt like I was in a fishbowl and that added to my own pressure as I felt under the spotlight.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS & WHY YOU ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT BEING AN ADVISER?

People are so scared of finance and insurance and I hate that as they shouldn’t be. It’s all about education though. I like to break down the barriers for people, educate them in this area and help them feel more comfortable about it all. Making people feel they have a say in their financial futures – that is what drives and inspires me.

DO YOU THINK YOU APPROACH BUSINESS DIFFERENTLY TO OTHER ADVISERS? &, IF SO, HOW?

The majority of advisers do a great job. It's not an easy job as there’s so much to balance. But I think spending a considerable amount of money on a business consultant is not something every adviser does. For me, the money isn't everything. I want to feel I am doing the best I can and he provides me with expertise I don't have and that gives me confidence. We can't be good at everything.

IS THERE A PARTICULAR AREA OF THE BUSINESS THAT YOU SPECIALISE IN?

We will help with any finance request, large or small. It can be a challenge keeping up with policy due to this but putting all your eggs in one basket isn't wise either in my belief.

WHAT’S YOUR TAKE ON SOCIAL MEDIA & NEW TECHNOLOGY? DO YOU USE IT MUCH IN YOUR BUSINESS?

We use Facebook and have a great following. I love that you can be more casual with it as finance traditionally isn't like that. We plan to expand this in 2020. There are so many different technical platforms out there to help run the business smoothly. Plus we are lucky to have a technical guru in one of our younger staff members: that helps.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE HIGH POINT OF YOUR TIME IN THE BUSINESS? AND THE LOW POINT?

The high point has been keeping on going despite some challenges. The low point has been getting through those challenges.

DO YOU HAVE A MENTOR? IF NOT, WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN BUSINESS & IN LIFE?

I had several bosses at Westpac Linda Sullivan, who is now head of consumer southern at Westpac, and Graeme Soper, who is now my business partner. Both were great leaders and very inspiring. They always wanted to push me forward and they were always caring and fair but firm with staff. They modelled what I see as a great balance as leaders. I wanted to do well for them as well as myself.

And, in life, there’s my mum. She's 80 this year and still raring to go. She's had some terrible blows but just dusts herself off and carries on with a smile.

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED?

That’s hard to say. So many people have given me good advice over the years. I do always come back to words from my mum. She used to say, “everyone has something to offer” and I think that is important. But, ultimately, the best advice has been to not give up easily and to be aware that things will work out.

IS THERE A TYPICAL DAY ON THE JOB FOR YOU?

There's no typical day. It's long hours and each day always turns out differently to what I expect.

WHAT CHALLENGES – BOTH FOR YOURSELF AND FOR THE INDUSTRY – DO YOU SEE AHEAD?

Balancing work and my personal life is something I'm conscious of this year. I like to stay visible but as I get older I need more down time. I have challenged myself to remember that I'm no longer 20.

I think the compliance changes will be a challenge for some advisers this year but they are something I'm ready to embrace. I like to stay informed and I believe learning something new keeps our brains young and helps our clients.

WHAT ARE YOUR BIGGEST LONG-TERM BUSINESS GOALS? WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO ACHIEVE GOING AHEAD?

Retirement. Seriously, I want to nail my processes this year and fine tune them. Once that’s done I will look at what next.

AND HOW ABOUT YOUR PERSONAL GOALS? WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?

This year I want to do more stuff at home and in New Zealand. I've travelled a lot over my life and sometimes just a break at home is priceless. I'm hoping for a second grandchild – but no pressure on my children.

FINALLY, DO YOU HAVE SOME WORDS OF WISDOM, OR TIPS, FOR OTHER ADVISERS?

Remain client focused and the rest will follow. Get a great team around you and outsource what you're not good at. ✚

FROM: I was born in Wellington but I’ve lived in Canterbury for most of my life. FAMILY: My partner Peter. We have a daughter each. One works for me, is married and has given us our beautiful granddaughter, Hannah. The other has a lovely partner and teaches in Christchurch. OUT OF WORK INTERESTS: Interior design, camping and travel, doing up old furniture, biking and friends and family. FAVOURITE FILM &/OR TV SHOW: Thrillers. FAVOURITE BOOK: I’ve read so many I couldn't say. FAVOURITE MUSIC: Lady Gaga currently – but it changes. MOTTO: If at first you don't succeed, try, try, try again! My mum used to say it.