EMPOWERMENT THROUGH FINANCIAL FREEDOM
ADVISORY PARTNER CITADEL
WHAT TRAINING DID YOU UNDERGO? I have a B.Comm Honours, an MBA, a CFP qualification and have also undergone RE training, and have various certifications across all the asset classes from the South African Institute of Financial Markets (SAIFM). In addition, the role requires ongoing continuous professional development (CPD), so I spend a lot of time attending investment forums, reading, and keeping up to date with what is happening in the markets.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS PROFESSION? I gain tremendous satisfaction from adding value to my clients’ lives and ensuring that their finances and investments are as efficient as possible, and in line with their respective lifestyles and ever-changing circumstances. I also really enjoy the fact that the role is both highly personable in that I get to engage with clients regularly, but also has a strong analytical and strategic slant.
DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY The day starts with me spending time catching up on the markets from the day before. I’m subscribed to several media platforms that cover all noteworthy events. From there, I will reply to emails and check-in with my assistants. I usually see 2-3 clients a day, and then spend the time between meetings rebalancing portfolios, running cashflow analyses, and writing up client minutes and investment proposals.
KIRSTEN SMIT
Networking is also important; I spend a considerable amount of time each month attending events, keeping in touch with prospective clients, and looking to build my brand and profile.
I am also proud of the inroads we are making in empowering females in the investment space. I am passionate about spreading the importance of financial health and wellness, especially among women.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR WORK? I really love the fact that every client is different and that I get to help them along their respective journeys. I also value the flexibility – I am a mom of four young kids, and it is important to me that I can attend events that are important to them.
IS THERE A TYPE OF PERSONALITY BEST SUITED TO THIS WORK? You need to be able to engage with others, form trusting relationships, and more than anything, be able to listen. A strong analytical ability also helps.
WHAT’S BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT? While I cannot pin down a specific highlight, I have found enormous satisfaction in growing my experience and skill set over time. My book (assets under management) has constantly evolved and grown and I’m currently managing over R1 billion worth of assets which, while financially rewarding, is also a huge responsibility.
ADVICE FOR SOMEONE STARTING OUT? Always be looking to learn. You will never know everything, and the world is changing at a rapid pace, so always seek to upskill yourself.
“I’m passionate about spreading the importance of financial health and wellness”
MAKING BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE MORE BEAUTIFUL WHAT TRAINING DID YOU UNDERTAKE? I studied at Cape Town Academy after completing matric. I did a National Diploma in Health and Beauty Therapy and also an international ITEC Diploma in Physiatrics and Aesthetician.
NATALIE CORNELIUS BEAUTY THERAPIST SOOTHE BODY & SKINCARE STUDIO
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS PROFESSION? As far back as I can remember, I wanted to be a beauty therapist. Knowing that my qualifications allow me to work anywhere in the world was a deciding factor, as was the fact that it’s a business you can potentially run from home.
WHAT TRAITS SHOULD A BEAUTICIAN HAVE? They should be a patient person, good at listening; someone who enjoys interacting with people. IS EXPERIENCE AS IMPORTANT AS FORMAL TRAINING IN YOUR LINE OF WORK? Formal training is very important when starting out, but practise makes perfect. When it comes to starting your own business, experience is essential. It takes time to build good relationships with clients, and knowledge about what’s happening in the industry comes from having long-standing relationships with suppliers.
“Look after your clients and they’ll stay with you for a long time”
DESCRIBE HOW A TYPICAL DAY AS A BEAUTICIAN UNFOLDS My working day starts at about 9am and I see between six and 12 clients a day. It’s tricky juggling treatments and managing the business – throw in two kids and you have a rollercoaster ride. I do enjoy the ride though, every time. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST ABOUT IT? I really love the fact that every day is different and you never know who you might meet. Seeing clients leave my salon happy is very rewarding.
WHAT ASPECTS ARE YOU LEAST KEEN ON? Clients can be very demanding, sometimes even unreasonable. I try my best to keep all my clients happy, but there’s always one! WHAT’S BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER? If I can add a date, it would be 15 November 2008: the day my salon opened its doors. SHARE SOME FUTURE GOALS I would like to expand my salon, employ more therapists and offer a wider range of treatments. I also want to open a spa in the Karoo. ANY ADVICE FOR SOMEONE STARTING OUT? Work hard and build up your experience; look after your clients and they’ll stay with you for a long time; work in at least two salons before starting your own business.
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