Since joining us in 2019 with over a decade’s experience in the industry, Kath has been an absolute star in providing research, report-writing and technical admin support to our Financial Planners. With her analytical skills and natural talent for compliance, it was a no-brainer to advance Kath to Senior Paraplanner. This includes taking on the extra responsibility of supporting our Compliance Director, Laura Milroy, in making sure we’re doing everything right by the regulator and clients alike. That precise attention to detail also spills over into creative pursuits, as she’s a dab hand at crafts in her spare time too.
Let’s get to know her better.
Hi Kath, Let’s kick off with the usual opener: how would you describe your work in three words?
Rewarding, challenging, engaging.
Sounds like you truly enjoy what you do! That means this next answer might be hard to narrow down: what's been your proudest moment at Goodmans to date?
When I started working for Goodmans, I’d already been in the financial services industry for 13 years… and yet during this time I'd had no dealings with defined benefit (DB) pensions. To be honest, I was a little wary of them, so my proudest moment was when I realised that something had clicked with regards to getting to grips with what the whole process entailed! It’s a complex and detailed process, but when I got my head around it and was able to write good, accurate DB transfer reports that received praise from my work colleagues and our compliance team, it made me realise how far I’d come. Especially as, largely off the back of this, I was offered the Senior Paraplanner position, helping out with compliance.
A well-deserved move that’s not only a huge help to Laura, but benefits us as a business and, even more importantly, helps ensure the best results for clients – a win all round. Next question: what keeps you smiling at work every day?
My work colleagues and knowing that I’m part of a successful team making a positive difference to clients.
We love how often that comes up in our Team Spotlights! A little birdie tells us you’re a bit of a bookworm, so what's on your reading list at the moment?
I always have a book or two on the go, having studied English Literature at university followed by a few years working in local libraries. I'm currently reading Circe by Madeline Miller, which is a novel based on Greek Mythology, and have Scott Mariani's House of War to follow. His books are a cross between Dan Brown and Lee Child.
*adds those to our own reading list* How about what keeps you busy when you’re not working?
You can quite often find me outdoors, either gardening or going for local walks by the seaside. I also took up card-making as a hobby through lockdown and hope I can improve and get faster! Now that things have returned to normal, I’ve been catching up on film-viewing at the local cinemas, seeing friends and going to the theatre.
It’s great to have that freedom back, isn’t it? Really helps us appreciate what we have. Speaking of which, what do you think is the best thing about the South West?
Apart from my time at university in Wales, I’ve always lived in this region, so it’s where my family roots are. I love the area for its mixture of rolling hills and seaside towns full of character, and the people are friendly and approachable. I love working in the Exeter office as it’s a small, young and vibrant city, always humming with activity and arts events. I think that specifically, though, it’s the people that help to make the South West a warm and lovely place to live.
We couldn’t agree more! Tell us a quote or phrase that goes through life with you?
Treat others how you want to be treated.
A solid mantra to live by, the world needs more of that. If you have a hero, who is it and why?
This is hard to choose... it comes down to a choice between Winston Churchill and Stephen Hawking. But I’ll go with Winston Churchill as he had highs and lows in his political career and showed great determination, tenacity and resilience in the face of his political failures. Despite going against the establishment at the time and facing ridicule for his warnings about the Nazi regime, he got the top position of Prime Minister and went on to lead Great Britain and its allies to victory. I take from his story that you should never, ever give up in the face of adversity. Many things can be achieved with hard work and determination.
A well-considered and inspiring answer, and a good lesson for us all to remember. Next up: if you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Don’t procrastinate. Life is not a rehearsal, so do those things you want to do while you can as situations change, people move on, and good health isn’t guaranteed.
100%, that’s why we’re in the financial planning business – it’s such an important tool in helping people make the most of their time and live the lives they’ve worked so hard to enjoy. Thank you, Kath, it’s been enlightening and a joy to chat to you.
