Nicola joined Goodmans in 2020 to boost our client service team, bringing over 10 years’ experience with various financial adviser firms. Now a Paraplanner, she supports our Financial Planners in putting together client reports and helps to ensure clients come on board seamlessly and have everything they need. She’s also the unofficial chief feeder for the Plymouth office, providing regular sweet treats and making sure the entire team gets an Easter egg and Christmas advent calendar each year!
With ambitions to become a Financial Planner one day, Nicola’s studies were put on hold in 2022 to enjoy her new role as mum to baby Hope. Now she’s back in full force serving clients, studying for industry exams, and feeding the team! For the social butterflies among us, her flair for party planning also comes in pretty handy too.
Time to put her under the spotlight.
Hi Nicola, how would you describe your work in three words?
The perfect company!
We can’t ask for more than that! Can you pinpoint your proudest moment at Goodmans to date?
Stepping up from Service Manager to Paraplanner in April 2021. Holly supported me as my manager and encouraged me to achieve the move in a relatively short space of time. Recently, I’ve also taken on additional responsibilities organising the various client and team events we run – doing both this and paraplanning is thoroughly enjoyable and makes the time fly by.
Well, we think it’s a no-brainer to help our team progress within the business, doing what they’re good at. So what keeps you smiling at work every day?
It may sound a bit sad, but just being here! I’ve had a number of bad experiences with work in the past, so being a member of staff at Goodmans is honestly a breath of fresh air. I love my job and everyone I work with. .
That’s so lovely to hear, and we love you too, Nicola! Next question: what are you currently reading or listening to?
I’m not really reading anything at the moment, but with regards to listening, I’m a huge James Arthur fan and I listen to his albums over and over again. My favourite book is John Terry’s autobiography, My Winning Season, as I’m possibly his biggest fan!
No one will challenge you for that title here! Aside from revisiting favourite albums and being a Chelsea fan, what keeps you busy when you’re not working?
Being a mum keeps me very, very busy, along with the usual daily home responsibilities like cooking and cleaning – my partner is one of those that thinks he deserves a cape if he ever washes up! Other than that, we enjoy days out and socialising with friends and family. And I love holidays abroad, so it’s a good thing that my parents live in Spain! We spent Hope’s first Christmas over there – it was a lovely change to enjoy Christmas in the sunshine.
We agree that does sound nice! What do you think is the best thing about the South West?
Plymouth is a wonderful place to live. I’m originally from South London, which is always busy, but Plymouth is so relaxed and calm. I love it here and will never look back.
That explains your love of all things Chelsea FC! We’re very glad you found your way to this peaceful corner of the country. Do you have a quote or phrase that goes through life with you?
Live for today because tomorrow is never promised.
So true, and just one reason why good financial planning is so valuable, helping people make the most of every single day. Can you tell us who’s your hero and why?
My auntie Maggie is my hero – a kind and caring person with the biggest heart. She’s now 67 and is still continuing to foster children who’ve had terrible life experiences. She really is one amazing human being.
She does sound like a real inspiration. Final question time: if you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Stop caring so much about what others think. If you believe you can do something, then go for it. Those that put you down are only jealous.
Thank you, Nicola, it was great getting to know you better!
