‘Women In Wealth’ is all about showcasing women in the wealth management industry who are thriving and challenging stereotypes. We feature real perspectives of what it’s like, the barriers and the breakthroughs.

Here, Amanda Ford, Co-Founder of The Financial Planning Club shares her take.

What is your job title?

Co-Founder of The Financial Planning Club.

How did you get into wealth management and what makes it the career of your choice?

I like most, fell into Financial Services. I joined Tenet Group as a 3 day a week administrator in their Events team. I progressed through various roles in the Tenet Group – sales, recruitment, training, propositions, most Managing Director for their 2 National AR businesses and an Executive Director.

I joined forces with Lee Old and Lewis Byford this year to set up The Financial Planning Club. A business consultancy supporting IFA Business Owners with business development.

Are there any barriers you have faced as a woman working in the wealth management industry, and how have you overcome them?

I’ve been blessed in my career to be surrounded by influential female leaders, for most of my time at Tenet Group, we had a majority female board team. I’m very aware that’s not the norm across the very male-dominated industry.

During my time in events, creating events for women was difficult, as the female adviser numbers were small, most events followed the stereotypical male-focused golf days or whiskey tasting and the assumption being a spa day was the answer to a female event!

I think there’s been improvement in general female representation across the industry but think we still have a long way to go. I think this correlates with the opportunity for women to work their roles around families, not just specific to financial services, but something I think all industries need to showcase more.

What do you like the most about being a woman in wealth management?

Showcasing to others what is possible, I am not a qualified adviser personally, but I have demonstrated you can learn on the job for most operational roles in FS. Also when you do meet other women in the industry they’re always your biggest cheerleader. Female advisers offer the most incredible empathy to clients as well which isn’t always matched in male advisers.

What advice do you have for a woman wanting to get into wealth management and those wanting to advance?

Find your tribe, find those already in the industry with the experience and find those joining at the same time as you. They will both offer valuable insight and support to your journey.

If you would like to get involved with the blog series and share your story as a woman in the wealth management industry, we’d love to hear from you. Follow us on LinkedIn for more!

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