Women In Wealth With Lisa Meller
‘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, Lisa Meller an Independent Financial Advisor (IFA) at Personal Finance Movement, shares her take.
What is your job title?
Independent Financial Adviser (IFA) at Personal Finance Movement.
How did you get into wealth management and what makes it the career of your choice?
I was initially a corporate solicitor for six years, but after struggling to find a financial adviser who could meet my needs and provide the type of advice I was looking for, I decided to enter the wealth management industry myself. My journey started when I attended an event, and I realised how underrepresented women were in the field of financial advice. This inspired me to pursue a career where I could help others, particularly women, better manage their finances and feel more confident in their financial decision-making. I wanted to make financial advice more accessible and tailored to the needs of younger professionals and help spread financial literacy.
Are there any barriers you have faced as a woman working in the wealth management industry, and how have you overcome them?
The wealth management industry faces significant gender disparities, with only 16% of financial advisers in the UK being women. Additionally, the average age of financial advisers is around 58, which means that many have long-established practices that may not align with modern, innovative business models. These factors make it challenging for women entering the field to find relatable mentors or role models who can offer guidance tailored to their needs and aspirations.
As the industry historically focused less on addressing women-specific financial planning needs, developing a forward-thinking approach often requires pioneering new methods of client engagement and business structuring.
I overcame these challenges by looking beyond traditional financial advice models. I sought inspiration from financial education initiatives and explored innovative business practices in other industries. Additionally, studying existing businesses with progressive approaches to wealth management helped me craft a strategy to better serve diverse clients. This adaptive mindset allowed me to build a practice that resonates with modern financial planning demands.
What do you like the most about being a woman in wealth management?
What I like most about being a woman in wealth management is the opportunity to serve as a trusted source of advice for other women. I enjoy creating a safe and welcoming environment where women feel comfortable asking questions, expressing their emotions, and being their authentic selves during financial discussions. Taking the time to truly listen, address concerns, and answer all their questions is incredibly fulfilling.
I am also passionate about helping to close the financial gender gap by empowering women with the tools and knowledge they need to take control of their financial futures. Additionally, being a female presence in a predominantly male-dominated industry allows me to provide representation and inspiration in spaces that often lack diversity. These aspects make my role deeply meaningful and motivate me to continue making a positive impact.
What advice do you have for a woman wanting to get into wealth management and those wanting to advance?
For women looking to enter wealth management or advance within the industry, my advice is to actively seek out and connect with other female advisers and business owners. Reach out to them, schedule calls or meetings, and learn from their experiences. Building a network of support and mentorship among women in the field is incredibly valuable.
Additionally, focus on fostering collaboration over competition. By helping one another and sharing insights, we can collectively grow and create more inclusive and successful practices. Supporting each other not only strengthens our individual journeys but also contributes to reshaping the industry's culture for future generations.
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!
