14 years on and still going strong: Q&A with Centric Wealth's Celia Carroll
It wasn't a traditional path into the industry for Celia Carroll, who originally studied Zoology before being drawn to financial planning. Now, in her 15th year at Centric Wealth - in a job that has taken her all along the East Coast of Australia - she tells Industry Moves of some lessons she's learnt along the way and what has kept her with the firm so long. She also shares her opinions on the automation of financial advice, offers some great advice for industry newcomers, and reflects on some of the highlights of her career so far.
It wasn't a traditional path into the industry for Celia Carroll, who originally studied Zoology before being drawn to financial planning. Now, in her 15th year at Centric Wealth - in a job that has taken her all along the East Coast of Australia - she tells Industry Moves of some lessons she's learnt along the way and what has kept her with the firm so long. She also shares her opinions on the automation of financial advice, offers some great advice for industry newcomers, and reflects on some of the highlights of her career so far.
What initially drew you towards a career in finance?
My undergraduate degree was a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Zoology, so I certainly didn't plan for my career to be in finance. After university I found myself working in client services in an accounting and financial planning firm in Sydney and very quickly decided to return to study and do my financial planning qualifications. I was drawn to the relationships with clients and the ability to help people meet their goals. It is very rewarding to take something complex and confusing and make it understandable for someone.
You've worked with Centric Wealth for over 14 years, what's kept you there for so long?
Many things have kept me here. I have always prided myself on being a adviser who works in a fee for service environment, and this has always been the case with Centric Wealth. I have worked (and continue to work) with some remarkable people at Centric Wealth and I have wonderful clients. I've changed my role and location a few times in 14 years and that has kept it very interesting and allowed me to meet new people and have different experiences.
What do you enjoy most about your role as a Senior Partner for the QLD region?
I balance my role between working with my own clients and helping my fellow advisers in their roles. I enjoy being able to guide newer advisers and support them in their career, yet still having the front line role as an adviser.
"It is very rewarding to take something complex and confusing and make it understandable for someone."
You've moved across the country a fair few times since you've been with the firm. Which is your favourite state to work in, and why?
I've lived and worked in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne and there are aspects of each city which make them my favourite! Sydney was home for 15 years and in some ways always will be. In my time in Sydney, we grew Centric Wealth from a small Sydney based firm to a national presence and I was privileged to be part of that - it was a dynamic and exciting time and the team I worked with there remain some of my dearest friends.
Melbourne gave me the opportunity to lead an office and challenge myself professionally. Victoria is where much of my family live and so I felt very much at home there too. I found the Melbourne business community to be more traditional and formal than Sydney and this really suited me. I also threw myself completely into the AFL culture and loved every second of it!
Brisbane has become home and is a wonderful place for my children to grow up. It has a more relaxed feel than either Sydney or Melbourne, and I have a diverse group of clients here which I really enjoy. I have been so lucky to live and work in all three places, and although it was very challenging, I wouldn't change it.
When we last spoke in 2015, your main goal was to build a team in the QLD region. Three years on, what are your main priorities for the role?
They haven't really changed. We have an excellent team of qualified and professional advisers. Our aim to is provide the very best service we can for our clients and grow the business across the region.
What are your thoughts on the automation of the financial advice sector?
Some automation is positive. If we can automate processes and standardise procedures then it frees us up to add value where we need to - the personal side of the business. I don't believe financial advice will ever become fully automated. Clients still need a person they can trust and talk to. In the same way as your GP, the financial adviser is there to provide guidance and advice on confidential matters and the personal relationship is very important in this.
"I don't believe financial advice will ever become fully automated. Clients still need a person they can trust and talk to."
What has been a highlight of your career so far?
I've had a few. Taking the role of principal in our Melbourne office was a great one. It pushed me professionally and has made me a better adviser and manager. My two moves to Brisbane were also very challenging in different ways, and to succeed in these roles has been one of my highlights. I'd like to think my greatest highlight is still ahead of me!
Who has had the biggest influence on your life/career so far?
So many people. I am a person who likes to constantly improve, and I have always spent time learning from those further ahead in their careers. My parents have been my biggest influence in life, as they have taught me to always act with integrity and kindness and to work hard. In my professional career there are too many to name, but I still ask them for advice and learn from them, and am lucky to call them my friends.
What advice would you offer to an industry newcomer who was entering the financial planning space?
Don't let your technical ability be your only focus. The best advisers I have met are those who can connect with clients, provide comfort and confidence and do it without using jargon. Always watch and learn from those with more experience and be humble - you will never know everything.
How do you maintain a work/life balance?
Sometimes well and sometimes poorly! I have two children in primary school and life can be busy. I am lucky to work for a firm that understands we have lives and responsibilities outside of the office and they support me when I need it. I am also lucky to have a great group of friends in Brisbane who jump in when needed! Sometimes work is done in daylight hours and sometimes late at night when the kids are asleep - it can be tiring, but I am grateful that I can be very present for my kids and also have a rewarding career.
Read our 2015 Q&A with Celia here.
