The People Person: Q&A with Legg Mason's Felicity Nicholson
Felicity Nicholson's father was an innovator and a people person who introduced her early on to financial services - an industry she both loves and, by all accounts, has thrived in. In her first week as head of marketing with Legg Mason, she tells Industry Moves what she's most looking forward to in the role, shares her goals and some hot networking tips, and reveals some eclectic sources that keep her both informed and entertained.
Felicity Nicholson's father was an innovator and a people person who introduced her early on to financial services - an industry she both loves and, by all accounts, has thrived in. In her first week as head of marketing with Legg Mason, she tells Industry Moves what she's most looking forward to in the role, shares her goals and some hot networking tips, and reveals some eclectic sources that keep her both informed and entertained.
What are you most looking forward to in your new role with Legg Mason?
Legg Mason's unique structure as a "pure play" asset manager, housing nine independent investment affiliates, each with their own asset class expertise, creates a wonderful marketing opportunity. My focus is to promote and increase the awareness of this structure and the benefits it accrues to our clients. I am excited to lead the local marketing team that is tasked with showcasing Legg Mason's capabilities across Australian and global equities, fixed income (a full suite of global and domestic bond strategies) alongside multi-asset offerings. Our investment affiliates include great firms such as Western Asset, Brandywine Global, QS Investors and Martin Currie and they are all well regarded for their product innovation and already enjoy many independent recommendations and awards. Lastly, one of the big draws for me personally was to join such a motivated and capable team. I was incredibly impressed by everyone I met during the interview process and this has only been reinforced since I started on Monday.
You've spent over 15 years in the financial services marketing space. What was it that initially drew you to this area of work and what keeps you here?
I love this industry and over the years have developed many enduring and rewarding friendships. I have worked for many great brands across the financial services industry and have been lucky enough to work on some instrumental projects. At Asgard I worked on the first online service for advisers called Advisernet. This was so long ago that we actually had to install modems directly into advisers offices. At CFS I worked on the launch of FirstChoice which has since become one of the largest platforms in Australia. The people and the team work have kept me in the industry, working and pulling together to deliver a new funds, platform or advertising campaign is intensely rewarding. Delivering financial solutions for investors that improve their quality of life and explaining these solutions clearly is my objective.
I also truly believe that Australians are better off seeking proper financial advice to ensure a comfortable and stress free retirement. In my roles I have tried to communicate complex topics simply and effectively to both investors and advisers to help against this objective.
What are your goals within your new role over the next 12 months?
Firstly, getting to the know the Legg Mason team in Australia and across the globe. Secondly, to promote the Legg Mason story so it is well understood and valued. And thirdly, to support our institutional investors, advisers and researchers with compelling communications and access to the insights and thought leadership from our nine affiliate managers.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career so far?
I have been very fortunate to have worked with many people that have mentored me throughout my career. My father was the biggest influence in my career and the reason I started in financial services. Dad was an innovator, he was, and still is, always looking for the next trend. He started a financial services company and my first role was working for that company. He is a 'people's person' and created an atmosphere where people and ideas were actively encouraged and thrived.
What are your top tips for effective networking in the industry?
I am a people person, so I truly enjoy meeting people and getting to know them. My top tip would be to ask open questions. I have always asked a lot of questions as I am curious and want to learn. In my experience, people generally love to talk about themselves and once people start to share their thoughts you can learn what motivates and drives them.
What was your very first job?
My first job was the receptionist at Sealcorp (including Asgard, Securitor and Assirt). I started to hone my communications skills in this job.
What's the best piece of advice that you have received?
"A decision is better than no decision". I am an action-orientated and delivery focussed person.
What's something that most people don't know about you?
I enjoy reading everything from AFR, The Age, and the Wall Street Journal to Vogue, Women's Day and Who magazine. I like to be across all news - business and entertainment. This extends to my television habits, I spend time watching CNN, BBC and may occasionally watch Bold and Beautiful to relax!
Is there a particular charity or cause that you support?
I tend to support friends and families in their fund raising activities. Since I arrived at Legg Mason many of my colleagues have already asked me to sponsor them, as half of the office are undertaking FebFast. I would prefer to be a donor as I'm not sure I could pass up sugar and/or champagne for four weeks.
