TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF
This is always an awkward question! I don’t like talking about myself but here it goes. I work at Headway Wealth, a UK-based, globally-focused financial planning and wealth management firm who’s committed to helping individuals make the most of their money. I joined the firm three years ago and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working in financial services because I am a firm believer that when your finances are in order, many things fall into place.
Prior to my current role, I worked in various countries and industries like healthcare, medical devices, and FMCG, doing marketing for companies like Abbott, Johnson & Johnson Vision, and Neutrogena. I’ve had the privilege of living in thirteen cities across different continents, which has really shaped how I view the world today and has given me a greater sense of curiosity and appreciation for it.
Despite me working in other industries, I have always had an avid interest in finance. But, it wasn’t until I married a financial adviser and started this job that I realised my passion for finance could be used to help people. I love helping others and learning new things, and being in financial marketing enables me to do both because this field is quite dynamic and always changing due to regulatory and policy reform.
On a personal level, I am a travel-obsessed, Mexican-American living in England with two beautiful Persian cats and a wonderful British husband. Although I moved to the UK only 4 years ago, I have really enjoyed living here because of its proximity to different countries and how easy it is to travel within Europe. I have visited ninety two countries and hope to reach one hundred soon!
Can you please tell us more about your role?
I am currently responsible for all of the firm’s marketing activities. This entails building and executing strategies that help grow our business, managing and overseeing all of the brand’s marketing channels and client communications, as well as supporting the company’s financial advisers with different resources and programmes. My sole focus is to ensure we deliver client-centric strategies that enable us to connect with our audience, convert prospects and drive advocacy. Quite a handful but I love it.
What led you to choosing this profession?
Ever since I was young, I’ve always been interested in human behaviour, psychology, and marketing. I always question what motivates someone to buy a specific product or service, what drives them to take action, and the emotions that come with both.
In the case of marketing, the connection between psychology and marketing runs deep, intertwining the understanding of human behaviour with the strategies used to influence consumer decisions. It is all about understanding human behaviour and motivations, and that’s exactly what psychology studies! Psychologists delve into how the human mind works, exploring why we make certain decisions, what drives our desires, and how we respond to different things or situations.
The two things come hand in hand which is why I chose this profession.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Working for a young financial planning/wealth management firm has enabled me to experience many “firsts”. I’ve been able to learn a new industry and one that is full of purpose because for many of us, our financial wellbeing equals our wellbeing.
I thoroughly enjoy having the autonomy and creativity to set the company’s marketing vision whilst empowering people to reach their financial goals. Because I am a firm believer that when your finances are in order, it enables you to live life on your terms, have #lifeyourway.
In my eyes, it is not just about showing up to work every day and completing tasks. At a collective level, there’s a sense of meaning and significance in what we do in helping others reach their financial goals. We ultimately help them create better lives for themselves and their loved ones.
If you weren’t doing this job what would you be doing?
I would either be doing something design or travel related. I love art, interior design and using my creativity to create harmony within a physical or digital space. And travel wise, maybe an ambitious travel adviser. One that travels and explores the most unique destinations around the world to craft bespoke holidays for others. Doesn’t that sound like a dream? I think many of us would love to get paid to travel.
What are your hobbies outside of work?
I have a few. I love being outdoors and doing some type of physical activity whether it be going on long-walks, hiking or going to the gym. I also love art, music and food so you’ll often see me going into London and exploring anything related to those three things. It’s such a vibrant city with so much to see, taste and do!
I am also quite a spiritual person so you’ll often see me listening to podcasts about spirituality, religion, human psychology, business, and self-development.
Oh and did I say I like to travel? I am always researching or planning our next destination.
where do you find inspiration?
My father is a big inspiration for me. He’s taught me to work hard and to follow your dreams no matter how big or small they may be. He’s been through very difficult moments in his life and his discipline, resilience and determination to succeed despite the odds is something I truly admire. He’s 72 years old and happily working in a field he’s passionate about!
He genuinely inspires me to never give up and to be a better person.
Future aspirations?
I am going to sound like Mother Theresa here but I feel my life will not be “complete” until I reach a point when I am able to volunteer around the world and help others in need. As much as I enjoy life’s pleasures (food, travel and sightseeing), I know there’s more to life than just my own selfish interests.
I currently donate to different charities focused on poverty alleviation but having grown up in Mexico and travelled to different third-world countries and seen many people in need, I feel it is my responsibility as a citizen of this world to give back at a macro-level at some point in my life.
Best advice anyone has given you?
Live life fully and follow your heart.
I absolutely love the following quote from Steve Jobs:
“If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you’ll most certainly be right. If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?” And whenever the answer has been “No” for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.
Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure — these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.”
And I try to do exactly that.
Valuable tip for YOUR finances?
Diversify and have multiple sources of income. When I was a teenager, my family experienced big financial losses due to a ponzi scheme which made me realise at an early age the importance of not putting all your eggs in one basket and the power of proper financial planning.
Also, invest in different things to minimise risk and have various income streams for peace of mind.
Advice for someone working in financial services?
If you focus on the customer or client, your business will thrive. Many people within the industry tend to be quite transactional and product-focused that they often lose sight of the true meaning behind our profession. I genuinely believe that if you do what’s right for the client and put their best interests at heart, money and success will follow.
