When I decided to embark on a new career in my 30s, it was anything but an easy decision. As a qualified teacher and a respected member of the Senior Leadership Team at a school in the UK, the transition to joining a private client firm on a small island in the English Channel, whilst refreshing and exciting, felt like a significant leap into the unknown.

Transitioning from a stable and rewarding career in education, where I had developed strong relationships and refined my leadership and communication skills, presented its own set of challenges. The familiarity of the classroom and the sense of purpose I found in guiding students gave way to the uncertainty of a completely different professional landscape. However, I knew that growth often requires stepping out of your comfort zone.

I quickly realised that the same three core skills that contributed to my success in teaching were crucial for meeting the high standards of first-class client service expected at Saffery Trust.

Effective communication 

In teaching, the ability to convey complex ideas in a way that students can easily grasp is fundamental. Whether it's breaking down intricate maths problems or explaining abstract concepts in literature, teachers excel at making the complicated simple. This skill is directly applicable in private client service, where professionals must explain complex financial, legal, and regulatory matters to clients who may not have a deep understanding of these areas. Clear, effective communication ensures that clients are fully informed and confident in the decisions being made on their behalf. This not only builds trust but also enhances the overall client experience by making them feel understood and valued.

Organisational skills

Teachers are masters of multitasking - planning lessons, marking assignments, and monitoring individual student progress all while managing a dynamic classroom environment. This high level of organisation is critical in private client service as well. Managing a diverse portfolio of clients, each with unique needs, requires meticulous attention to detail. Staying organised helps ensure that no task or deadline is overlooked, enabling professionals to provide consistent, high-quality service. By maintaining order amidst complexity, private client service providers can efficiently manage their responsibilities, ensuring that every client receives personalised care and attention, a staple of the Saffery Trust ethos. 

Empathy 

A successful teacher understands the importance of building strong, supportive relationships with their students. Demonstrating empathy allows them to cater to individual learning needs and provide the encouragement necessary for success. In private client service, relationship-building is equally crucial. Understanding a client's personal and financial goals, as well as their concerns, enables professionals to offer tailored advice and solutions which align with the client’s best interests. Empathy in this context goes beyond just understanding - it fosters trust and loyalty, which are essential for long-term client relationships over generations, such as the client relationships at Saffery Trust. By connecting with clients on a personal level, professionals can navigate sensitive financial matters with care and provide a service that truly meets their clients’ needs.

These three skills helped me navigate the complexities of private client service, build strong relationships with clients and intermediaries, and quickly adapt to the demands of the financial sector.

Since joining Saffery Trust in an entry-level position 10 years ago, I have attained the STEP Certificate and Diploma in International Trust Management and been promoted through the ranks to my current role as Manager of a team handling the largest client group of all our international offices. 

What I initially viewed as a formidable leap turned out to be a highly rewarding transition. While the journey has been challenging, it has also been a testament to the power of transferable skills and the importance of being open to new opportunities.