Alice Wright
Associate Investment Director
Alice is an Associate Investment Director at Investec. Having worked in the industry for 10 years, Alice focuses on private client investment management and financial planning.
Alice
focuses on private client
investment management and financial planning.
I am passionate about paying it forward and helping young people and students in the early stages of their careers.
Outside of work, I love to eat out and generally eat delicious food.
What do you feel passionate about both professionally and personally?
I am passionate about ‘paying it forward’ and helping young people and students in the early stages of their careers, helping them navigate their way through the transition from school to university to the workplace which can be a daunting and overwhelming experience. Outside of work, I love to eat out and generally eat delicious food. I do not think I am ever happier than when I am exploring and enjoying a good meal that has not been cooked by me. It needn’t be fancy, the simpler and tastier the better.
Share an example of early life that has shaped you?
I was a spirited child with no sense of danger, though once when much younger I swung off a bicycle rack on the side of a canyon to be caught at the last minute by my traumatised father. I know now that it is still important to be brave and courageous, but to make sure you are always surrounded by people who are there to catch you. That and to stay away from bicycle racks.
Highlights of your career so far?
Gaining the trust and respect of our clients and helping them travel financially through their life is a constant highlight.
Key lessons you have learned along the way?
That the line between success and failure is a very thin one and those who succeed are often those who put up the best fight when the going gets tough. You have to show up daily, be confident and positive and sometimes you just have to keep going and not give up.
Best piece of advice you have received?
Not to take yourself too seriously, and make sure that you enjoy the ride. It is easy to get caught up and forget this. You can have all the trappings of success and material possessions in the world and not enjoy it, so keep having fun. I carry this advice with me all the time.
Advice to a young person just starting their career?
Be tenacious, ask questions and never be afraid to ask for help. Also, don’t always listen to everyone’s advice, you need to make your own journey and your own mistakes along the way.
What is the greatest challenge you have faced either personally or in your career?
I am not a natural athlete, having never picked up a pair of running shoes until my mid-20s. I have since run two marathons. Both were a huge physical and mental challenge for me.
How do you approach and deal with challenges?
I have a tendency to over-think things so I try to be methodical and break things down into small manageable chunks. It can be easy to get overwhelmed by focusing only on the end goal and I find if I take things one tiny step at a time, nothing is as insurmountable as it first seems.
How do you stay motivated at work and at home?
I have a strong belief that hard work pays dividends and I was taught from a very young age that hard work is its own reward. I remember this when mustering up the motivation to get things done.
Why do you love what you do?
There is the cliché saying that if you love your job you’ll never work a day in your life. I believe this to be true as I value and love the work that I do and the reward I get from the effort that goes into it. In our roles we are placed in a position of trust with a great deal of responsibility and it is not a position which I take lightly. I truly care about my clients and my colleagues and they are the reason I love my job.
Why is it important to support women-led business?
In the world of business women are still a minority, we should not be. Supporting female founders and female business owners is vital for the success of our society as a whole. It helps with economic growth, job creation, standards of living, retirement security and as a female investment manager I will always endeavour to support women on their journey to financial freedom and security. Support for women-led businesses is an instrument for change, equality and innovation.
60
Seconds
with
My inspiration is...
the people I surround myself with, my friends and family.
My greatest fear is...
sharks, you will not even catch me in a swimming pool alone.
The most courageous thing I’ve ever done is...
sing live on national radio. If you have ever heard me try to hold a tune you will know why.
Guiltless pleasure?
bread and butter, actually leave the bread – thickly spread, salty Breton butter.
Mantra you live by?
If you wait until you are ready, you will never do anything. Take a chance and give it a go.
Female role model?
Lady Hale.
Women-led brand you love?
Me + Em
Top productivity tool?
I love lists: phone lists, paper lists, post it note lists.
Connect with
Alice
alice.wright@investec.com
The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount invested. Your capital is at risk.
Separate eligibility criteria, terms and conditions apply to Investec Wealth & Investment Limited and Investec Bank plc.