Brooke Pugh
Investment Manager
Brooke is a strong and determined individual with a productive, optimistic and positive attitude to life. Having an organised approach, coupled with a caring nature, is important to her in supporting her clients achieve their individual financial goals.
Brooke
has over a decade of experience in financial services
working within a close team of investment managers
and has formed strong relationships with her clients.
My family are at the centre of everything I do and are key to my own personal success.
What do you feel passionate about both professionally and personally?
My family are at the centre of everything I do and are key to my own personal success. I aim to be the best mum that I can be and teach my children that with hard work and dedication, you can achieve anything.
This transfers into my professional life, achieving a huge amount of satisfaction in making people happy and comfortable, including my clients. Trust is extremely important to me, and by working hard to achieve it, I’ve been lucky in building great relationships. I’d like to think that my clients know that I am always at the end of a phone for a friendly chat.
Share an example of early life that has shaped you?
From an early age, I was very aware of the personal sacrifices my parents made for me, watching my father work 7 days a week to provide my brother and I with private education. As a parent myself, this resonates even more and continues to drive me. I felt, and continue to feel, extremely privileged and carry the same ethos to ensure that their personal sacrifices were worth it.
Highlights of your career so far?
My team. I am very fortunate to have worked with a great team for almost a decade. We take a collaborative approach in managing our client’s investments and building those ever-important personal relationships. Life isn’t always straight forward and by having a united approach, we can continue to deliver, no matter what life throws at us.
Key lessons you have learned along the way?
Communication, honesty and integrity are key in building trust, as well as listening to ensure you have a thorough understanding. Be honest, don’t just tell people what you think they want to hear.
Best piece of advice you have received?
Just be yourself, treat people as you would like to be treated.
Advice to a young person just starting their career?
Don’t try to run before you can walk. Be curious about everything and never be afraid to ask silly questions.
What is the greatest challenge you have faced either personally or in your career?
“A strong woman knows she has the strength enough for the journey, but a woman of strength knows it is in the journey where she will become strong”.
In 2015 I was diagnosed with Lupus, an autoimmune condition. This came as a shock and left me feeling quite helpless and angry that I would have to live with a long-term illness that cannot be cured. In my mid 20’s I was told that I would need medication for the rest of my life and consequently suffered with hair loss and weight gain, both of which knocked my confidence.
A further low point was being told that I may struggle to conceive, and I knew at this point I had two options: accept it at face-value and give up on everything I had worked hard for, or, focus and prioritise what was important to me, and then take small steps in working towards those goals.
I’m pleased to say that I was able to finally stop taking steroids in January this year and feel great! My diagnosis shaped me and made me determined to make the most out of life.
How do you approach and deal with challenges?
One step at a time… I’m a planner and love a list.
How do you stay motivated at work and at home?
My kids keep me motivated. I want to be a strong role model for them.
Why do you love what you do?
I enjoy the investment side of my role along with the personal interaction, and the people I work with. Sitting down, listening, and working with my clients to help create a plan to achieve their life goals brings me great satisfaction and happiness.
Why is it important to support women-led business?
As a female investment manager in a predominately male-led industry, I feel that we bring a different dynamic to the party. Support for women-led businesses can bring forward new ideas and drive both equality and success in our society.
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My inspiration is...
be the best that you can be.
My greatest fear is...
failure, it is an honour to have clients place their trust in me and I do not want to disappoint.
The most courageous thing I’ve ever done is...
swimming with sharks.
Guiltless pleasure?
I enjoy traveling with my family, with Thailand being a firm favourite, I love a beach and some sunshine.
Mantra you live by?
work hard, play hard.
Female role model?
my mum.
Women-led brand you love?
The White Company
Top productivity tool?
food. You can’t beat chocolate to help see you through a busy day.
Connect with
Brooke Pugh
Brooke.Pugh@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.