My parent’s divorce when I was in my early 20’s. My mother was a home maker, who put my brother and I first but, as a divorced woman who had always been financially dependent upon my father, life was more challenging. I recognised the lack of control she had and whilst my mother was and still remains strong, capable and independent, the experience helped shape my views around my own independence and how I wanted to be in control of the choices I made in life. Financial independence gives freedom and choice and I was motivated to focus on what I wanted to do with my life, to have a career. By extension, my choice of career gives me the opportunity to help others, both as a team manager, but primarily as an investment manager where I can help clients structure their own finances to meet personal objectives and goals.