Nadine Collins
Associate Financial Planning Director
As a Financial Planner, my aim is to help my clients discover what they want to achieve in life and how their financial assets and financial planning can help them achieve their goals.
I advise clients on financial planning matters, assisting them in realising what is important to them
and how their finances can be structured to fit in around their lives.
My previous experience has provided me with a wealth of knowledge, which I can now apply directly to my client’s financial planning.
What do you feel passionate about both professionally and personally?
Professionally, I am passionate about helping clients, not only by creating a bespoke financial plan but to help them to understand what is important to them before the plan is created. When you start working with clients it is surprising how many will not have thought about or discussed certain areas of their future, and our conversations are important to bring that aspect to life.
Personally, I like to understand what makes people do the things they do. If I had the time I think I would do a degree in Psychology, I find people fascinating.
Share an example of early life that has shaped you?
I hate seeing things go to waste, whether it’s leftover food, clothes or children’s toys. This definitely comes down to my mum and recycling the gift wrapping paper, ignoring best before dates and attending the local car boot. Given the current issues around waste, this was not a bad habit to have adopted. The thought of things going to landfills when they are still perfectly edible, wearable and usable is quite frightening to me.
Highlights of your career so far?
It’ll sound scripted, but it is joining Investec. I have worked in many financial services firms, big and small but I do feel that Investec shares my values professionally and personally.
Key lessons you have learned along the way?
That you are never a finished article and that you continue to learn along the way, not just from textbooks and qualifications but from all of those around you whether they be peers, mentors or friends.
Best piece of advice you have received?
Treat others how you wish to be treated.
Advice to a young person just starting their career?
To continue to ask questions. No question is silly, despite what age or experience you have, it shows that you are interested to learn, develop and grow. Also ask the question of why do we do things in a certain way, does it work? It feels as though the further we get into our career we start to accept the status quo which prevents us from growing personally and professionally.
What is the greatest challenge you have faced either personally or in your career?
I had a challenging time after having my son, unforeseen complications meant that I had to be separated from him when he was 12 days old. It was a frightening time for me as I was very unwell which resulted in emergency surgery. Thankfully I had my family to support me, who rallied around to help my husband with our newly arrived little one. After an emotional and traumatic time, I had to remain positive as my recovery took much longer than expected. The biggest concern for me was to build the bond with my baby who I had spent so much time away from physically and mentally. Thankfully I had the remainder of my maternity leave to make up for lost time and today we are closer than ever.
How do you approach and deal with challenges?
I’m a calm person and take challenges in my stride, when work feels overwhelming I take some time to prioritise and compartmentalise the work in front of me and work methodically through my tasks to completion.
How do you stay motivated at work and at home?
To do lists are key for work and home! I am very satisfied by crossing things from my list and I find it very helpful at the end of the day to see what I have achieved. Unfortunately, a busy work life means that the home to-do list takes a bit of a back seat and I have been known for getting things done very last minute.
Why do you love what you do?
Being able to use the experience and knowledge that I have gained over my career to help clients achieve their ambitions, whether that’s retiring early or passing wealth onto loved ones, is very satisfying.
Why is it important to support women-led business?
It is refreshing to have products, services and brands designed for women by women who understand us and what’s important to us.
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My inspiration is...
all working parents. I hadn’t realised how easy my day to day life was before having children.
My greatest fear is...
losing my glasses/contact lenses in a disaster, I am incredibly short-sighted!
The most courageous thing I’ve ever done is...
flown a light aircraft.
Guiltless pleasure?
singing loudly when no one else can hear.
Mantra you live by?
if you don’t ask you don’t get.
Female role model?
my mum (I think I turned out ok!)
Women-led brand you love?
ME&EM.
Top productivity tool?
my to-do list.
Connect with
Nadine Collins
Nadine.collins@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.