Kate Walley, an executive on the Wealth Management team at Goodbody, tells us about her journey to financial services, her career highlights and what she is currently reading …
The Investment Club was created in 2021 and our Goodbody experts have been with us every step of the way, providing practical tips on investing, and insights on pensions and inheritance tax, among other key topics. From tracing their career paths and how to attract more women to the financial services industry to their sage advice and hobbies, we invite you to explore our Women in Wealth series.
My journey to a career in financial services: I undertook a Bachelor of Business Studies in DCU, and completed a summer internship with Crowe, an accountancy and business advisory firm. After graduation, I was offered a role at Crowe in their Wealth Management team and from there my interest was piqued. I have spent the past eight years honing my skills in financial services.
In 2016, I joined Goodbody as an Operations Administrator where I gained invaluable experience, learning the fundamentals of Wealth Management and the associated reporting. Following the completion of my academic certifications I was promoted to a client-facing role as an Associate Wealth Manager where I supported Senior Relationship Managers with their client relationships.
Following a brief stint in Australia with a boutique wealth management firm, I returned to Dublin and focussed on improving my Financial Planning skills, to get the value out of my CFP certification.
I returned to Goodbody in 2022 as a Wealth Executive and I am now responsible for managing several client relationships myself. My favourite part of my job is meeting and working with clients to identify their financial needs and objectives and coming up with a tailored solution.
What females bring to the industry: I am personally very fortunate to work with several successful women in Goodbody who I often look to for advice and guidance. Women bring a lot of care, focus and hard work to their task and this is hugely valuable in any industry.
Career highlight to date: Continuing education alongside your career is crucial, especially in this industry. I obtained a Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning in 2017 and became a Certified Financial Planner in 2018. Having these certifications empowers me and equips me with the right tools when entering a conversation with a client.
Three investing tips for beginners:
1. Seek investment advice and educate yourself
2. Identify your goals before you start and ensure you diversify across asset classes and sectors accordingly
3. Only invest what you are comfortable with losing
Currently reading/on my list: Apeirogon by Colum McCann. This is my second time reading this book and I love revisiting it. The story is based on a true friendship between a Palestinian and Israeli man who are united by their grief.
What I’m watching: Full Swing on Netflix. I am trying to start my own career in golf and looking for inspiration by watching this documentary that follows professionals through the Tour.
A podcast I love: ‘How to Fail’ by Elizabeth Day. This podcast focuses on things that haven’t gone right for the interviewee and why, ultimately, these failures make us stronger.
On attracting women to the financial services industry: Financial services is often portrayed as a male dominated industry but my experience in Goodbody is that there is a great balance of men and women throughout all levels of the firm. We are treated fairly and given the same opportunities. I think if you’re given the opportunity, then take it, it would not present itself if you were not ready.