INSIGHTS

We asked a few women at Craigs some questions about themselves. They shared their view of success, learnings and some stereotypes/ biases they would like to break. Read what Investment Adviser Alexandra Dalzell had to say.

How do you help your clients? My business partner Jennie Moreton and I spend a lot of time listening and assessing the needs of our clients, their circumstances and their stories to provide the most appropriate advice in a way they can understand.

What's your purpose from a career perspective? My 'why' is to demystify investing, take away the fear and hesitancy and show what outcomes can be achieved, and have a lot of fun along the way!

What is the most rewarding part of your job? The people, clients trusting us with their wealth and their stories, colleagues and working for a leading organisation and meeting leaders of publicly listed companies.

To you success means: Living your life the way you want and part of that is financial independence and freedom.

What is the best leadership or career advice you ever got? Be kind, be clear, be humble.

Who is someone who paved the way for you? No one paved the way for me, in fact at a previous company a woman in power pulled the ladder up behind her, my lesson is never do that to another woman, always be supportive and help where you can, if they want it.

What is something you wish you could have told your 20 year old self: You don't know what amazing adventures lie ahead, its going to be incredible, don’t rush, just be you.

Women who inspire you and why? So many, although times are changing, not all women have been afforded the same rights and opportunities, so for me its women who have strived the most to achieve what they desire, often against the odds.

What advice would you give to women aspiring to be great leaders? Think of others first, focus on greater good, then you are a leader and will be respected and recognised for it, supporting others takes nothing away from your success.

What useful money lessons/advice do you try to instill in your children? Invest in yourself, you are your biggest asset, save money by making your lunch when you go to work or study, be generous, giving even a little helps others - happy to say my 21 year old twin sons took this advice.

What is the most valuable financial advice you ever got? Pay your bills on time, don't incur unnecessary interest. Start investing on a regular basis, think about what you do with your money.

What has been your own journey with investing? What age were you when you started? I started in my early 20's via funds but moved to shares as I gained more knowledge and confidence, and I've have never looked back!

What would you say to someone considering investing, but is a bit anxious? You owe it to your future self to seek advice, have a chat to someone you trust. Financial Advisers are not scary, we really want to share our knowledge. Give me a call.

FAST FACTS

Home town: A very small rural town called Sefton in North Canterbury.

How you made your first dollar: After many years of unpaid farm work, I started picking strawberries for money, long hours and little pay and always a learning.

Favorite read? Belonging by Owen Eastwood.

Favorite podcast? The Female Career. Trailblazing New Zealand women share their career journeys.

Motto you live by: Be kind.

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