Jenny's story
Jenny Pedley, financial planner
What inspired you to follow a career in financial services, and how did you get started?
I began my career at the age of 20, when I joined Francis Clark Financial Planning with no prior experience in the industry.
I was undecided about university, so I took a year off and undertook a role in customer services to gain a taste of working life.
However, that role offered little progression and did not align with my aspirations. This experience solidified my desire to find a career that offered both growth and fulfilment.
Joining Francis Clark Financial Planning was a pivotal moment for me. The firm provided an environment where I could learn, develop, and work simultaneously.
From day one, it was evident that the firm is committed to progression. As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, I felt a strong drive to prove that women could excel in financial services.
I believe that women bring a unique and valuable perspective to the industry, and I was determined not to conform to the stereotypical image. When I came into this role, just 18% of financial advisers in the UK were female and 6% were under 30.
What have been your most rewarding career moments so far?
The most rewarding moments in my career are when I see the positive impact my work has on my clients’ lives. Knowing that they truly understand and appreciate my efforts is incredibly fulfilling.
Building meaningful relationships with my clients has always been a priority for me, and making a real difference to their financial wellbeing is what drives me.
How has gender diversity changed in financial services during your career?
When I first attended industry conferences, I often found I was the only woman in the room. However, over the years, I have witnessed a significant shift towards greater gender diversity.
Today, there are noticeably more women at such events and in financial services, which is a positive development.
Within Francis Clark Financial Planning, we have made substantial strides in achieving gender balance across all roles and departments. For some time, I was the only woman in our technical services team, but now we have a more even distribution of male and female paraplanners.
What advice would you give to young women who are thinking about entering the profession?
For young women considering a career in financial services, my advice is to find a company that offers the right support and pathways for growth.
It’s essential to have honest conversations with your employer about your career aspirations and to find a business that believes in you and provides opportunities for development.
Exploring different roles within the industry can also be beneficial, as not everyone wants to become a financial planner. Support roles, tech roles, and advisory positions all offer unique experiences and require different skills, so finding what you enjoy the most is key.
What are your long-term career goals?
Looking ahead, my primary goal is to become Chartered. This is a significant milestone for me, and I may then consider taking the STEP exam.
My motivation to strive for excellence in my career comes from the satisfaction of my clients, and over the past two years, I have received excellent feedback. I am dedicated to ensuring clients feel heard and empowered when making financial decisions.