Nikki's story
Nikki Mitchell, head of operations
What inspired you to follow a career in financial services, and how did you get started?
When I left school in 1986, I was unsure of my next steps. However, I was fortunate to secure a temporary contract with a global insurance company and unexpectedly found myself in an industry I absolutely love.
I’ve undertaken many roles throughout my career, including life office administrator to an IFA office manager, broker consultant, and running my own advisory practice.
11 years ago, I became a paraplanner with Francis Clark Financial Planning. Through hard work and determination, I now sit on the Board as head of operations.
Have you had any role models or mentors who have helped your progress?
Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work with fantastic managers who have supported my growth. I believe that if you are determined to succeed, someone will always be there to help you.
There are many people I admire and regard as role models, including my dad, whose work ethic has always influenced and inspired me.
What have been your most rewarding career moments so far?
Reaching the position of head of operations at Francis Clark Financial Planning has been a significant achievement for me. Additionally, running my own financial planning business 20 years ago was a highlight, especially as there were few female IFA business owners at the time.
Over the last few years, I have been proud to work with Year 10 and Year 13 students, raising the profile of financial services as a viable and rewarding career for women.
Volunteering to conduct mock interviews has allowed me to open the eyes of young people to the opportunities within the financial sector – beyond the well-known pathways of accountancy and banking.
How has gender diversity changed in financial services during your career?
When I started, there were few female consultants, and managerial roles were predominantly filled by men, while admin roles were undertaken by women.
Over the years, I have seen a significant shift, with more opportunities opening and education playing a crucial role.
At Francis Clark Financial Planning, we now have a more balanced gender representation, and we recruit based on merit rather than gender, which I am immensely proud of.
Can you tell us about the Women in Finance Charter and what it means to you?
Our commitment to gender diversity and inclusion has been further solidified by joining the Women in Finance Charter.
This initiative aligns with our values and ongoing efforts to support and promote women in the financial services industry.
By joining the charter, we are pledging to continue our work in:
- Creating a more inclusive environment
- Setting targets for gender diversity
- Holding ourselves accountable to these goals.
It makes me sad to think we have yet to solve the challenges of gender diversity in financial services. I know there is an untapped pool of talent waiting in the wings. Also, in my experience, leveraging diverse leadership styles delivers excellent business outcomes.
What advice would you give to young women who are thinking about entering the profession?
Be bold and brave. Dream big, even if it seems unachievable.
Confidence in yourself is key, and setbacks should be viewed as learning opportunities rather than failures.
Success requires hard work and determination, and it’s important to remember that you never lose – you either learn or you win.