“Half the population is female so for me it’s imperative that women believe they have as much right to lead as their male counterparts.” – Vicks 

With International Women’s Day just around the corner on the 8^th March, it’s only right we mark the occasion in style! What better way to celebrate than by providing a platform for women in leadership roles to speak about their careers and what has led them to be in their positions today? 

We’re delighted to be joined by Adriana Lockman and Vicks Rodwell to talk about all thing’s women in leadership roles. 

Vicks Rodwell, Managing Director at IPSE

Adriana Lockman, Independent Financial Advisor at Isamor 

From breaking down their main challenges and obstacles to giving top tips for following in their footsteps, this interview is full of insight and inspiration for the next generation of women. So, without further ado, let’s dive right in… 

To kickstart the discussion, we asked what Vicks and Adriana are most proud of when it comes to their career milestones.  

Adriana: For me, a big one is getting qualified at a later age than most traditional financial advisers! 

This is an interesting talking point – so often women are made to feel like they have to match their professional and personal lives to a predetermined countdown schedule. Adriana reminds us there’s no such thing as ‘too late’, especially when it comes to carving out a career for yourself that you’re passionate about. Your timeline, your journey, your rules!  

Vicks: A key milestone for me was being part of the team that tripled membership during my time at the PRCA, which was an amazing achievement. It was the perfect concoction of a hardworking, driven team and the vision to modernise. While working at The Supper Club, I created The Directors Club where I took a concept I’d had and turned it into a whole new community and revenue stream for the business. I’d say my most current promotion to Managing Director of IPSE is the milestone I’m most proud of. It’s what my whole career has been driving towards. 

As far as biggest professional achievements are concerned, our two interviewees have something in common… 

Adriana: Starting my own business so that I could have a career as well as be a mum to my two kids without feeling that I have to choose one over another is an achievement I’m extremely proud of. 

Vicks: In 2016, I took the leap and started my own business, this was a massive step where I learnt a tremendous amount and it has put me in good stead for my roles within IPSE. Equally important, it demonstrates to my daughter and the next generation of women that you can have a full-time career, get the top job, and be a present parent. That in itself is worth the hard work! 

What inspired you to pursue your career? 

Vicks: Like a lot of people, I didn’t know what I wanted to be ‘when I grew up’. When I was at school, we were pushed towards seeking a profession, like law or accounting, but this never appealed to me. It was too academic and the idea of doing the same thing every day filled me with dread.  

Sometimes, it’s the things that happen organically and when you’re least expecting them that can be the most impactful … 

Vicks: I actually ended up working within a community-based business purely by chance. When I first moved to London, I considered a career in PR but at the time you had to work for free to get your first job. I didn’t have the luxury of not earning a salary, so I took a job at one of the PR membership bodies. A few years later I was headhunted by an old colleague who was moving to run the rival PR membership body, and wanted my enthusiasm and passion for change within his organisation to help him drive growth. 

That second role within membership set me on my path to where I am now. I’ve always sought, perhaps in part subconsciously due to my ADHD, a lot of autonomy and diversity in the roles I’ve taken on. I need a job that isn’t repetitive, involves constant learning and incremental change. I’ve been lucky to have such a varied career to date. 

For Adriana, it was the hunger for a new challenge that set her on the path we find her on today. 

Adriana: I used to run a training company where I helped people write business plans and start their businesses. The main thing I enjoyed was taking their end goal and considering all the pathways to take and to ultimately put a budget to their plan. I had always been good with numbers and really enjoyed the aspect of helping people. When it came to looking for a new challenge and career, I wanted to apply my planning skills and make an impact on people’s lives.  

My friends and family suggested looking at careers as a financial adviser and that’s where my journey started. Once I finished my research, I really felt that it would be a vocation rather than just another job. Seven years later and I am so pleased to be in this sector. It’s hard work, but when you walk away from people once they can see a path forward, it’s also very satisfying. 

“For the men that are enablers and cannot fathom why such gender disparity still exists, I ask them to always speak up when they see gender-based inequality.” – Vicks

Do you have any advice for the next generation of women in your field? 

Vicks: Advice I would give to other women is believe in yourself, be present and be visible. The gender divide will not alter if we don’t show a desire to be at the table. Businesses, whether solo self-employed or large corporates, need diversity of perspective, innovation and an understanding of different customer needs. 

Adriana: My advice is twofold: don’t be afraid to ask for a mentor (most advisers love to impart their knowledge!) and do your research about the different types of services advisers offer. Is it restricted or independent? Do you want to offer life planning or just focus on specific areas? Find the parts that suit you and be the adviser that you would look for to take financial advice from. 

Vicks: I’m often on my soapbox that society is still structured around keeping women out of the workplace the minute they have children – whether it be the exorbitant cost or childcare or school finishing halfway through the working day. While employers are starting to adopt better flexibility and my generation of dads are taking on more of the working parent responsibilities, it’s still not equal. For some, self-employment can offer the solution of a viable, rewarding and flexible career. 

Finally, we couldn’t write this blog without asking what International Women’s Day means to the women involved.  

Adriana: It’s a great time to celebrate women in a male dominated sector and it gives women the perfect excuse to speak to each other and find out each other’s stories. I do find that talking to other women about their journeys can be very inspiring. 

While International Women’s Day is a time of celebration, uplifting, and being proud of women’s achievements, it’s also an important reminder to look ahead to what is still to be done. 

Vicks: International Women’s Day for me is a good pulse check. It’s an annual reminder that we are still driving towards what normality should be and that, sadly, we’re not quite there yet. At the current rate of progress, it will take until 2158 – roughly five generations from now – to reach full gender parity, which is alarming. 

So, for me it’s a chance to encourage women to believe in themselves and help them see a route to change.  

“Don’t let the fact that there is a lot to learn put you off. There are lots of resources and organisations to help new advisers.” – Adriana

A big thanks to the wonderful, powerful, and inspiring Adriana and Vicks for giving up their time to speak to us about their journey within the industry.  

If you want to find out more about Isamor Financial Planning or IPSE, head to MyMarketplace to discover further details.