60 second interview with Shelley Leaney, Charles Stanley
In our 60 second interview series, Citywealth speaks to Shelley Leaney, Director of Private Clients at Charles Stanley, about taking a more holistic approach to managing private client’s money.
Tell me about your role
I am a Director of Private Clients and head of a team managing £200,000,000 of private client money. I am a Chartered Wealth Manager and a member of the Charles Stanley Executive Committee.
How has the private client industry changed?
The private client industry has changed rapidly over the last 8 – 10 years. It now takes a more holistic approach to managing private client money, gathering all financial information for clients and taking a whole life view of their circumstances and aspirations, whilst considering all tax advantages.
What lessons have you learnt?
Never to give up. Along the way, in the 22 years I have been in financial services (20 years at Charles Stanley), new challenges not least from the Regulators amongst others, have come thick and fast. I firmly believe there is a way to meet regulatory requirements and remain commercial, which I strive to do every day.
Interesting client instructions?
One client asked me if I could help them get their phone reconnected. A dear little old lady with no family could not cope. So of course, I got the phone reconnected.
What challenges do your clients face?
A big concern playing on their minds is having enough income to sustain them through increasingly long retirements, in addition to potentially having to meet care or retirement home costs, as people are living longer.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of your role?
The most rewarding aspect of my role is my relationship with my clients. We have a 97 per cent satisfaction outcome with clients and it is a privilege to work for them. My relationship with all of them is both a pleasure and very satisfying which makes every day worthwhile.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
That nothing is really that complicated. Break down each complex problem and deal with it piece by piece. It has worked so far.
What was the last book you’ve read?
Jordon Peterson, “12 Rules for Life – An Antidote to Chaos”. Although billed as a self-help book it seeks to help you develop a higher sense of self-discipline and self-reliance, both very important to me. Jordan believes in truth telling, human hierarchy, and gender roles, and that we can bring about heaven or hell on earth but have it within ourselves to create order out of that chaos.
Where was the last place you travelled for work or pleasure.
Work: Buckinghamshire. Pleasure: the Dordogne, France.
How do I relax after a long day?
After a long day in a glass box and on a train, preferably in the garden, weather permitting, with my family and a glass of wine.