Title: Practical tips for women in the UHNW advisory sector by Alex Gibson-Watt published in IFA magazine

As a woman working within the UHNW advisory sector, you have a unique opportunity to break barriers, lead change, and create a more inclusive future. Here’s some personal advice to not only thrive but accelerate your success in this industry.

1. Invest in knowledge

When I started my career, I quickly realised that knowledge was the foundation of everything. Whether I was advising on estate planning or protection strategies, staying ahead of trends and understanding complex financial products helped me gain the trust of my clients and colleagues. My commitment to continuous learning has given me more confidence and given me the edge I needed in this fast-paced industry.

2. Build strong relationships

Success in the UHNW advice sector is about more than numbers, it’s about people. Clients need advice not just for wealth but also for their family legacy. By listening closely to their values, fears and hopes for the future, you are able to craft a personalised strategy that goes beyond traditional financial planning. Emotional intelligence is a powerful tool, and it was key in building lasting, trusting relationships, so focus on active listening and empathy. Understand your clients’ personal stories, not just their portfolios.

3. Network and find mentors

I can’t emphasise enough how important mentorship has been in my career. When I first joined John Lamb Hill Oldridge, I worked alongside a senior director who guided me through some of the tougher decisions. She taught me the importance of building my own network, and how to approach complex client situations and gave me the confidence to take on leadership roles. Having mentors, both male and female, has helped me feel supported and empowered every step of the way.

4. Own your personal brand

Like many people, when I started my career, I struggled to find my voice, feeling unsure about how to stand out in a male-dominated field. But I soon realised that authenticity was my strength, and slowly, my brand started to take shape—my expertise and values became clear. So I would say to anyone starting out: “be authentic, curate your online presence and share your knowledge”.

5. Push for diversity

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that the advisory sector thrives when diverse voices are in the room. I’ve been lucky to work with incredible women who have helped shape my career and will shape the future of John Lamb Hill Oldridge. But I’ve also seen how underrepresentation at senior levels can hold back fresh perspectives. Advocating for diversity is not only good for business; it’s essential for creating a more balanced and fair industry.

6. Prioritise self-care

I am a very proud mother of four amazing children. Between balancing that and a demanding role as Managing Director of John Lamb Hill Oldridge, I have learned the hard way that burnout isn’t sustainable. Taking time to recharge, whether it’s going to the gym or spending time with my family has been key to maintaining my energy and staying sharp for my clients. Self-care isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity.

The time for action is now

As this International Women’s Day challenges us to accelerate action, as women in the UHNW advisory space, we can lead the way. By investing in knowledge, building strong relationships and pushing for diversity, we not only pave the way for our own success but also drive change in an industry that needs more women leaders.

Author: Alex Gibson-Watt, Managing Director at John Lamb Hill Oldridge

Article published in IFA Magazine, March 2025