We may only be a small team, but that doesn’t make us any less mighty. We are so lucky to have an amazing close-knit group of women who all have the same goal: to deliver first-class customer service to all who come to Jane Smith Financial Planning.
Today it’s time to get to know Leanne Carmedy, Jane Smith’s Business Manager since April 2021.
Hi Leanne! Tell us about your role, and how you got there.
After many years working in general management roles, I have learnt that I am definitely someone who thrives being busy and juggling many responsibilities. My experience across different industries has proven that I can juggle and organise an ever-changing workload, which is par for the course when you manage operations for a living.
Leaving a secure role during the pandemic was probably not advised by many. However, after stumbling across the Jane Smith vacancy I couldn’t resist an opportunity to work in what would be a completely new industry for me. I joined the Jane Smith team in April 2021 with the aim of supporting Nicola in the smooth operational running of the business and the team. In such a short space of time I already feel like part of the furniture, and have made headway in improving the processes to ensure a more streamlined way of working for both the team and our clients.
You certainly have made a wonderful positive impact in a little under a year. So what specifically drew you to Jane Smith Financial Planning?
I really wanted to be somewhere I could make a difference, so I was looking for a smaller team and a company with a great culture. And being a dog lover, I couldn’t resist the lovely Poppy and Bertha!
Who could resist?! What keeps you smiling at work every day?
It sounds very clichéd but honestly, it’s the team. Coming from a mix of smaller and larger SMEs, you realise that the culture is so important in your working life. The office at JSFP has a great mix of working hard and enjoying a bit of banter. It’s great to be back in the office a few days a week following the pandemic, so we all get to have some social interaction.
We ask our clients this all the time, but now it’s your turn: what are you saving for?
Other than the vital retirement pot, we have had a few years of saving hard for our house extension and refurbishments, which thankfully we have recently finished. Maybe it’s time for a few months off and a little treat. I’m a bit of a shoe collector but I’m not at Imelda Marcos level just yet…
Sounds like you might need a bigger shoe cupboard in that house extension shortly! What keeps you busy when you’re not working?
We have a crazy Cocker Spaniel called Brodie, so my husband and I love to take him on long walks and holidays to the beach. I’m not one to sit still and being the biggest organiser, I always have to have something on the go. I’m usually planning a cheese and wine night or murder mystery dinner party for our friends.
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice what would it be?
“Enjoy the here and now, deal with anything life throws at you.”
I’m never one (now) to worry about things until I need to – I think you can spend more time worrying about the “what ifs” and missing out on the moment.
What are the goals you are working towards now?
I’m currently working on improving my fitness and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Apparently, you need to work a lot harder at it when you get over that 40 milestone! I also want to ensure I keep my brain ticking so I will be looking at studying and developing my skills in the financial services profession, especially as it’s completely new to me.
Thank you for taking the time to answer our spotlight questions, Leanne. It’s been lovely getting to know you better!
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