The AFA conference of 2012 wrapped up last night with all the glitter of a diamond encrusted satellite and the suspense and thrills of a car chase reminiscent of Diamonds Are Forever and Quantam of Solace as the James Bond theme added to the 10th anniversary of a celebration of quality advice and community.
The conference was at its core a celebration of an industry that often maligned by the media has as its essence the best interests of Australians always at the forefront of its mind.
There was not a session where the benefits for the client was not considered. There was not a session where peers did not share ideas, where stories were told.
It was in fact a celebration of great client stories.
This was embodied by the stories of the 6 finalists. Olivia Maragna, Jenny Brown, Michelle Tate-Lovery, David Clark, Mark Rando, Dennis Jones....take another collective bow.
Olivia : an inspiring leader, pro-bono work, support of orphanages and active with her peers
Jenny: an education junkie, a communicator and educator herself, a mentor and connector
Michelle: an educator and implementer and passionate advocate for the industry
David: the IT genius with the creation of a client engagement process, active in community and charity work
Mark: a mentor, advocate, presenter and fund raiser
Dennis: a process driven client engagement guru, demystifying the financial planning process
What enables these leading advisers to engage a clients whole person planning is that these advisers are themselves examples of whole person development. Self aware, charismatic, empathetic and highly emotionally intelligent these advisers embody the characteristics of leaders : true leaders who are leaders not because they have had created that mantle for themselves but they are leaders because people want to follow them.
Further they have at their disposal and they tell with candour, honesty, belief and conviction their own stories.
As a client, as a staff member, as industry peers as businesses you can't help but reciprocate.
May we look to these leaders and develop our stories and tell them with the passion that these individuals embody. If we do that, then this industry has a bright future and what comes with that is a better Australia : one of rich community ideals and values and where people take an active role in living well and looking after their families through the guidance offered by the value of financial advice.
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