As we reach the end of May and look forward to summer, I wanted to share some updates from Emery Little and a few thoughts that have caught my attention this month.
Team spotlight: Siobhan
This month, we wanted to shine a spotlight on Siobhan, who returned from maternity leave earlier this year to take on her new role as Executive Assistant. Siobhan has been a key part of Emery Little since December 2014, having worn many hats across departments over the years.
We sat down with Siobhan to learn more about her journey with us and what she enjoys most about her current role.
Q: Hi Siobhan! Let’s start at the beginning – how did your journey with Emery Little begin?
Siobhan: I joined Emery Little in December 2014 as a Business Administrator, which gave me a great foundation in how the company works and how we support our clients. From there, I moved into more technical roles, first as Systems Development Manager where I led the overhaul of our back-office system, and later as Head of Technology. I held that position until I went on maternity leave with my second son, and now I’m really enjoying this next chapter as Executive Assistant.
Q: What does your day-to-day look like as Executive Assistant?
Siobhan: My focus is supporting the leadership team – especially Jo and Alfie – with everything from diary management and meeting coordination to preparing materials and helping projects run smoothly. I also help ensure the office is a welcoming space for clients when they visit – arranging meeting rooms, organising refreshments and making sure everything runs like clockwork. It’s a really varied role, which suits me perfectly. I enjoy creating those small touches that help clients feel valued and comfortable when they come to see us.
Q: You’ve recently returned from maternity leave – how’s the transition been?
Siobhan: It was a big transition, but a really positive one. I came back in February after having my second son, and I was ready for a fresh challenge. Everyone was incredibly supportive, which made a huge difference. Starting a new role while adjusting to life with two little ones was definitely a juggle, but the flexibility and encouragement I received from the team made it much easier.
Q: After more than ten years with Emery Little, what’s kept you here?
Siobhan: Without a doubt, it’s the people and the culture. Emery Little really values its team – you’re treated as a person, not just an employee. There’s a strong sense of mutual respect and support, and I’ve always felt encouraged to grow and bring ideas to the table. It’s a place where people genuinely care about doing great work and supporting one another.
Q: What’s been most rewarding about working with our clients over the years?
Siobhan: Building relationships with clients has always been one of the most rewarding parts of working here. We get to know our clients on such a personal level, and being part of a team that genuinely wants the best for them is really motivating. It gives purpose to everything we do behind the scenes.
Q: What’s next for you?
Siobhan: Right now, I’m focused on settling into the Executive Assistant role and finding ways to make things smoother and more efficient both for the leadership team and for our clients when they visit the office. I’m always thinking about how we can enhance the client experience, whether that’s through better processes or creating a more inviting environment. Long term, I’d love to keep building on what I’ve learned and contributing to Emery Little’s next chapter.
Thanks so much, Siobhan – we’re lucky to have you and glad to see you thriving in your new role.
The six types of wealth
Our Marketing Specialist, Maxine Cameron, shared an interesting blog post with me this month about “the six types of wealth” that goes beyond just financial wealth to consider other forms of richness in our lives. The piece explores financial wealth, social wealth (relationships), time wealth (freedom), physical wealth (health), intellectual wealth (knowledge), and spiritual wealth (purpose).
It’s a useful reminder that whilst financial planning is important, true wealth encompasses much more than money alone. As financial planners, we often see how financial security can provide the foundation for pursuing these other types of wealth – whether that’s having more time to spend with family, the freedom to pursue interests, or the peace of mind to focus on health and relationships.
You can read the full piece here.
Inspiration from Grand Designs
I was utterly inspired watching Grand Designs this month, particularly episode 4 of series 26 featuring 82-year-old Kathryn, who decided to build a new home at a stage in life when many might be thinking about downsizing. Her determination, vision, and refusal to let age define her limitations was genuinely moving.
Whilst we’d normally recommend clients consider major moves or building projects earlier in life when the physical and emotional demands are more manageable, Kathryn’s story is no less inspirational for that. It reminded me why we do what we do – helping people create the financial foundation to pursue their dreams and ambitions, whatever stage of life they’re in. The key is having the planning in place early enough to give you options and flexibility as you age.
As always, if you have any questions or would like to discuss any aspect of your financial planning, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
