You’ve been involved with ESMS in a number of different capacities over the years. Having now started your role as the Chair of Governors, what are your aspirations for our Schools?Â
I would like to see, over the next eighteen months, the schools thrive and work towards the merger in August 2026, with both me and the other governors there to support the school, staff and parents.
How did you get into the world of financial education and why do you think financial education is so important?Â
I became very aware that most of my contemporaries left school with little to no understanding of finance. I believed that if it could be taught in schools, it would provide a strong foundation for dealing with money in adult life.  I was fortunate enough to have been brought up around financial education (it’s the family business!) and felt it should not just be limited to over 18s.  It is also my way of giving back to my community.
What have been some of the biggest changes you’ve seen in the world of finance in regards to your work? Â
Nearly everything is online now, which vastly reduces paperwork.  However, that still does not take away from the importance and value of face-to-face advice, because the relationships we build with our clients cross decades and generations.
Who is your hero?Â
I don’t just have one specific person – a hero to me is someone who takes their unique ability and hones it so that it can do good in the world – whether that be leadership, innovation, knowledge or compassion.  Those qualities are rarely found in one person, and I believe that many people working together can make all of us heroes.
Who would be at your fantasy dinner party?Â
The guest list changes all the time – it would have to be a combination of politics, science, sport, art and literature – basically all the pieces of pie in Trivial Pursuit!
Do you have a motto that you live by? Â
Stand for something, or fall for anything
A huge thank you to Katie for sharing her insights with us. For more from Katie on financial planning and how to speak to children about money, listen to episode 2 of Principal Catch-Ups here.Â
