Natalie Brown sits down with Connect magazine

Our Jersey-based Investment Director, Natalie Brown, spoke to Connect magazine about her life at Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management (CGWM).

As an Investment Director Natalie’s days are influenced by the ever-changing stock market; “our days depend on what is happening in the world, and that changes so quickly, there’s really no such thing as an average day”, she explains.

Natalie points out that whilst her days begin early so she can be ready for the opening of the markets, the job offers a level of flexibility that allows her to manage a successful career with a busy family life and two children. She goes on to say that “some people think you can’t have this sort of career and be a mother, but you can”.

Natalie has the support of a growing team based in the Crown Dependencies, with over 200 colleagues spread across Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man, as well as a further 750 colleagues across regional offices in the UK. Natalie proffered that being able to draw on the expertise and research of colleagues outside of her own office is hugely advantageous: “traditionally portfolios were led by investments across regions; now it’s across themes, e.g., technology, health care, cyber security. However, each theme has subsections with regional elements, so understanding the nuances of different regions for a sector has value.”

The changing face of investment management

Natalie has been working in investment management for over 14 years, and notes that the world of financial services certainly looks different today. “When I joined, I was one of only two females in the front office. It was fairly uncommon. I recall walking into my first ever fund conference and I stuck out like a sore thumb!” Whilst there are now more women than ever in front office positions, and a 50/50 gender split on the Executive Committee board, Natalie points out that there is still work to do, especially when it comes to enticing women to apply for investment roles. A successful investment management team, she continues, requires talent from diverse backgrounds, and there has been a concerted effort within CGWM to visit local schools and young people to discuss their career opportunities, and instil the belief that they too can pursue a career in investment management.

If there was one piece of advice Natalie would offer to young women at the start of their own careers, it is simply to “be confident.” Women are especially prone to strive for perfection, often to the detriment of them accepting opportunities for fear they are not ready or completely right for the position, and this is something Natalie believes needs to counter with confidence. “You need confidence to succeed at anything in life… As an employer, CGWM is open to talent and is ready to give people the support, through mentoring, experience, and qualifications, to build their confidence and achieve their potential.”

If you would like to speak to Natalie or any of the CGWM team about how we can help you reach your financial goals, please get in touch today, and we will arrange a free consultation.

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