WBS Interview- Gloria

Meet Gloria from

After finishing university I joined one of the big 4 banks as a graduate to follow my interest in financial services. This lead to a career in financial planning. After working my way up the rank, I held the position of Branch Financial Planner for 5 years. I love being able to use my knowledge and experience to work with, and educate people. I am a Point Cook local, having lived here for 10 years, and a mum of 2. I am like any other working mum trying to get a work life balance happening, while endeavouring to put my family first. Which lead to the birth of Retire Ready Financial Planning.

Tell us about your business?

Retire Ready was established on the philosophy that retirement is something we work towards from the day we start work, even if we don’t realise it. We as individuals go through different stages in life whether that is paying off our dream home, educating children, or taking that trip; we are always working towards something, and eventually that is retirement too! We want to go along on that journey with our clients, so that when the time comes, they can Retire Ready.

Please tell us what does being a business owner means to you and why you became one in the first place?

Being in business for myself means I can help people more, it means I can work around my clients – if that means going to work on the weekend because that is the only time they available, I could do that.

After giving birth to my second child I realised that my already busy life just got a whole lot more chaotic! I loved being an Adviser and helping people to realise their financial goals whether that meant retiring comfortably, paying off their home loan, putting money away for their children’s education, or protecting themselves, but I also needed to be realistic in trying to balance work and home life. I realised that working corporate hours of 8am to 6 or 7pm at night just wasn’t going to cut it anymore and I needed to be more flexible, and so made the gutsy move of opening my own Practice so I could do both!

What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?

Surviving my first year in business on my own! Creating a brand, setting up my operations, processes, managing social media, and everything in between comes with its challenges but getting out of bed each day and being able to help people aspire and realise they can achieve their financial goals is definitely worth it!

What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?

Don’t be afraid to give it a go. It is better to have tried then to just wonder “what if?” You can never be seen as a failure being self-employed, as to create your own business from scratch is an achievement in itself.

What has been the most effective marketing initiatives or programs you have used to promote your business?

Word of mouth. This by far has been the most powerful platform to create new opportunities coming through the door.

What do you do for fun/relaxation?

I love spending time with the hubby and kids, exploring different parts of Melbourne / Victoria we have never seen before.

What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?

1) Accountability – accepting that we all make mistakes, but also being able to learn from that too, in turn growing as an individual

2) Financial controller – cash flow is king in business, and the ability to manage it can either make you or break you

3) Networking – ability to get in and meet new people and articulate what you do

What makes you happy?

Making a difference to people’s lives.

What sacrifices have you had to make to be a successful entrepreneur?

I have given up a salary for the unknown! It is important to believe in your ability and passion, and the rest will take care of itself.

Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?

Another local woman, Melinda Houghton. I admire the way she has followed her passion, and been able to turn that into a successful business. There is a certain satisfaction I feel as a woman to see other women successful in business and following their passions.

How do you measure your success in business?

Client satisfaction, and the on referral of business from existing clients. Clients are at the heart of what I do.

Do you have kiddies if so how many?

I have 2 boys aged 21 months, and 7 years. We love visiting cafes and having babycinos together!