Finding your “forever home” in financial advice
Senior Wealth Adviser Dawn Thomas joined James Wrigley on Episode #406 of the Ensombl Podcast to talk about something many advisers wonder about at some point in their careers – how to find the right place to work, and how to feel comfortable being yourself once you get there.
For Dawn, that place is The Wealth Designers, which she describes as her “forever home”.
Like many advisers who started their careers in banking, Dawn experienced the uncertainty that followed the Royal Commission, when many advice teams were dismantled almost overnight.
In the years that followed, Dawn worked in different advice businesses while also beginning to explore her own authentic voice. One manager played an important role in that process, encouraging her to experiment with creating social media content, be herself and speak more openly about financial advice.
For Dawn – as a woman, an immigrant, and someone with colourful hair who loves hugs – being herself has always felt important, both personally and professionally. She believes that when advisers show up authentically, they naturally attract the clients they’re best suited to help.
“Financial advice is really about people. Two people connecting and being on a journey together,” she says.
Why The Wealth Designers worked
Dawn also spoke about the type of workplace culture she was searching for. While she sees herself as a leader, she’s equally passionate about teamwork and collaboration.
“I am a team player… I want everyone to lift up together,” she said.
That’s why she struggled with the more traditional model of financial advice, where advisers are competing with one another rather than working together.
Her path to being part of The Wealth Designers began at an industry conference, where she watched Troy MacMillan and Cara Graham speak on stage.
“I remember sitting there going, ‘I don’t think I’m serious enough to be a part of their business,’” she said.
But Troy had already noticed her work – and when Cara later needed someone to cover her clients while she went on maternity leave, she reached out to Dawn and suggested she join the team.
The supportive environment was exactly what Dawn had been looking for. “Troy genuinely gets me,” she says, “and he does not want me to change one bit.”
Advice for advisers still figuring it out
For advisers who don’t feel they can be themselves in their current role, Dawn says the first step is to expand your view of the profession.
Start by connecting with the wider advice community – through podcasts, LinkedIn, events and industry groups. Seeing how other firms operate can open your eyes to the many different ways financial advice can be delivered.
She also encourages advisers not to wait until they are completely burnt out before making a move.
“You don’t want to be looking for a job when you’ve got nothing left in the tank,” she said. “You want to leave on your own terms.”
When interviewing for roles, Dawn believes honesty is key. Be upfront about what matters to you, whether that’s flexibility, family commitments or professional growth. “You should be able to say, ‘I’ve got a four-year-old and I need to be back in time to pick them up.’”
Alongside her advisory work, Dawn is also completing a part-time PhD researching the superannuation journeys of Generation Z, driven by her passion for helping younger Australians engage earlier with their financial futures.
Looking back on the twists and turns that led her to The Wealth Designers, Dawn says one simple mindset has guided many of her decisions:
“I believe in saying yes to the universe – it may not always work out, but you’ve always got something to learn.”
Listen to the full podcast here: #406 Dawn Thomas – Ensombl Advice Australia
Plus want to hear more from Dawn? Read this piece about her recent appearance on the Money Money Money podcast.