Steel Beneath the Glitter: Dawn Thomas Profiled in The Inside Adviser

Every now and then, you read a media article that truly gets to the heart of what a person is about – such as the recent profile piece on Senior Adviser Dawn Thomas in The Inside Adviser, beautifully written by journalist James Dunn.

Titled “Advice with heart – and steel under the glitter”, this feature is a deep dive into Dawn’s colourful, determined, heart-led world, covering her journey to becoming an adviser, her approach to client relationships, and the freedom she takes from being authentically herself – both personally and professionally.

Grit and glamour

Inner steel is the thread running throughout Dawn’s life. After arriving in Western Australia from Singapore, she originally considered following in her father’s footsteps into a career in journalism, instead deciding to join a financial adviser graduate program due to visa constraints.

In a country and industry where no one looked or sounded like her, Dawn knew she had to prove her mettle, studying a Master of Applied Finance with CPF extensions while raising a young family – proving not only her competency, but her right to be in any room.

And then there’s her undeniable sparkle. When you think of Dawn, you think colour: vibrant outfits, rainbow hair and her commitment to living a big, bold life. This is something that resonates with clients, who’ve given her various nicknames such as “the fairy godmother of superannuation” and “the goddess of secure futures”. As she says in the article: “I don’t know how to be anyone I’m not.”

The Dawn difference

For Dawn, financial advice works best when it’s a collaboration between adviser and client. “If they have their walls up, it’s really hard for me,” she says. 

She creates deep bonds and trust with her clients, some of whom have also become friends – and is discerning about who she takes on, being open with potential clients if the fit isn’t right. 

As a woman in a male-dominated industry, Dawn is passionate about helping other women succeed as financial advisers, and dedicates her daily commute to chatting with new entrants about workplace culture, preparing for seminars, or anything else that’s on their mind. 

An advocate for the profession and a natural educator, she can often be found guest lecturing, speaking on panels, hosting our very own START WELL® podcast, and being featured on media segments such as AusBiz’s The Advisory, where she shares her wisdom around superannuation and retirement planning with the world.

We’re proud to have Dawn on our team and see her be recognised for her steel, glitter and the incredible difference she makes to our clients’ lives. 

Read the full article here: Advice with heart – and steel under the glitter