Women, Wealth, and Podcasting: Tracy Brookes' Journey Through Her Financial Planning Career

A deep dive into Tracy's inspiring career, podcasting journey, and her commitment to elevating women's voices in financial planning.

As a chartered financial planner and one quarter of the PFS Wealth & Women Podcast, Tracy Brookes stands out as a voice for women in the financial planning profession. In this most recent episode of Financial Planner Life , I sat down with Tracy to explore her career path, her role as a podcast host, and how podcasting has become an unexpected avenue for championing women’s voices in financial planning. Her passion for the profession and commitment to inclusivity shone through as we discussed the challenges, myths, and opportunities facing women in financial planning today.

Tracy’s Experience as a Podcast Host

Because I had the pleasure of collaborating with the Personal Finance Society to produce the show, Tracy and I delved deep into her role as the host of the PFS Wealth & Women Podcast. Tracy shared how this opportunity arose unexpectedly but how it has ultimately allowed her to spotlight the unique experiences and contributions of women in the financial planning world. We discussed how podcasting became a platform not only to share knowledge but also to elevate voices that have historically been underrepresented in the workplace.

Navigating the Financial Planning Profession

Tracy reflected on her career journey within the financial planning profession, sharing both the challenges and rewards of working as a chartered financial planner. We spoke about how technology and better organisation have been evolving the nature of the profession and how she has carved a path, particularly focusing on the balancing act between client needs, business pressures, and personal growth.

"We're really bringing technology into the firm - why we're doing that is to help clients engage more with their finances... not only that, but it also frees up our time as advisers to have in-depth conversations with clients."

Intrapreneurship vs. Entrepreneurship in Financial Planning

One fascinating part of our conversation focused on the distinctions between 'intrapreneurship' and 'entrepreneurship' in financial planning. Tracy discussed the advantages of each and where she sees herself fitting into the profession, highlighting the innovation that intrapreneurs can bring to financial planning, even without starting their own firms.

"I don't really enjoy the management side of things... but at the same time I do like to be involved in the more top level stuff."

Addressing Barriers for Women in Financial Planning

We couldn’t have a conversation about women in the financial planning space without addressing the systemic barriers that still exist. Tracy openly shared her experiences and provided insight into the myths that often deter women from entering the field. We discussed the cultural shifts that are necessary to break these barriers and make the profession more welcoming to diverse talent.

"[The podcast]?is a great platform and a great network for women to just talk about their journey and their experiences in the industry, with the objective of encouraging more women into the profession."

Podcasting as a Tool for Recruitment

During our discussion, Tracy and I both agree about the ways that podcasting is not just a platform for sharing stories but also a tool for attracting new talent into the financial planning profession. By sharing the real stories of advisers, their paths, and their successes, podcasting can be the key to demystifying the profession and making it more accessible to people from all backgrounds.

Tracy Brookes has made an indelible mark on the financial planning profession, not only through her work as an adviser but also by using her voice to uplift others. Her journey through podcasting is a testament to the power of storytelling in transforming financial planning and creating more inclusive spaces. For anyone considering a career in financial planning or simply interested in the profession, I encourage you to listen to Tracy’s insights on your favorite podcast platform or click here to watch the full episode on YouTube.