In this episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Dawn Thomas, a senior wealth adviser with The Wealth Designers, to explore the challenges of completing a PhD while continuing to work as a financial adviser, as well as the ongoing challenges that the profession faces.

Thomas discusses her PhD on Generation Z’s initial experience with superannuation, and the heavy workload of pursuing her research while balancing work and family obligations.

She also shares why she believes that combining her academic background with her practical experience will enhance her expertise and help improve financial literacy among younger individuals, ultimately fostering greater engagement with the superannuation system.

Listen as they discuss:

• The sacrifices she’s making to complete her PhD.
• Advisers’ struggle to be viewed as a profession.
• Improving people’s engagement with their super, and more.

In this episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by author and financial adviser Helen Baker to unpack the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and how financial advisers can highlight prime investment opportunities in the market.

Baker identifies the industries set to benefit from AI for advisers looking to integrate these into client portfolios and the ethical concerns surrounding these new technologies.

Listen as they discuss:

• The revolutionary benefits and potential dangers of AI.
• How clients can benefit from AI investments.
• The ESG considerations that advisers should keep in mind.

• Readjusting to an office environment after competing in the Olympics.
• How a career as a track athlete has helped her become a better adviser and vice versa.
• Why financial advice is an appealing career for young people who may not know what it entails.