We caught up with Steven Lannigan as he takes on a new challenge as Financial Advisor at Moore Stephens Isle of Man.
Congratulations on your new role. What are you looking forward to the most?
Thanks. I'm looking forward to developing our international name in the domestic market. It's also good to be working for a company centred on relationship building rather than a single sale or transaction.
What advice do you have for people looking to work in this area of business?
There's a shortage of good financial advisers on the Island; so I would advise to anyone interested in helping people and problem-solving to enquire about exams via a recognised professional body.
In such a role, what strengths would you say are needed?
Financial planners must understand how to translate often complex customer needs into workable strategies. This means that you must be able to communicate and convey the information to people at their particular level of understanding and, more importantly, be able to sympathetically listen to them and dig out what their objectives are.
This may sound obvious, but it's seldom something that you can teach.
Is there any technology you personally couldn't live without?
Strangely, no. I say this because I'm a huge fan of technology and have a home full of gadgets and modern appliances - but nothing that I couldn't live without. If you were to push me in a business sense, I'd say email - as it has become the replacement to letters and (in some cases) the phone.
Outside of work, how do you like to relax?
Like most people I enjoy socialising which for me is drinking wine and eating out with friends. I've also been known to own the odd fast car - although I recently sold my latest and bought my wife a nice little runner for £850. There's something very therapeutic and relaxing about not worrying if it gets scratched.
