The magical profession of financial services, where dreams are woven and futures shaped, there exists a guiding light—a beacon of wisdom and compassion. Michelle Hoskin, who has been supporting advisers and planners for over 25 years in this dynamic realm, offers profound insights into the emotional depths of success. Let’s embark on a heartfelt exploration, drawing inspiration from Michelle’s teachings to cultivate resilience, empathy, and authenticity in our journey.
‘After working with financial planners and advisers and their businesses for over two decades now, I often reflect on my work and my experiences and gather my thoughts as to why personal and business development is so hugely important, and why our clients come back to this key focus time and time again.
Discover Your Calling
I’ve said it for many years but working in financial services is like a calling! No question. You can’t and won’t survive if this is ever just a job for you. How do I know? Well I would encourage you to close your eyes and listen to your inner voice, the voice that speaks reason to you when you’ve had a touch day, when things don’t go to plan and the responsibilities and challenges just get too much!
I often tell my clients and urge people to embrace their true selves, for it is in authenticity that our greatest strength lies
That voice is what continues to ignite your passion? So, embrace the journey of self-discovery, for it is within the depths of that voice that your true calling awaits. I say this often to remind us that our purpose transcends titles and accolades—it resides in the profound impact we make on the lives of others and whilst I am not and have never been a planner or adviser – I hear the same voice and feel the exact same desire to keep going and keep pushing past the challenges of changing the world.
Over the years it has been in the quiet moments of introspection, where I have unearthed my deepest passion —to guide and inspire fellow business owners in their quest for excellence. It wasn’t just about profits or prestige—it was about fostering growth, nurturing dreams, and building a community rooted in mutual support and understanding. With each step forward, I embraced the inherent vulnerability of pursuing my passion, knowing that true fulfilment lies in aligning my actions with my calling, the results of which I may never see in my lifetime! If ever that was a bittersweet pill to swallow.
Cultivate Compassion
Beyond the client services, strategies and the regulatory requirements lies the beating heart of business—the people connection.
Cultivate compassion in your interactions with all those around you, seeking to understand the hopes, fears, and aspirations is the magic ingredient to keeping your passion and enthusiasm going.
Compassion transcends transactions—it fosters trust, strengthens relationships, and creates a sense of belonging. For me, compassion is the cornerstone of meaningful connections, guiding us to embrace the richness of human experience with open hearts and open minds.
In my journey as a coach and consultant, I’ve learned to approach each interaction with profound compassion, recognising the story and the journey of every individual I have ever encountered. A few years ago, one of our clients, a budding and enthusiastic entrepreneur was grappling with self-doubt and uncertainty and as a result simply kept on getting in her own way. After spending time listening to her and asking those deep and meaningful questions that I could ask did she share with me the inner workings of her limiting beliefs and as is often the case, I was then reminded of the transformative power of compassion and understanding. Through that patient listening and empathetic guidance, we navigated through the challenges together, she then emerged stronger and more resilient than before, powered up to take one of the biggest steps of her professional career. It was a humbling reminder that true success is not measured in profits alone—it is found in the depth of human connection forged through powerful relationship but on trust and friendship.
Cultivate Authenticity
Who are you when you peel back the layers of pretence and embrace the raw beauty of real authenticity. Do you share your story—your triumphs, your trials, and the lessons you have learned along the way or do you keep them to yourself – fearful of being exposed and showing the true version of you?
Vulnerability is not a sign of weakness—it is a testament to our humanity and our strength. It, forges bonds of trust and authenticity that breaks down barriers. I often tell my clients and urge people to embrace their true selves, for it is in authenticity that our greatest strength lies.
In a world that often demands conformity, I’ve learned to celebrate my own uniqueness with unapologetic authenticity. From my quirks and idiosyncrasies to my deepest fears and insecurities, I wear my heart on my sleeve, inviting others to do the same. It is through moments of vulnerability that true connections are forged, transforming strangers into confidants and colleagues into comrades. As I walk this path with integrity and authenticity, I am reminded that the most powerful stories are those written with the ink of vulnerability and authenticity – am I wrong?
Nurture Resilience
In the face of adversity, let resilience be your guiding light. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, knowing that every setback is a stepping stone towards greater resilience and wisdom. Resilience is not the absence of struggle—it is the courage to persevere in the face of adversity, emerging stronger and more resilient than before.
Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of resilience in the lives of my clients. From unexpected setbacks to unforeseen challenges, they navigated through the storm with unwavering courage and resilience, emerging triumphant on the other side. It is in moments of adversity that our true strength is revealed, reminding us that within every challenge lies the seeds of opportunity and growth.
Cherish Connection
Beyond business transactions lies the essence of human connection as mentioned above—the bonds of friendship, mentorship, and collaboration that enrich our lives and nourish our souls. Cherish these connections with gratitude and humility, knowing that it is through the support of others that we find strength and inspiration. I encourage you to cultivate meaningful connections, for it is in the tapestry of relationships that our true legacy is woven.
As I reflect on my own journey, I am filled with profound gratitude for the connections that have shaped my path. From mentors who offered guidance and wisdom to colleagues who shared in both triumphs and tribulations, each connection has enriched my life in ways I could never have imagined. It is through the tapestry of relationships that our true legacy is woven, spanning generations and touching lives with the gentle embrace of compassion and kindness.
Embrace the Journey
In the ebb and flow of life, embrace the journey with open arms and open hearts. Celebrate the highs, navigate the lows, and cherish the moments of joy and laughter along the way. True success is not merely a destination—it is found in the richness of the journey itself, in the lives touched and the hearts uplifted along the way.
As I journey forward with gratitude and humility, I am reminded that true success is not measured in profits or accolades—it is found in the depth of human connection, the resilience of the human spirit, and the unwavering commitment to authenticity and empathy. With each step forward, I embrace the journey with open arms and open hearts, knowing that the greatest rewards are found in the moments of connection, compassion, and love shared along the way.
I hope when people interact with me and my business, they feel motivated, excited and can feel the authenticity because that’s what makes our little business so precious. When we take our clients through our programmes, it’s not just a script we follow, we delve deep, create a connection, and get very real with what’s what and that’s why working with someone on the outside who can look in with a fresh pair of eyes, can propel them personally and professionally than doing it solo.
