Knowing that you’re changing someone’s life is an incredible feeling
Nicola Beswick is a financial planner and also Chair of PFAN. We get to know more about her role and how her work is supporting the community on two fronts.
How long have you been working with PFAN and what made you want to join?
I’ve been involved with PFAN at the Board level since November 2019. In July 2021, I was elected Chair. Before this, I volunteered as a PFAN adviser, helping numerous clients and hosting various webinars and presentations within the MS community.
A friend who lives with Multiple Sclerosis and is a financial counsellor made me aware of the PFAN organisation. We met through a mutual friend who I met during an MS fundraising walk across the Great Wall of China.
What does your role with PFAN entail?
I’m lucky enough to be able to focus on promoting PFAN to the financial profession and the wider public by hosting various conversations and information sessions. Having a team of dedicated board members with a range of skills and various support teams behind the scenes (such as our PFANs team and the HUB24 team), it means that as Chair of PFAN I can focus on this part of my role, knowing that we’re all working towards PFAN’s objective of providing a network of trusted advisers who can assist individuals in their time of need.
What is the best thing about working with PFAN?
Knowing that we’re working towards making a difference to individuals and their families who are impacted by a health condition and experiencing financial hardship. In addition, we’re promoting the great work the financial planning profession does – in this case pro bono, so we’re creating change on two fronts for the broader community.
What would you say to anyone else considering joining PFAN?
It is the most amazing experience being able to change people’s lives and not expect anything in return. Knowing that you are changing someone’s life using the skills we use every day is an incredible feeling.