Women in Leadership: Spotlight on Nicola Parnham

How did you get into the industry?

Honestly, it wasn’t planned. Halfway through an accountancy degree, I took on an administration role for six months. It didn’t take long to realise I wasn’t meant to be an accountant, and to be fair, I wasn’t much of an administrator either. Luckily, my boss saw something in me and recognised that I could talk to people, understand what they needed, and earn their trust.

That changed everything. Less than three years later, at just 21, I was trusted with a portfolio of clients, a company car and a new business target. That was the moment I found my wings.

What has been a key learning in your career?

The best advice I was ever given is: “Don’t come to me complaining about a problem. Tell me what the issue is and how you think it can be resolved.” I might not have the answer, but I can offer a perspective that helps us find one together.

Be self-aware and confident enough to know what you know and what you don’t. Don’t give advice or make promises you can’t keep. Instead, it’s best to be inquisitive, ask questions, and embrace challenges, even when they push you outside your comfort zone. It can be scary, but it’s unbelievably rewarding.

If I could tell my 25-year-old self one thing, it would be to stop stressing. You don’t have to be perfect or know everything. We never stop learning.

What would you say to someone considering a career in your industry?

I could never have imagined where my career would take me. The journey is only partly in your control, and there will be bumps along the way. Dust yourself off, learn from them and be ready for the next challenge.

Stay positive and act with integrity. Show care for the people you meet because, after 40 years, I’m still working with individuals I met decades ago. The pension industry is a small world. Treat everyone as you’d want to be treated. They become your advocates, clients, and future colleagues.

What are the opportunities and challenges you’re seeing in the industry?

Opportunities and challenges are two sides of the same coin. They’re an integral, ever-evolving part of life and work. Instead of fighting them, you should explore and embrace them.

Find the solution that works for you. As they say, it’s better to try and fail than fail to try. And remember, our careers take up a huge part of our lives. Live it, enjoy it and make it rewarding, both financially and emotionally, wherever the journey takes you.

To find out how Nicola supports our clients in the UK, get in touch.