#WomensMonth: Hard work realises passion - Faeeza Khan

Faeeza Khan

Why did you choose this career path?

After completing my LLB at Wits, I wasn’t too keen on practicing law. I became a financial adviser for three years. It was then that I met an extremely knowledgeable legal adviser who inspired me do my articles to become an admitted attorney and hopefully do what she does. After completing my articles, I took a chance, guessed her email address, and sent her my CV. A year later I was employed by Liberty as legal marketing specialist and have been for the last decade.

Describe a typical work day

My day consists of helping financial advisers with the technical and legislative aspects of holistic financial planning. I run workshops to upskill knowledge. I also attend joint calls with the advisers and their clients where the financial planning is technical and I provide legal support..

What do you love most about your job?

I love the constant learning opportunities that the industry has to offer. Legislation is ever evolving, and I get to fit the puzzle pieces together and decipher what the intention of the legislature is. I also find it very rewarding to share knowledge in a understandable and practical way so that the financial advisers can implement it and change the lives of their clients.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

Form the age of six, I wanted to be an attorney. Nothing else tickled my fancy. When I eventually applied to university to study, it was the only option ticked on my application form. In hindsight, I am very happy that it all worked out.

What is the best advice anyone has given you?

My dad encouraged me to do my articles. He said: "You've worked too hard and you have come this far, I know that you will be taking a step back to do them, but don’t leave things unfinished, go and do your articles."These words of not leaving things unfinished has stuck with me and I carry them with me on a daily basis.

If you could do any other job, what would it be?

I would be a carpenter and do woodwork as I love working with my hands and being creative. Building and upcycling furniture, feeds my soul.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Self-love. I only learnt this much later in life and it is a lesson that I wish everyone would learn as young as possible. Self-love teaches us not to accept less than what we deserve and to try be the best versions of ourselves. I would also tell my younger self that it’s okay not to be perfect, you can make mistakes (then learn from them).

What's your secret talent/party trick?

When the party gets going, the mic comes out and the karaoke gets started!

Tell us some of the buzzwords floating around your industry at the moment?

Double dipping, financial planning, and your intention is paramount.

How do you achieve a work/life balance?

I time block and diarise everything I possibly can. Then I try my hardest not to falter from that. It’s important that I take my health and mental well-being seriously so that I am at the top of my game to be there for my children, my family, and my employer..

What is the most valuable lesson you have learnt?

Self-love is the most valuable lesson I have learnt. We all have a responsibility to love ourselves, and to be the best version of ourselves. By this I don’t mean that we must be selfish; we must be able to give and take and to compromise, share and love. However, what you shouldn’t do, is self-sacrifice to your detriment. Find a balance.