Flying high in financial services: Marisa Tucker on leading with authenticity
Marisa Tucker says young professionals wanting to enter client services or relationship manager roles can find huge opportunities within the financial services industry. With 16 years of experience across New Zealand, Australia and the UK, Marisa is Head of Client Services - Wellington in Public Trust’s Corporate Trustee Services team.
Marisa’s built a rewarding career in banking and financial services, showing that curiosity and authenticity can open doors in the industry. Outside of work, Marisa is working towards her private pilot licence – an entirely different kind of challenge that reflects how she embraces learning in all areas of life.
Seeing the industry from all angles
After studying finance and law at university, Marisa moved from England to Australia, then New Zealand. She’s worked in compliance and regulatory roles with fund managers, in corporate trustee services, and at the Financial Markets Authority.
Having experience from within a fund manager, the FMA, and the supervisor helps Marisa see “all sides of the lens”, she says.
“The role of the supervisor is very interesting and you’re continuously learning. No day is the same. All our clients operate slightly differently, and all have different styles of doing things,” she says.
New scheme launches, complex supervisory engagements and growth in the number of Wellington clients have been highlights in the 18 months she’s been at Public Trust.
There has been a lot of innovation in investment products too over the years, alongside the evolution and introduction of new regulatory measures.
“It can be challenging but very rewarding to help provide the best outcomes for investors.”
Make connections early in your career
For younger people entering the industry, Marisa encourages networking, even though it might feel awkward at first.
Even introverts can gain more confidence over time, she says.
“I describe myself as an introvert and we’ve all been there, where you show up to an event and you’re nervously looking around the room. You have to push past that. Many people will be feeling as uneasy as you. Even if you just talk to one person, then the more you go to, the more people you’ll recognise.”
Marisa recommends building networks, attending events and being inquisitive.
“The financial services industry is small in New Zealand, and you’re going to cross paths with people often,” she says.
In a company setting, she explains: “It’s really important to show up, be reliable and show people how you can add value. Listen and share your own ideas too. Just because you are early in your career doesn’t mean you don’t have anything to offer.”
Marisa’s skills take flight
Marisa knows about pushing herself into new challenges. She’s working towards her private pilot licence, after training for around 20 months out of Wellington Airport.
She’s nearly able to fly solo after completing around 30 hours of practical flying with an instructor. Now she’s building up her hours in the sky, learning technical skills and completing exams.
“It’s a bit of a challenge outside of work, and something really different to what my daily role is.”
Relationships are built on shared value
Out of the airplane hangar and back at the office, Marisa says successful relationships need to be built around listening, understanding client needs and mutual value.
“It’s not just about what you gain from the relationship, but also the value you give back.”
A strong relationship requires trust, respect, and honesty, she says.
Lead with authenticity
Marisa is a strong advocate for women in leadership roles and authentic representation.
“Seeing other women in leadership roles is what will encourage young women to see they are able to do that too. Women look at things with a different lens, have different strengths and thought processes and sometimes they have more empathy,” she says.
She encourages people to be themselves.
“You can’t impersonate someone else… being authentic and not afraid to speak up is what makes you memorable.”