Amanda Cassar, Director & Adviser Wealth Planning Partners, shares her inspirational achievements for charity, advice to her younger self and an incredible high-five moment!
1. Why financial advice?
When I left school, I was offered the role of secretary to an MLC life agent… and pretty much, the rest is history. I ended up buying him out in 2014. I love the difference that we can make in people’s lives, especially when everything else is going pear-shaped
2. What are you most proud of?
As someone who thought philanthropy meant putting my clothes in a charity bin, I’m really proud of having participated in three trips with the Business Chicks Leadership and Immersion Program in conjunction with The Hunger Project. I’ve raised around $50,000 for this charity and learned so much along the way.
3. Who inspires you?
I’m not someone who has ever really had heroes, but I do love stories of triumph over adversity. Those who choose to wake up, get up and show up every day despite what’s thrown at them are the real inspiration. The village leaders I’ve met in Uganda, Malawi and India all fighting to lift themselves from poverty certainly fit the bill.
4. What advice would you give to your younger self?
Not to be so hard on myself, cut the negative talk and kick guilt to the curb. I spent a lot of time stressing about being with clients when I had a young family, and being with my family when I thought I should be with my clients. It’s draining and unnecessary. Learning to “be with” and “be present” is a gift.
5. Your most recent ‘high-five’ moment?
Completing a Leadership and Immersion Program with The Hunger Project in India and meeting the Elected Women Representatives who are making such a difference in their villages. And I couldn’t head to India without seeing the Taj Mahal. That was incredible!
6. Your big hairy audacious goal for 2019?
Reshaping my business. I’ve had a massive team shake up at the start of this year and am using this as a time for reflection and rebuilding.
7. Favourite holiday destination?
I have my 25th wedding anniversary this year and am doing a 12-night cruise in the Mediterranean… I’m hoping that will be a fave as I’ve always wanted to see Greece! You probably can’t tell, but I have a very long Greek history on my paternal grandmother’s side and have loved exploring that via Ancestry.
