Juanita Wrenn – Managing Director Hudson Financial Planning

How did you start down your career path?

My career at Hudson began the end of 1999, and has spanned the dot-com bubble, the Global Financial Crisis, the Royal Commission and the COVID-19 pandemic, each presenting unique challenges but also opportunities for growth. It's evident that the landscape of financial management and planning is ever-evolving, especially with the advent of AI and digital platforms. Financial planning has always been a doorway to understanding how humans prioritise certain life events, and offers us the chance to impact the lives of many Australians. From working at Hudson Financial Planning at the dawn of the new millennium, I've been privileged to witness and contribute to so many stories that have shaped our clients' lives, discovering that at the heart of financial planning lies the power to offer choice and thereby enhance well-being.

What inspires me in my role

The people I work with. Throughout my years at Hudson, I've navigated personal and work triumphs, losses and disappointments. Each of these periods presented its own set of challenges, but the enduring lesson has been the profound impact of camaraderie and collective resilience. Much like the bond shared among siblings, connected through shared experiences and unspoken understandings, the relationships built with colleagues during these trying times have similarly shaped our collective journey and outcomes. This sense of togetherness and shared purpose within the workplace fosters a unique bond, one that not only enhances our ability to navigate challenges but also makes the journey enjoyable. Having worked with more than half of my team for nearly two decades, I feel especially grateful to have them, and all of my siblings (yes, my brother and sister work with me) are alongside me in this endeavor. Together, we've cultivated a workplace atmosphere that feels more like a family, blending hard work with enjoyment. It is this that inspires me daily.

What’s your approach to customer service that separates you from the rest?

At Hudson, we are realists who provide a clear view of one's financial situation, yet optimists who can transform that reality into a hopeful and satisfying future. This dual role is crucial in financial planning. By aligning realistic financial planning with clients' aspirations, Hudson makes the dream of a secure and comfortable future an attainable reality for anyone willing to engage in the planning process.

Hudson financial planning recognizes the fluidity of financial needs, offering both transient assistance and enduring financial comfort based on the individual's journey. This flexible approach is rooted in the understanding that financial security and well-being are paramount concerns for everyone, irrespective of their life stage or income level.

The key to Hudson's philosophy is the belief in the power of choice and the provision of guidance to navigate life's financial pathways. The team at Hudson empowers clients by demystifying financial planning, making it accessible and achievable for all. They understand that most people's lives are intertwined with their work, and finding joy in one's career can significantly impact overall happiness and financial satisfaction. Hudson's strategy focuses not just on the accumulation of wealth but on investing in a manner that ensures long-term security and immediate peace of mind.

Our approach underscores the importance of enjoying life now, without sacrificing future comfort. I think people just want to know that they will be okay, their health more importantly , but a close second is their financial preservation.

How do you innovate and stay ahead of the trends?

The introduction of AI into our processes marks a new chapter in our mission to provide innovative and accessible financial planning solutions. It is a tool that promises to simplify our clients' journey towards financial security, reinforcing our belief that with the right plan, reassurance and comfort are within reach for everyone

We are constantly striving for innovative product offering from our platform providers, and we are forever changing our internal processes to stay ahead of industry expectations. We look to align ourselves with professional partners who have similar goals and philosophies to our own and we offer respect and friendship to these partners in order to create a long term and nurturing work environment for our staff and our clients.

What is the toughest challenge you’ve faced in your role? How did you overcome it?

The toughest challenge I’ve encountered in my role as Managing Director was the loss of my business partner to cancer. He was not just a mentor but also my confidant and pillar of strength. His passing forced me to re-evaluate our company's direction and my approach to leadership. Embracing the valuable lessons he imparted, I've propelled our mission with renewed vigor, steering us towards a future that involves all things digital combined with traditional planning methods honed in over the last 30 years.

What are some of your goals for the next 5 years.

At Hudson, my aim is to cultivate a company that offers reassurance and comfort to individuals across all life stages, demonstrating the transformative power of thoughtful planning. Currently, we are developing a digital platform designed to offer users immediate insights into their financial trajectories with the ability to explore alternative outcomes. This tool, reminiscent of the choose-your-own-adventure books of my childhood, leverages AI to enhance user experience, promising a future where financial planning is both accessible and engaging. As we continue to develop our digital platform, we embrace the future of financial planning, guided by the stories and lives that have shaped our mission. Together, we look forward to writing the next chapter in this adventure, where every client, from 16 year olds to 90 year olds, can choose their path with the knowledge and support to make their dreams a reality.

Learn more here: https://hudsonfinancialplanning.com.au/