It was 1997. I was young, ambitious, and just starting out in financial advice with Prudential. My manager handed me the keys to his BMW before my first client meeting in Shirley, Birmingham. Not because I needed a lift, but because he wanted me to feel what was possible.
That meeting was with a Rover factory worker in a modest semi. We spoke about pensions and protection, of course. But what stayed with me was when he pointed next door and said, “You should speak to him too.”
He didn’t realise it, but he taught me something no training manual ever could: great advisers don’t just serve clients, they earn trust, and that trust gets passed on. That’s when you know you’re doing it right.
This line of work isn’t known for its longevity. Plenty of advisers burn out. Some disappear behind boardroom titles. I didn’t.
I stayed because I still care about the work. I care when someone shifts from thinking insurance is unnecessary to understanding it’s about protecting the people they love. I still enjoy the detail, the challenge, the accountability.
Most of all, I value being the one they call when life doesn’t go to plan. I’ve been in the room when the bad news hits. When the claim form matters more than the brochure. That’s when proper planning proves itself.
There are corners of this industry where everything feels transactional. Chase the win, move on. That’s never been my approach. Real advice is personal. It’s the conversation where a widow realises she’ll be alright. It’s the moment a young parent stops seeing cover as a cost, and starts seeing it as a promise.
If you’re an expat and unsure where to start, that’s normal. You don’t need to get everything right today. We’ll take it step by step. I treat my clients' goals like they’re my own, because that’s how this should be done.
"There are corners of this industry where everything feels transactional. Chase the win, move on. That’s never been my approach. Real advice is personal."
I’ve built businesses and led international teams, and I’m proud of what that’s achieved. But none of it means anything if I’m not still advising. Advising keeps me sharp. It keeps me connected. My team know I won’t ask them to do anything I wouldn’t do myself. I lead by example, not job title.
I’ve helped people grow into leaders. Some now run their own firms. That doesn’t happen by accident. I hold people to a high standard, but I back it up with support and belief. Yes, I’ve made mistakes. Yes, I’ve changed. I’m not the same man I was in my twenties. I’ve seen what this role really means, and I understand the weight it carries. And I’m proud that it’s allowed me to support my family and the purpose I care about most.
I’m here because the work matters. Because when someone’s lost, I want to help them find their footing. Because being an adviser isn’t about shifting products, it’s about showing up, doing the right thing, and being counted on. After 20 years in Dubai, I’m still in the room. And I’m not going anywhere.
You do not have to decide overnight, but you owe it to yourself to explore what is possible. Let’s have a confidential conversation about how Skybound Wealth can support your transition into global finance.
"I’m here because the work matters. Because when someone’s lost, I want to help them find their footing. Because being an adviser isn’t about shifting products, it’s about showing up, doing the right thing, and being counted on. After 20 years in Dubai, I’m still in the room. And I’m not going anywhere."
If you’ve been thinking about your next step but haven’t found the right opportunity just yet, get in touch now. Whether you’re an adviser in the UK considering your next move or already working overseas, even if the timing isn’t right at this moment, we want to connect.
We’re always open to engaging with talented professionals who are passionate about making a real impact in the industry. At Skybound Wealth, we value long-term relationships and want to explore how you can contribute to our mission and how we can contribute to yours, even if that connection doesn’t happen today.
Let’s start the conversation and see where it leads.
