Ten minutes with Mark O'Leary, executive financial consultant with FDC Financial Services

"The FS Care Team that I am heading up was launched earlier this year with a focus on servicing enhancements  and communicating with clients through digital transformation"

Mark O'Leary, executive financial consultant with FDC Financial Services in Cork. Mark heads up a business unit and manages a team with FDC. He is also a certified financial planner (CFP).

In his role as an executive financial consultant with FDC Financial Services, Mark O'Leary heads up a business unit and manages this team day-to-day. He is also a certified financial planner and continues to meet and advise clients daily.

How did you get started in your role with FDC Group?  

The Graduate Programme. I joined FDC Financial Services in February 2018 as a trainee consultant.

Why did you choose to work with FDC Group? 

FDC Financial Services offered me an opportunity to get practical industry experience whilst furthering my education and professional development.

What are you working on at present? 

The FS Care Team. This Business Unit that I am heading up was launched earlier this year with a focus on servicing enhancements  and communicating with clients through digital transformation.

What is the best part of your job? 

Dealing with people and helping them realise their financial goals.

How would you describe the company culture in three words? 

Client-centred approach.

Is there a career moment you are really proud of? 

A career moment that I am proud of was obtaining the Certified Financial Planner™ certification in 2023 as it represents the highest standard in financial planning globally.

Where do you see financial services five years from now?

The need for financial advice has never been greater than at present and I believe this will continue to be the case. In our industry, we are service providers to clients, and in doing so, we deal with people. The need for financial advice will still be prevalent in 5 years’ time as it is now, and I genuinely believe that will be the case as people like dealing with people.

What's the best piece of professional advice you've received? 

Focus on the controllable factors, don’t worry about things out of your control.

Is AI influencing your role or industry right now? 

Yes, it’s impacting every industry. In our industry, I believe it’s a case of AI assisting with the digital enhancement (not replacement) and simplifying the customer journey experience rather than replacing the need for advice.

If you could go back in time and give yourself a piece of advice at the start of your career, what would that be? 

Don’t take things personally. Sometimes, you can provide the right advice or recommendation, and the outcome still may not be the expected one.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about interviewing for this position? 

Ask yourself, do you see yourself in a client-facing role as a financial planner? As the skillset required for this position requires interpersonal skills. 

What would you say are the key skills and capabilities necessary to be good at what you do? 

Active listening and communication skills. After all, we are dealing with people so being able to understand what the client or a team member needs. These are key, in my opinion, as the technical knowledge and problem-solving solutions can be developed in time.

What is the best career lesson you have learned so far? 

Our role as a financial planner is to prepare a recommended financial plan and/or advise clients accordingly to enable them to make an informed decision; not to make the decisions for them. 

Which industry professionals should people be following on Twitter/ LinkedIn?

I don’t have a Twitter account, and I don’t currently use LinkedIn. I did a digital detox a year ago and to be honest, I haven’t missed it.

Is there a particular book or resource you’d recommend to someone early in their career? 

The LIA – www.lia.ie –  would be a good place to start your education and career pathway if you have an interest in a career as a financial professional. 

Resource wise – I’d listen to Podcasts regularly and these two feature regularly for me that someone might find helpful:

(1) TRAP: The Real Adviser Podcast;

(2) The David McWilliams Podcast. 

What’s your favourite place to holiday? 

Lloret De Mar in Spain.

What are you watching at the moment? 

Succession.

What’s your coffee order? 

A regular cappuccino.

www.fdc.ie/vacant-positions

FDC Financial Services Ltd is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.