Women in Finance: Woman of the Year Award

Woolloongabba business woman, Olivia Maragna from Aspire Retire Financial Services has been named a finalist in the inaugural Woman of the Year Award, a huge accolade to be singled out for her business achievements and commitment to leading change and breaking down barriers, creating new possibilities for the next generation. 

The Brisbane based finance commentator and regular columnist of Brisbane Times Good Finance Advice, is one of 11 finalists in the running for the national award celebrating the achievements of groundbreaking women.  In an industry once dominated by men in charcoal suits, the changing of the guard being ushered in by the growing number of women at the top of Australia’s financial services companies represents a major milestone.

Her business, Aspire Retire Financial Services has thrived, winning numerous awards including the Telstra Qld Small Business of the Year, the 2012 Hall of Fame Business Achievers Award and the Australian Financial Adviser of the Year. 

When asked about Business Success, Maragna explains that always adding value to clients and providing good old-fashioned client service are two key reasons that they have prospered despite a difficult business environment.

“Our clients are the most important people we will see today. We know their families, what issues they are facing, their financial dreams and even how they like their tea or coffee. It’s our attention to these matters that let our clients know we listen and we care about them.

It is also vital to have a point of difference to separate yourself from the competition. Aspire Retire’s is in their business model.  They are independent and aren’t tied to large corporations, they employ financial planners with an accounting background and they charge a flat dollar fixed fee rather than the commission or percentage based model that most financial advisers use.

A recipe of success that has seen the business grow with over 95% of their business coming from word of mouth referrals from satisfied clients.  “It’s a statistic that we are very proud of,” says Maragna. 

The winner of the Woman of the Year Award will be announced on 20 November at the Ivy Ballroom in Sydney. 

END