Monique Gourlay’s path into wealth management began during a recession, when she joined a major bank’s graduate program straight out of university. The experience opened doors to a role in stockbroking and ultimately led her to wealth management. Today, with over 25 years in the industry, Monique advises individuals, families, and not-for-profit organisations at our partner, Evans & Partners.
I provide investment advice to a diverse range of clients, including individuals, families, and not-for-profit organisations. My role is about helping them navigate markets and make informed decisions that align with their financial goals.
Each day starts with an 8am morning meeting, which helps set the tone and spark ideas I can take to clients. Between 8:30 and the ASX open at 10am, I review overnight news, analyst reports, and discuss market movements with colleagues. I also check international orders and open positions to assess any price-impacting developments. The rest of the day is filled with client-specific tasks such as reporting trades, phone calls, meetings, and preparing advice documentation. For my not-for-profit clients, I prepare monthly summaries and detailed quarterly performance reports.
Occasionally, I attend fund manager presentations over lunch. After the market closes at 4pm, I review the day’s transactions and monitor overseas orders. The quieter hours post-market are ideal for writing reports, and I sometimes attend networking events in the evening.
I love teaching clients about investing. It’s incredibly satisfying to demystify complex concepts and watch clients grow in confidence and understanding over time.
Time management is a constant challenge. Everything can feel urgent, and it’s easy to get caught up reacting to tasks as they arise. I’ve learned to prioritise impactful work, delegate where possible, and stay focused, even if it’s easier said than done!
A finance-related degree provides a strong foundation. The most important non-technical skill is a genuine love of working with people. Listening, empathy, and building trust are essential to long-term success.
Listening and empathy are just as important as market knowledge.
After university, I joined a major bank’s graduate program during a tough economic period. I quickly realised banking wasn’t for me, but I completed the program and used that experience to land a role as a research assistant at a stockbroking firm. From there, I transitioned into wealth management when I discovered I preferred working with people over institutional investors.
It can take a long time to build a client base. Be persistent and you’ll get there in the end.
Honestly, no. I’d do exactly what I did with no regrets.
The Salt Path by Raynor Winn. It’s a true story about resilience, resourcefulness, and not giving in, even in the face of adversity.
Wiser Than Me by Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Insightful and engaging.
Japanese summer festivals. I’m travelling there soon and looking forward to experiencing one firsthand.
Share:
I really love teaching clients more about investing. It is really satisfying to demystify something to people and see their progression over time.
Future IM/Pact is a collaborative initiative across the investment management and advice industry aimed at increasing representation of female investors and advisers, and creating workplace cultures where everyone can flourish.
Future IM/Pact is a collaborative initiative across the investment management industry aimed at increasing representation of female investors and creating workplace cultures where everyone can flourish.
© 2018–2025 All rights reserved, Future IM/Pact (ABN 84 606 251 549). Website by Studio Clvr.
