A couple of months ago a coach I like and respect (a massive shout out to Jacqueline!) got in touch.

“I’ve mentoring this young man” she said “Who has had some challenges but is in the last year of an accountancy and finance degree…”

“He’s thinking that financial planning is a career he’s interested in and he wants to have a chat…He’s studying in Manchester but I’m sure you can Skype…”

I met with this young fella yesterday (who travelled from Manchester to my office in Essex to see me!) …and he made a positive impression straight away.

He was clearly motivated by the doing the right thing in the right way, super hard working and super determined that despite some challenges in his life he’d keep on working hard to make the most of the opportunities that came along.

We spent two hours together (as he’d travelled all the way down from Manchester, I wanted to make sure his trip was worthwhile) …and we spoke about life, what motivates us, why financial planning is an amazing career and everything in between.

I hope I helped and have committed to carry on helping him as much as time allows.

However, he definitely helped me by sharing some of his ideas, wearing his infectious enthusiasm on his sleeve and saying ‘yes’ to some opportunities to continue to build his professional network…which made that 2 hours spent certainly worthwhile for me!

I know it’s easier to be cynical. It’s easier to assume the world is a miserable and depressing place…. especially at the moment!

However, trying to help someone else every now and again might restore your faith in humanity! It certainly did for me.

Have a lovely day!