Meet the Clarion Family

Meet Sharon Sutherland

What is your role at Clarion?

I am an ‘Adviser Client Support’, providing administration assistance to the adviser and paraplanner along with some additional duties.

How did you take your first steps in to Financial Planning?

In South Africa I started off in banking and worked there for around nine years. I then moved to a financial services provider, where I worked in various roles and sectors over the next 18 years. For the majority of this time I specialised as an Employee Benefits Business Development Manager (specialist adviser). It seems I am definitely made for the financial services industry!

What do you think Clarion offers its clients that makes us unique?

Clarion is a company that puts and keeps the clients’ needs and interests at the forefront, while at the same time valuing their employees. We work as a team to ensure that the client experience is comfortable and professional. The team has a wealth of experience and knowledge which is readily shared.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learnt in your role?

The team has a wealth of experience and knowledge which is willingly shared. Genuinely, I learn something new every day and the support towards my studies is amazing.

When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I grew up in a farming community and in my younger years I always thought I would be a farmer’s wife! I have always had an interest in helping others, particularly children and in later years, wanted to be a child psychologist. But I soon realised that I wouldn’t be able to achieve the emotional distance required in that profession.

Who has inspired you in your life and why?

It probably seems like a cliché – but my mother. My mother was widowed at a young age with two small children and her courage, faith, and love inspire me. She has taught me to believe that I can do anything I put my mind to.

What keeps you awake at night?

Not very much thankfully. I generally sleep well unless my children are ill (they are 23 and 25 now, so that is not too often anymore!).

Spring, summer, autumn or winter?

In the UK – most definitely summer! I love stand up paddling so the long evenings are perfect for an after work paddle.