This month we speak to Susan Rallings, Senior Vice President, Financial Adviser
Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
Q. What does a regular day look like for you?
My day starts at 6.30, checking what has happened in financial markets around the world, responding to personal emails, messages, checking and responding to my work emails, into the office by 9am, update with my team, and then the chaos begins. Whilst I have a plan of what I would like to achieve my day is often dictated by the needs of my clients, the continually changing stockmarket, protecting and growing the wealth of my clients, problem solving and finding appropriate solutions. Any given day may include myriad phone calls and meetings which include private clients, charities, boards, committees, staff, peers, ongoing education and all the other exciting events that happen. My day at work usually finishes around 7pm.
Q. Do you feel as though you have enough ‘time to live’ in your week for things that you like doing?
I get a lot of satisfaction in my work, if “time to live” is personal time, I struggle to take time for myself, and have difficulty putting in personal boundaries.
Q. How do you manage work/life integration?
Work/life integration is pretty easy as I am very lucky that I love what I do and have the ability to follow my passion in my work and life. I am surrounded by a supportive husband and a fantastic team so feel very grateful to be able to do this.
Q. What are three things you can’t live without?
A sense of humour, great family and friends and my iPhone!
Q. Do you have any ‘guilty pleasures’ in regards to your time? If so, why do you feel guilty about them?
My holidays, reading a good book and regular massages. I am a person who is always seeking better ways of doing things, I am very involved in the community and love meeting with clients, friends and new people so when I am taking this time for myself I feel guilty!
Q. Do you have any outside help?
Yes I have a cleaner, gardener and a bookkeeper.
Q. How has having them changed your lifestyle for the better?
By having this help I have been able to focus on my priorities and spend more time working on my business and also doing the philanthropic work I enjoy.
Q. What next big exciting event is on your ‘list’?
Every year my husband and I try to undertake a physical and mental challenge, this allows us time together, time to stop, reflect and take time out to refocus on what is important to us. In March we completed the Camino Primitivo in Spain a 2 week pilgrimage walk of just over 350 kms, we are now looking for the next challenge considerations such as trekking in Japan, Canada or England.