It’s that time again where we give the famous ten questions to one of our team and get to know them a bit better. This time it’s the turn of Sarah Pounds our long-time colleague and all-round operations powerhouse. From HR and compliance to client support and keeping the wheels turning behind the scenes, Sarah plays a key role in making sure Town Close runs smoothly.
1. When did you join the team and how did you find out about the role?
Bizarrely enough it was ultimately through LinkedIn – although Jeremy and I were at Bristol Poly
/ UWE together so we did know each other! It was around September 2013 and I was on
maternity leave and not going back to my former role so though I should update my LinkedIn
profile. I cringed as I wrote something like “ Full time Mum looking for part time opportunities”.
Luckily for me Jeremy was starting to build up his client base and needed help with the admin
side of things and saw my post. The rest, as they say, is history!
2. Can you describe your role and the primary responsibilities you handle?
No, not really! The role has grown as the company has grown and it’s changed over the years
as new people have joined the team. It’s a support role, sort of operations - a bit of HR / payroll
/ compliance / client support. I was off sick last May for about 8 months and during that time my
role had to be covered. Now I’m back it’s a good time for the team (with Suzan’s expert
guidance) to work out where I can help out and not just automatically pick up where I left off.
3. What’s a typical day like for you?
The day starts with zoom catch up with Zoe, Emma and the two Louises! We do discuss work
topics but it’s also a bit like gathering round the kettle for your morning cuppa when you work in
an office! As we are all working remotely it’s a nice way to stay connected. Then it’s checking
emails and messages and getting on with tasks which are due and responding to anything that
needs doing.
4. What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
My lovely colleagues and the great TCFP clients. It’s a cliché but it’s so true. Its great to hear
feedback from clients who have managed to do things they didn’t think were possible, or who
share life events with us. It really does feel like we’re making a difference and it’s not all about
the money which historically I think IFAs had a bad name for.
5. What do you appreciate most about working with your current team?
Their support and friendship, it means the world.
6. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
I feel like I should say something meaningful here but the others who have done this previously
have already sorted out the world so I think I’d like the ability to teleport!
7. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
It’s nice to be nice.
8. If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Oh that’s such a toughie! Italian. You can’t mean just name one actual item of food, that’s way
too difficult. So I’ll say Italian.. but ask me next week and it might be Thai or roast dinners or
steak….. It definitely wouldn’t be sushi.
9. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I feel very lucky to have travelled to a lot of places that I have wanted to visit. I quite fancy
seeing Las Vegas just because it sounds so bizarre
10. If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you want to
have with you?
Drinking water, lip balm/sun screen (can I count that as one?) and a way to listen to music