Life beyond Radford
Lisa Weissel ( Savenije )
- Masters, Deakin University, Certified Financial Planner
- Bachelor Degree, Charles Sturt University, Bachelor of Business Studies
- Partner and Certified Financial Planner
- Partner & Senior Financial Planner
MiQ Private Wealth What does life look for you now?
I am married and soon to celebrate our 20th anniversary. We have one daughter, currently in year 10 at Burgmann Anglican College in Gungahlin.
I am a partner in my firm, which has offices around the country, and enjoy assisting a variety of people to achieve their personal and financial goals.
We have two horses (my daughter's mare and her foal) and one cat. We have lived in various locations around Australia during our married life and traveled around the world.
Tell us what you are passionate about?
I am most passionate about improving financial literacy in our community and provide a number of courses through Lakenite Learning (Community College at Ginninderra) to this effect, as well as quarterly workshops in our business for public and clients alike. I am hoping to do more with the UC Foundation over the next few years in this space also. As a family, we love to travel and spend time with our animals :)
When you were young, what were you hoping to be when you grew up?
Originally, I hoped to be a Vet or a Doctor. Wanted to really help people around me and be with animals. I started out that way in a Bachelor of Science and working part-time with a Vet. Turns out I couldn't cope with blood in the operations, so, looked to other ways I could achieve that goal of helping people around me.
What is your favourite Radford moment?
That’s a hard one.
First, Mr McKinnon in 1988, I was in year 7, new of course and knew no one. He had taken the trouble to meet with all of us personally (although I realise now that was part of the process) and asked questions to get to know us like he really cared. It made me feel better about coming to a new school and whenever he saw me around the school, he would stop and speak to me, call me by name. He remembered.
At the other end, I shall never forget being a part of ‘the Wiz’ in 1992. It was a small part but I felt included and like I was contributing to something amazing!
Finally, the year 11 sendoff song for year 12 that my year group was a part of. Another song I’ll never forget. ‘It’s the dream within your heart that keeps you going, when nothing in the world seems right.’ That has helped me through some of the toughest times in my life so far.
Do you have a particular role model or inspirational figure from Radford or now?
John Foulcher. He was my English teacher in senior school and influenced my creative side to the point where I now speak in front of hundreds of people with confidence - sharing ideas and knowledge. I don’t think I could have done that without his pushing and support, although he probably never knew it.
How easy was it to decide what to do in life?
Not so easy, as my original idea did not pan out it took me a few tries to find what my true vocation was. I have had many experiences over the years but find my role to be truly rewarding and a great reason to get up every day.
Did your further study or career go exactly as you'd planned?
No, as I ended up changing my Bachelor degree several times as I tried on different careers. However, I got there in the end and would encourage any student to keep an open mind and don't feel you are locked in from Day 1 - there are always new options and avenues to explore. Nothing is impossible!
What do you know now, that you wish you'd known when you were at Radford?
The benefits of budgeting, the difference between "good debt" and "bad debt", and that the more you give, the more you get.
What advice do you have for current students?
Always look to improve yourself, compared to yourself. Don't judge your abilities by those around you, but be inspired by them and allow yourself to be the best "you" that you can. Challenge yourself and don't be afraid to have a go.