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11:41 AM 9th January 2023
business

10 in 10: Sarah Giles

 
Sarah Giles is Head of Financial Planning at Progeny, is the latest regional business professional in the hot seat as we give her just 10 minutes to answer our 10 burning questions.

What does a typical working day for you involve?

My days and weeks can vary quite a bit, which keeps things interesting. A typical day involves helping with queries from both my team and other individuals across the business, joining meetings to discuss and progress projects that I’m involved in and looking at how to enhance the service we provide to our financial planning clients. I am based at our Leeds office but regularly travel to our other offices around the UK to deliver training or simply just to catch up with those in the team that are non-Leeds based.

What makes your company special?


By a mile, it’s the people who are just the best bunch. Everyone is always happy to help and support each other and there’s a lot of laughs and social get togethers. I have been very fortunate during my time at Progeny to have progressed my career in a way that I never imagined when I first joined and I feel extremely lucky to work closely with so many talented individuals.

Do you dress up or down for work?

I like to be smart for work and mostly have what I would call a ‘work wardrobe’. You would never find me in trainers at work!

What piece of advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

Do what you enjoy. It’s often too easy to compare yourself to others but you’ll get much more benefit from focusing on you and not what others around you are doing.

What’s your favourite Yorkshire venue for an event or team away day?

We’ve had some great team socials at the Roxy venues in Leeds. Pool, ping pong, golf and karaoke certainly highlight who the competitive ones are!

How do you prefer to travel for business?


I do enjoy driving but for longer distances, such as London or Edinburgh, I will travel by train.

What’s your favourite place in Yorkshire to relax?


I like relaxing at home with friends and family. I’m also very happy in my own company with a good book or sitting and playing the piano. Away from home, I have always had a really great experience at the Titanic Spa in Huddersfield.

Where is your favourite place to eat in Yorkshire, and what dish do you recommend?

I enjoy all different types of cuisine, but my favourite would be Italian - I love a risotto! Amici in Alwoodley, North Leeds, does great food.

What do you miss most about Yorkshire when you’re away?

I’m not originally from Yorkshire but after almost 20 years here and having married a Yorkshireman, it’s most definitely home now. I miss my home comforts when I’m away as well as being able to get out for a walk and enjoy a good pub lunch.

Do you have any business rules that you swear by?

Always be yourself and take pride in what you do. As a manager, getting to know your team on an individual level is really important, as this is what creates those strong and valued relationships.

Want to feature in our 10 in 10 column? Then contact our business editor businessr@p.ublished.com