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Family Business: Why Family Business Succession Fails (and How to Fix It)
AAB / Our Team / Francesca Powell
Private individuals. Families. Business owners. Internal teams.
CSM team leader. Financial planning. Operations management. Team development. Collaboration.
Based in our London Gatwick office, Francesca Powell is a Support Team Leader in Technical Support at AAB Wealth. She plays a vital role in ensuring clients receive a first-class experience through efficient processes and thoughtful guidance. Managing the Client Service Management team, she oversees workflow, training, and recruitment to maintain the highest standards of service. In addition, Fran provides technical support to the financial planning team – researching, writing reports, checking new business submissions, and resolving both planner and client queries.
Having previously been a registered individual who attended client meetings, Fran understands first-hand what clients want and expect from their financial adviser. Her career has been driven by a desire to blend technical excellence with empathy – ensuring that every client feels listened to, supported, and confident in their financial journey. It was this balance of human connection and analytical thinking that first inspired her to pursue a career in financial planning support.
“For me, strong client relationships start with listening and following through. It’s important that clients feel heard. I believe consistency and transparency build trust over time. Whether I’m supporting a planner with a complex case or helping a client resolve a query, my goal is to create a sense of clarity and confidence.
I see every interaction as an opportunity to reassure clients that they are in safe hands, and I take real care in ensuring information is communicated in a way that feels accessible and reassuring. By staying proactive, remaining calm under pressure, and keeping clients updated at every stage, I aim to remove unnecessary stress so they can focus on what matters most.”
“One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learnt in my career is the power of the pause. When faced with challenges or conflicting priorities, I’ve learnt to stop, consider and breathe. This approach helps me see situations clearly and make better decisions for clients and colleagues alike. Paraplanning and technical support often involve translating complex information into clear, understandable reports. It’s not just about accuracy; it’s about maintaining calm focus while juggling multiple cases with different deadlines and priorities. That’s where discipline, organisation, and communication really make a difference.”
“I feel incredibly proud of the people in my team. Some have gone on to become financial planners, and others have chosen to remain as paraplanners – both paths equally valuable and rewarding. Watching them develop into confident professionals is a real highlight for me. When someone in the team thrives, it feels like a shared success. Leadership isn’t about control; it’s about creating an environment where others can flourish. Being part of a team that supports each other, celebrates achievements, and works collaboratively makes the work especially fulfilling. It’s inspiring to see how each person contributes to the wider success of AAB Wealth, and I feel privileged to play even a small part in their journey.”
“I’m always looking for ways to improve how we work. I’m particularly interested in how AI can help reduce capacity pressures and streamline our workflows – freeing up more time for relationship-focused work. I find it exciting to explore new tools or technologies that can simplify the more repetitive aspects of our roles, allowing the team to spend more energy on the areas where their expertise really adds value. I’m also keen to develop my leadership skills further so that I can continue to support and guide my team as our roles evolve. Improving efficiency and ensuring that the right people are doing the right tasks is a key focus for me as we grow with AAB Wealth. Ultimately, I want to create an environment where continuous improvement feels natural and where smarter ways of working lead to better outcomes for both colleagues and clients.”