Success doesn’t stem from what you already know, it’s about how hard you’re willing to work. That’s financial adviser Dean Loosmore’s notion and it’s served as the basis for his continued success throughout his career. The interests we have at a young age define how our futures unfold. At age 16, Dean Loosmore knew he had a passion for numbers and giving back to others. Dean wanted a career that’d allow him to excel at both. After being inspired by a family friend who was a Certified Financial Planner®, Loosmore discovered the world of financial advice was an opportunity to add real value to people’s lives and make a difference. Today, Loosmore is a Certified Financial Planner® and Director at Lio & Associates, heading up the financial advice arm of the organisation. With a wealth of industry experience, Dean has gained a reputation based on trust, technical excellence and mutual understanding. “I pride myself on being a soundboard – it’s important to listen so I can understand a client’s situation and then provide relevant and transparent advice … at the end of the day, I always think back to: ‘what would I advise my parents?’,” he said. “I’m passionate about working with people to solve their problems. There’s no greater satisfaction than being able to help people in their time and need.” After attaining an Advanced Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning) with Kaplan Professional early in his career, Loosmore returned to Kaplan Professional to complete his Master of Financial Planning with a distinction average. A grade he considered pleasantly surprising, given he didn’t consider himself a ‘star student’ during his schooling years. Dean’s obviously quite humble though, as he was also a finalist in the AFA’s prestigious Excellence in Education award in 2018. Loosmore’s longstanding education and career journey has been fuelled by determination, persistence and initiative. Starting his journey with Kaplan Professional over 11 years ago, he describes his decision to continue his education with Kaplan Professional as a ‘no brainer’. “Kaplan Professional are undeniably the market leader for professional education within the financial services sector,” he said. It’s crucial to always stay one step ahead because this is an industry that’s constantly evolving.” Family, work and life are always key considerations when it comes to undertaking further study. For regionally-based financial advisers, Kaplan Professional’s online learning set up aids them with convenience and ongoing support. For Dean, it meant sacrificing less time with his family. “Studying to me never came easy so taking advantage of the flexibility that Kaplan Professional provided me with ensured that I wasn’t working under pressure,” he said. As an education provider, they lead the way when it comes to providing the flexibility to balance work, study and a personal life.” Loosmore’s strategy for balancing his commitments was bringing his support network on the journey with him. Perhaps most pleasingly for him, by showing commitment to his studies, he was able to inspire his young children to value the importance of education. “I wanted to set a good example for my kids and they bought into it with me,” he said. “It was a truly rewarding feeling to celebrate the little wins as a family unit – when I finished a subject in my masters or when the kids did well on a school project.” Thriving throughout a dynamic time in the industry requires perseverance but Dean believes that’s all a part of the role. He considers education to be an advantageous component of financial advice, rather than just a necessary one. “A further qualification is more than just a certificate … it’s an accolade and that holds a great deal of value to your clients, peers and work colleagues,” he said. “Financial planning is a constantly changing for the better and cooperating with changes such as the new professional standards are a part of the role. You’ve got to do what you’ve got to do.” For those about to embark on further education, Loosmore has a word of advice for his peers. “Remain committed to your end goal and keep chipping away, one step at a time,” he said. “The biggest challenge when studying can be trying not to be overwhelmed. Stay focused on your purpose because each and every adviser has a lot to give back. Plan for your future but try not to overthink taking the next step. Taking everything too seriously can create a sense of intimidation.” “Look at every subject as the ‘next logical step’ for the progression of your career,” Dean adds. “I learned very quickly that ‘it’s not about IQ, but I will’ when it comes to succeeding in education. Start or continue your journey with courage and always remember to back yourself.” Given the changing landscape of the industry, there’s never been a better time to further yourself through education. According to Dean, taking the initiative to leap into your first subject is a hurdle worth jumping now. “Many people procrastinate starting when it comes to study … you need to tell yourself that the time has passed for excuses,” he said. “Right now’s the most opportune time to jump on board in the last 30 years. Advisers who embrace what’s required today will be rewarded in years to come. You have an opportunity to build a strong legacy and leave the industry in a better place than when you started.” Speaking of the next generation, Loosmore would encourage any young person thinking about financial advice to “give it a shot”. “If you’re trustworthy, dedicated and passionate about helping people, then you have what it takes,” he said. “At the end of the day, if you can make a difference to one person’s life, then that’s all that matters. If you’re good enough, you’re old enough … don’t let anybody talk you out of it.”