I started working as a temporary cashier in Alliance and Leicester when I was 19. At that point I’d never had a bank account, and I hadn’t really worked or done anything in financial services at all. At the time I didn’t even really understand what a bank account was. And because I’m a people’s person, I soon grew to become Head Cashier, and then a Savers Advisor and then a Mortgage Advisor, and then I was training other members of staff and other trainers.
I went on to cover bank managers, and by the time I was 28 I was a regional sales manager of a team of mortgage brokers and financial advisors. Then ten years ago, I started my own business. I’m the Director and Founder of Evolution Financial Planning, and I’m also an IFA (Independent Financial Advisor). I help women in particular with advice around their finances, their money and inheritance bonuses, and help them look after their pensions. Ever since I was little, I wanted a horse and a few years ago, I bought one called Goose and he’s five. I have two children, and I pretty much spend my time looking after all of them whilst horse riding.
No, never. Aside from I was going to be a vet, and then my teachers told me I wasn’t clever enough, so I wanted to be a veterinary nurse instead, and I still received a funny look, and the response was, I was probably more likely to be a receptionist.
And then with my career in financial services, I just kept going up the ladder with promotion after promotion. And then everything changed when I was made redundant when I was about 28 as I was also pregnant with my first child.
That’s when I decided to set up by myself and I’ve never looked back.
I think the biggest challenge was when I was made redundant.
And it was around the time when the recession hit, and there were no jobs. I went for job interviews in banks, doing cashier kind of roles all over again and I was walking out crying after the interviews, even though I was previously holding senior roles. My confidence was completely shot to pieces.
I also found it challenging to take financial exams when I was 21. I’ve never been academic, so taking those was a real struggle and I think I might be dyslexic so I can see why I struggled with them so much but I once I found my own way of studying, I realised that I could actually do it. It was possible.
Other challenges whilst being a business owner for 10 years, it comes with many challenges. You push yourself forward, but there are always times when you question are you good enough and am I capable of doing this whilst juggling family life and children? That initial pressure of making it work and making the business a success – that’s tough.
I’m writing my book, and financial advisor of the year, and more recently I’ve been shortlisted as wealth manager of the year, so I don’t know all of those are pretty big, really. I’ve also delivered a TEDx talk, and that’s right up there, so I can’t really pick one.
I’m very driven to achieve more to leave a legacy. And what I mean by that is that so little was expected of me, that I have a real drive to prove people wrong. It doesn’t matter where you come from, what you have done, or your career or qualifications. You can achieve anything if you put your mind to it.
Then from there, it’s also about wanting to have a comfortable life and achieve certain levels of financial success in terms of, you know, being financially comfortable, and having an impact on people’s lives helping as many of them as possible.
I’ve taught a lot of my team, and I’ve grown my team at different points of the business. So I’ve mentored them, and I also have people that I sort of take under my wing on occasion when necessary, but I’ve had mentors like marketing mentors, sales mentors, personal life coaches that kind of thing.
And I think it’s really, really valuable to have somebody in your life like that at the time that you need them, and often you can outgrow them. Hopefully that’s the goal. And then you would move on to somebody else that would maybe help you with something else, or what you need at that time. So, I very much agree with mentoring, and finding a mentor that suits you, and where you are at that time.
It’s actually not true. I’d say it’s more of a stereotype. It’s not that women are bad with finances, it’s, that they are quite risk adverse, so they don’t tend to invest, and they have gaps in their employment, gaps in their pensions, because often they’re earning less.But in regards to how they spend, they often spend more in an emotional sense so that’s either mostly what their needs are at the time, or the needs of their family at that time, so they don’t always think things through. And then there are those women when they’re at certain points of their life like I was when I was 21, I got into a lot of debt because I had a car accident and was in a lot of pain and spending the money made me feel good. So, as women we go through phases of our life where we have these moments, but equally they can also happen to men and you hear a lot of men getting into gambling debts.
Only you have the opportunity to make things change and be different. Or just carry on doing what you’re doing but know that you 100% have your own back and it’s okay to be vulnerable and it’s okay to ask for help.
My book is launching this week, and I’m hoping it will become a bestseller, and I’m hoping over the next year to three years to grow and have more female financial advisors employed by the firm so that we can help support more women to become financially independent.
The reason that’s a challenge is because it means I need to scale the business further. On a personal level, I’d like to win a hunter class with my horse and for my family to be happy and healthy because at the end of the day that’s all that’s important.
Rebecca Robertson’s book, Ten Ways to Accelerate Your Wealth – How to Align Your Finances for an Abundant Life is available on Amazon and in all good bookstores. www.evolutionfinancialplanning.co.uk
June
18jun10:0016:00Legal Essentials: Supporting Women at Work
18/06/2025 10:00 - 16:00(GMT+00:00)
Did you know that tribunal claims related to menopause, menstruation, fertility treatment and pregnancy loss are rising fast? Many employers don’t realise that these issues can
Many employers don’t realise that these issues can legally qualify as a disability under the Equality Act.
Yet most of these claims are avoidable with the right training, policies and action.
That’s why I’ve partnered with employment lawyer Hannah Strawbridge to deliver a full-day, live online course designed specifically for HR, DEI, and managers.
You will be able to:
Understand your legal obligations around women’s health issues
Recognise when they may be classed as a disability under the Equality Act
Take practical steps to reduce legal and reputational risk
Learn how to avoid tribunal claims
Handle health-related conversations and workplace adjustments with confidence
Create a legally compliant Women’s Health Action Plan
Whether you’re reviewing your current policies or building a strategy from scratch, this course will give you the legal clarity and practical support you need.
DATE: Wednesday 18th June
TIME: 10.00am – 4.00pm
PLACE: Zoom
19jun18:0021:00Discover How You Can Make a Difference at our eCubed Volunteer Social
19/06/2025 18:00 - 21:00(GMT+00:00)
Arch One
83 Rivington St, Shoreditch EC2A 3EY (the old Cargo)
Whatever your interests or skills, there’s a place for you on our passionate volunteer team. Together, we run inspiring
Join us for a relaxed evening of drinks, nibbles, and conversation with the eCubed team. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at what we do, how we do it, and the charities we champion.
Curious about getting involved? This is the perfect chance to throw yourself into the eCubed experience and see if it’s the right fit for you. All you need is a can-do attitude and a passion for creating positive change—everything else is a bonus.
Day : Thursday 19th June, 2025
Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Location : Arch One, 83 Rivington St, Shoreditch EC2A 3EY (the old Cargo)
Simply register below, let us know any guests you’d like us to bring. We can’t wait to meet you. You’re guaranteed to meet some awesome people and hopefully be inspired to get involved or even share some new ideas – no pressure, no obligation.
26junAll DayThe Brilliance Summit 2025
26/06/2025 All Day(GMT+01:00)
De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms
The Edinburgh Suite, 61-65 Great Queen St, London WC2B 5DA
We’re proud to announce our partnership with The Brilliance Summit, an electrifying one-day event for women in leadership
This isn’t just a summit—it’s a movement.
“At The Brilliance Summit, women show up, speak up, and level up. They shake off limitations, own their presence, and lean into their next level.”
Taking place in London on Thursday, 26th June this transformative event is curated for ambitious women who lead, whether that’s in the boardroom, the business world, or within themselves.
Here’s why this matters:
We’ve seen the power of what happens when women are given space to show up fully—and this is that space.
As partners, we’re excited to offer our community a discounted ticket.
Use code WeAreTheCity2025 at checkout to access your exclusive rate.
Grab your ticket now at www.thebrilliancesummit.com
Let this be the moment you stop waiting and start owning your brilliance.
26jun08:0017:00WeAreTech Festival | Hybrid Conference
26/06/2025 08:00 - 17:00(GMT+01:00)
etc.venues, St Paul's,
200 Aldersgate St, Barbican, London, EC1A 4HD
As a hybrid event dedicated to empowering women in technology, our festival continues to break barriers and redefine industry norms. This year promises an even more exhilarating experience as we bring together women from diverse backgrounds and experiences to share knowledge, inspire one another, and create new opportunities for growth and advancement in the tech industry.
The WeAreTech Festival is a beacon of inspiration for women in the tech industry, urging them to confidently stride forward in their careers. Our goal is simple yet profound: to inspire and motivate every attendee to take bold steps towards their professional aspirations.
Throughout the day, you’ll have unparalleled access to the wisdom and insights of senior leaders in the tech field. Engage with thought-provoking discussions through our panels, where you can contribute your perspectives and glean invaluable knowledge from industry experts.
But that’s not all. The afternoon sessions are designed to put you in the driver’s seat of your learning journey. Tailor your experience to your needs and interests, shaping your path towards growth and success in the tech world.
And let’s not forget the added perks of speed networking and mentoring. Connect with like-minded individuals, forge meaningful relationships, and gain invaluable guidance from seasoned professionals who are eager to support your journey.
At the WeAreTech Festival, we believe in empowering women to embrace their potential and seize every opportunity that comes their way. Join us, and let’s embark on this transformative journey together.