Game changers: The power of a great coach in sport and investing

“A good coach can change a game; a great coach can change a life.” This quote from legendary US Basketball coach John Wooden captures the influence a truly great coach can have, reaching far beyond the confines of the game. This principle applies equally to the world of finance, where a skilled investment adviser can provide expert guidance to help you realise your financial goals, gain a sense of control over your finances and ultimately achieve peace of mind.

Creating a supportive environment

A great sports coach will create a positive environment where athletes feel safe to express themselves, make mistakes and learn without judgement. Similarly, a great investment adviser will take the time to get to know you, your values, goals, and risk tolerance.

Sara O’Connor, an investment adviser at Craigs Investment Partners says clients should feel empowered to ask any question and never be made to feel silly. “It is incredibly personal to open up about your finances so it’s important you feel comfortable and able to fully trust your investment adviser,” she says.

Taking a personalised approach

A skilled coach will tailor their methods to each athlete’s unique needs, abilities and goals. Just as no two players are the same, each investor brings their age, stage and life experiences with them on their investment journey.

O’Connor says this is where Craigs Investment Partners shines. “Craigs’ philosophy is ‘truly personal wealth’ because we believe everyone has a unique investing story, and that no one investment approach fits all. We specialise in tailoring portfolios to align with our clients’ unique financial goals, values and preferences.”

Strategy and planning

As with sport, success in investing requires careful strategy and planning. Dedicated coaches develop game plans to leverage players and outmanoeuvre opponents. Likewise, an expert investment adviser will create a considered investment strategy that aligns with an investor’s financial goals and risk tolerance. Craigs’ investment portfolios are structured using best practice asset allocation methodology and informed by expert research.

Teamwork and collaboration

Successful sports teams have coaches who foster effective communication and collaboration among team members. Similarly, successful investing involves collaboration between clients, investment advisers, researchers, and other professionals who can provide valuable insights and expertise.

Craigs investment adviser Annabel Shand says Craigs clients are well supported. She explains, “When you partner with us you are partnering with one of the largest Private Wealth Research teams in New Zealand. Our research not only covers assets such as Australasian equities and domestic fixed interest, but also has an extensive focus on international markets, private equity and alternatives.

We also engage directly with senior executives of listed companies like CEOs and CFOs, discussing market developments and company performance. This in-depth analysis provides insight into market movements, such as share price fluctuations. Clients can have confidence in our expertise and the support of our dedicated team,” she says.

Adaptability and resilience

Athletes are coached to be adaptable and resilient in the face of changing game conditions and unexpected challenges. Craigs’ portfolios are expertly constructed to help mitigate the impacts of market fluctuations, economic change and unforeseen events, as well as taking a client’s risk appetite and investment timeframe into account. An investment adviser is there to support you through any market turbulence and help you to stay on track towards your financial goals.

O’Connor says like a coach, investment advisers are there for you during the highs and lows. “Putting an investment adviser between you and your money can help when markets are volatile. A good investment adviser will help protect you from yourself, and keep you from making expensive, reactive decisions. We are there to lean on, use us,” she says.

Shand agrees. “Markets go through different seasons. Investment advisers can act as emotional circuit breakers and help prevent a tendency to chase returns or sell in volatile markets. This can avoid wealth destruction and significantly improve returns,” she says.

Long-term vision

While matches can be won with short-term tactics and manoeuvres, sustained success in sport requires a long-term vision and commitment to continuous improvement. The same is true of investing. Successful investing is not about making quick profits but rather about building wealth over time through disciplined saving, investing, and compounding returns.

Just as the impact of a great sports coach extends beyond the field, a skilled investment adviser’s influence reaches well beyond financial transactions. The value of engaging an expert with a deep understanding of individual needs, strategic planning, and a commitment to guiding others towards their goals cannot be underestimated.

Whether on the field or in the market, the right guidance can be a game changer.

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