TGt Meets IWD Special…Ana Badhan of Future Planning

Its International Women's Day! Read on to learn all things Ana Badhan of Future Planning.

Tell us a bit about yourself …

Initially, I pursued Human Biology at university before venturing into the pharmaceutical industry. Transitioning to accountancy, I trained with a Chartered Accountancy firm then become an auditor at the Government Internal Audit Agency (GIAA) which was great experience and insight into large government-funded innovative projects.

Later on, I had the opportunity to work with private equity investors in some business acquisition projects, which sparked my passion for business and management. I continue to further my training and development, have started working with a business coach in 2023 and am currently doing the Help to Grow Management programme at Oxford Brookes Business School. I have a real passion for seeing businesses succeed and making a positive impact in the community.

Outside of work, I love travelling, am a major foodie and enjoy spending time with my husband and friends.

Tell us about your business

Future Planning offers independent and expert financial advice, as well as a range of other financial services such as tax planning, financial planning, estate planning and mortgages. We differ from other firms because we put excellent customer service and client needs at the forefront of everything we do. Making a positive impact in the community is also really important to us and regularly support Prospect Hospice, a local charity, via events and fundraising.

What do you love most about your job?

The opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others while building strong relationships with both our clients and my team. Over the years, I have had the privilege of forming long-term friendships with many of my clients, which speaks to the depth of the relationships we've cultivated. These relationships extend beyond business transactions and knowing that I am making a difference is incredibly fulfilling.

What is your proudest achievement?

• Securing a £12m funding line with the British Business Bank with a previous business
• Being part of an acquisition project, auditing a business that Deborah Meaden invested in
• Making a positive impact in the community and people’s lives. Since 2022, I have helped raise £12,000 for Prospect Hospice, a local charity that provides unparalleled end-of-life care. My assistant Jessi and I are skydiving in April to fundraise funds for Prospect Hospice, and we are at 150% of our target which is incredible, we are so grateful for everyone who has supported us so far.
• Lastly, but most importantly, my current team. Every one of them is a true team player, thrives to become a better person and believes in what we do. We have real synergy, playing to each of their strengths, whilst working as a tight-knit team.

This year’s IWD theme is ‘Inspire Inclusion’ – what does this mean to you?

Inspiring inclusion means actively fostering an environment where diversity is celebrated and embraced as a source of strength and innovation. It's about recognising and appreciating the richness of experiences, backgrounds, and identities that everyone brings to the table.

What are the biggest challenges you have faced in your career?

Gender bias is still a big issue in the Financial industry, and often we are overlooked for promotions and leadership opportunities.

How do you balance your business and personal life?

Running a business takes a lot of devotion and when you run a business with your husband, sometimes it’s hard to switch off, so this is something I reflect on extensively. I believe in setting strict boundaries between work and personal time.

I also learned the real value of delegation of collaboration, empowering those around me to take ownership of tasks and projects. Nobody can do it all on their own.

Which women inspire you the most?

So many! Deborah Meaden from Dragon’s Den (I did some work for her a few years ago and really admire the way she conducts business), Karren Brady, Michelle Manuel from Investec (my mentor), Arah Prett from St. James Place (my business coach). They have all taught me a lot about business and how to conduct myself.

What advice would you give to a woman starting her own business?

Just go for it and learn along the way. Don’t be scared to hire people who are better than you at specific areas and invest in the people, they are your biggest asset.

Click here to find out more about Ana Badhan's fundraising.

Read Future Planning's blog.