On Saturday, November 9th, we were thrilled to host a conferring ceremony at the RDS for the graduates of the Postgraduate Diploma in Business in Financial Planning.
This event was especially meaningful as it provided a long-awaited opportunity for graduates, lecturers, and the LIA team to gather in person after 18 months of dedication and hard work. We were truly honoured to celebrate this significant achievement with students and their families.
We are immensely proud to have supported our students in their professional development and look forward to continuing this journey with them as they begin the next exciting chapter of their careers. We are confident they will make a positive and lasting impact on the wellbeing of those who seek their guidance.
A special congratulations to Brian Forde, CFP®, who was awarded the prestigious Daniel Grimes Gold Medal. This award is a recognition not only of academic excellence but also of the dedication, passion, and high standards of achievement embodied by the award's namesake. Daniel Grimes, remembered with respect and admiration, was a beacon of excellence and commitment in the field. His father, Paul Grimes, Chief Professionalism Officer for the Financial Planning Standards Board Ltd. and a former lecturer on the program, has been a vital advocate for raising standards in financial planning, making this award a fitting tribute.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our guest speaker, former New Zealand rugby player and mental health advocate, Brent Pope. He spoke passionately about his guiding philosophy, SPACE, a framework he often returns to for maintaining mental well-being and balance. He encouraged graduates to focus on creating a Safe environment—whether through mindfulness practices or simply encouraging breaks for a walk. He emphasised the importance of identifying one’s Purpose and revisiting it during challenging times to stay grounded. He spoke about Achievement, noting that accomplishments can range from small daily tasks, like making lunch, to big wins, like signing a new deal. Connection is also key, whether it’s connecting with colleagues or nurturing a deeper relationship with oneself. Finally, Enjoyment plays a vital role—he urged everyone to carve out time each day for personal joy, doing something purely for the pleasure it brings, emphasising the importance of living in the moment and cherishing each day.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this first Postgraduate graduation such a memorable celebration!
Registrations are now open for the next intake of the Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning. You can learn more about the program here, or listen to our webinar series where past students share their experiences in detail.