The PD Women In Business Series is an interview-style blog series on the Pangea Dreams blog that highlights female entrepreneurs who have joined us on Retreats over the past several years. In this series, we will get to know these Alumni better and learn about the incredible businesses that they are running.
LAIDEEN DOCKERY
- Current Position: Founder & CEO, Laideen & Co Financial Group
- Currently Living: Toronto, Canada
- Hometown: London, UK
Hey Laideen! We are so excited to have you featured on this series! Can you tell our community a little background about you and how you got into the world of financial advising?
So I went to school for architecture but started a job in finance in order to help pay for university. I actually thrived in the financial world because I love numbers, and also like speaking with clients about their goals. After many promotions and working with a number of different financial institutions, I decided to continue with a career in finance after graduation.
At what point did you decide to start Laideen & Co Financial Group?
While working for a large financial corporation, I began to see a growing need for financial literacy among women. Three years ago I decided to open my own boutique financial firm to help women build confidence around their financial initiatives. I had been thinking about it for well over a year and finally decided to take the leap of faith and branch out on my own in 2016.
Have you always been entrepreneurial? What led you to take that first step and setting up your own business?
Yes, I have always been entrepreneurial as I believe we all have many different talents and if we can generate an income from some of them then that’s a bonus! My first job as a high school student was in a hair salon. The owner showed me how beneficial it can be to work for yourself. She owned three salons so that was my introduction to the concept of having the potential to create unlimited income. One of the pros of being a business owner is the freedom it allows you to pursue your passions. Taking the step to open Laideen & Co. Financial Group was quite simple, as I realized the freedom I would have in nurturing a community that lacked financial literacy.
If any, what challenges have you experienced as a woman in business during your overall career?
Although the face of finance is changing, it is still a very male-dominated industry. When I first started my business there was quite a bit of skepticism from my peers about whether a firm committed to growing a female client base would be profitable. I just knew that if I focused on educating my clients that their overall net worth would increase. Now I have a lot of male clients… most of them were referred from my female customers who were thriving financially.
Where would you say your business was at before the Pangea Dreams Puerto Vallarta Retreat 2019 and where would you say your business was after?
Before going to Mexico for the Pangea Dreams retreat in 2019 my business was growing but was lacking visibility. After the retreat, I was a lot more comfortable with social media and felt extremely confident about connecting my voice and expertise to my audience. The ladies of Pangea Dreams really took the time to understand my current and future offerings – and helped me to create a cohesive strategy to accomplish my goals. I left the retreat feeling empowered to grow my business knowing I had a new bond with ladies who genuinely want to see me win.
What is one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs just starting out in their journey?
Follow your gut. Sometimes there is no real explanation as to why you do not want to do a deal with a particular individual or brand, or maybe you are being told to go in a particular direction with your marketing, etc. – and that does not resonate with you. Trust your instincts. The only one who understands your vision wholeheartedly is you – and you are more aligned with your path to success than you may think.
How can someone get in touch with you?
Email: laideen@laideenandco.com
Personal IG: @laylayheartsu
Business IG: @laideenandco
Website: www.laideenandco.com
Thank you, Laideen!
Laideen is a Puerto Vallarta Retreat 2019 Alumna!
