Kirsten Essex

Implementation Manager

Professional Snapshot

A little insight into how they work, what they specialise in, and how they support clients day to day.

What does your day-to-day life at HPartners look like?

My day starts with coffee and collaboration via our morning teams meeting. As a Client Services Manager, I lead our daily WIP with team members across all offices in the Investments arm of our Group. We troubleshoot implementation challenges, share real-life scenarios to upskill the team, and workshop smarter, faster ways to keep our implementation processing more efficient. We also make space to share personal challenges from time to time, building trust through a safe and supportive environment. It’s part strategy, part support, and all about the team having the skills and confidence to take on the simplest to the most complex tasks.

What areas of financial planning, accounting, or legal services do you specialise in?

specialise in? I specialise in processing efficiencies – coming from a global procurement, category management and demand planning position in food manufacturing, I bring a unique background to the operational aspect of the implementation, especially now with integration of data management and transfer within Financial Planning.

What do you love most about working with clients?

The personal relationships that are built. I love hearing about what is happening in their lives, sharing in the wins but also supporting them when life challenges arise.

Is there a memorable moment or client success story that stands out to you?

you? There are many memorable moments but the ones that stand out to me the most are the ones where we have been able to support family members through illness and death of their loved ones.

A Bit of Personality

Because good advice starts with good people – here’s a glimpse of the person behind the role.

How would your clients or colleagues describe you in 3 words?

I couldn’t think of them so, I cheated and asked! They said: calm/patient, funny and crazy (that seems like a contradiction! Perhaps it reflects that I support them in the way they need at the time – if the situation calls for patience, I can be, if fun is required then sign me up!)

What’s something clients might be surprised to learn about you?

I love to build things – I asked for a drop saw for my 18^(th) birthday!

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?

I love to cook for my family and friends and share the meal with lots of laughter and silliness. I find stress relief in creating things or some good old fashioned hard labour. I grew up on acreage – my mum and dad built the house we lived in, and we were all along for the ride. My mum taught me how to sew and we lived off our own livestock. Anything that takes me back to those roots brings me great pleasure. a meal for family and friends a priority for me right now” and see if it rings true. Many times, when I have asked myself this question, I have made a different choice… “I’m too busy” was just an excuse for something I didn’t want to do.

Quickfire Fun

A few quick questions to get to know them a little better.

Coffee or tea?

Beach or mountains?

Favourite local sport or weekend activity?

A quote you live by?