Five questions with Liam Stocklinger YPSIAA, Chief Operating Officer, Leeuwin Wealth, Perth
1. How long have you been in the industry?
Around nine years now.
2. What inspired you to pursue a career in stockbroking or investment advice, and what do you enjoy most about working in the industry?
I started out at a boutique corporate finance firm and later spent time at a global investment bank, prior to ending up at Leeuwin. What drew me in is the constant change, markets moving as the news and the world shifts (which is almost daily at the moment). I find that endlessly fascinating and exciting, and the chance to then problem-solve around this to make sure clients get good outcomes, is almost addictive. In my current role as Chief Operating Officer at Leeuwin Wealth, my role sits a little behind the front line – working across the whole business to make sure our advisers and clients are well supported – but the motivation is the same – helping the team deliver genuinely strong client outcomes in the ever-changing world.
3. What led you to become a Young Professional member of SIAA, and how has membership supported you or your business?
I first attended the SIAA conference in 2021, almost by accident, after a colleague pulled out last minute. I hadn’t even heard of SIAA before that. But once I saw the work it does for the profession, in driving regulatory and professional standards change, delivering quality training and development, and connecting with people navigating the same challenges, membership was an easy decision. For a firm like Leeuwin, where we work across broking, investment advice and more holistic financial planning, SIAA is a natural home and I can’t speak more highly of the team at SIAA HQ in supporting the industry.
4. What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned during your career?
That something will always go wrong – the unexpected is almost the only thing you can count on, and even the best-laid plans need adjusting. The lesson is not to fear change, and not to fear admitting when you’re wrong. Being willing to adapt and course-correct, rather than defend the original plan, is usually what leads to the best outcomes.
5. Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing to switch off?
Hockey is a big part of my life; I’ve been involved as a player, coach and administrator in hockey for years, and I’m currently President of the UWA Hockey Club, which keeps me busy in the best way. Beyond that, I’m a keen sports watcher and I am planning my next holiday – the next trip booked is snowboarding and hiking in Canada at the end of the year.
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