As a part of our ongoing initiatives for our ‘Women in Alternatives’ programme, our Director of Funds and Corporate Nicola Le Brocq recently chatted with Raymó Frewen, Director at PwC.
What does being a Director at PwC Channel Islands entail?
As a Director at PwC, my role is a mix between a people coach and mentor, a business strategist, and a problem solver. I manage various teams – often juggling between 6 to 7 different engagements at a time – ensuring that we consistently deliver exceptional and high-quality services to our clients. My clients are mostly in the Asset and Wealth Management sector and I focus mainly on private equity and real estate funds, and this presents a lot of very interesting challenges. It also changes as the market acts and re-acts which definitely keeps me on my toes!
I also keep an eye on industry trends, look for ways to grow the business, and work on building strong relationships with our clients.
A key part of my role is taking time to mentor and develop younger team members, supporting their growth in both leadership and technical skills. At PwC, our commitment to excellence and innovation includes nurturing the next generation of leaders, a part of the job I’m deeply passionate about. I see it as essential to ensure that we are consistently advancing and achieving excellence in all we do.
Have you had any influential mentors and how important do you think mentorship is?
Absolutely, I’ve had the incredible privilege of being coached by some amazing and inspiring mentors who have really positively shaped my career, both back home in South Africa and here in Jersey.
Mentorship is incredibly important – it provides a crucial cornerstone and support system that helps navigate the complexities of a demanding industry. It’s like having a guide who helps you find your way through the maze of career decisions and client challenges. Good mentors offer perspective, share wisdom, and provide support and encouragement when things get tough. They also provide a level of challenge, often providing uncomfortable feedback that can be hard to take on board at the time but, with hindsight, was almost always spot on!
Being both a mentee and a mentor has shown me just how powerful those relationships can be, and how important it is to give back.
How do you balance your career and your personal life?
Balancing work and life is definitely a juggling act! For me, it’s all about setting boundaries and being disciplined with time management – both in and out of work. I make sure to carve out time for things I love outside of work, especially triathlon which is my passion and plays a big part in helping me keep my stress levels in check – and funnily enough solving problems I never even knew were problems!
I carefully plan my schedule to make sure I’m meeting work commitments without sacrificing personal time. Effective communication and transparency with my team are key to managing workloads and expectations. Ultimately, striking this balance is essential for staying productive and feeling fulfilled both at work and at home.
It’s probably important to say that it’s very difficult to imagine that you can have it all. There are times when I miss out – whether on social events, early finishes or sleep – but I’m happy with the balance and the overall outcomes.
How do you deal with the highs and lows of your role and/or the industry?
The highs and lows come with the territory, so it’s all about staying resilient and keeping a positive attitude. When things are going great, I try to celebrate those wins, no matter the size, with my team. And when we hit rough patches, I dive into problem-solving mode, leaning on my team and network for support and fresh ideas.
Ultimately, it’s about making a positive impact in my own sphere of influence—when each of us focuses on uplifting those around us, together it can drive substantial change.
I also try to keep things in perspective. Life outside of work, like family, friends, hobbies and downtime, helps me stay grounded and focused. As clichéd as it sounds – it is important to remember that challenges are just stepping stones to growth and development.
What advice would you give someone considering a career like yours?
Generally, the role of “auditor” is met with a confused look – often people don’t understand the role itself, or the variety which comes with it. As a junior trainee, it primarily means lots of tying out financial information to underlying data. As you advance and become more senior, the role changes and broadens significantly into that of a business consultant and trusted advisor role.
It’s challenging for sure, and like any role has ups and downs, but also provides so much opportunity if you’re willing to “go for it” and seize what comes along. Working at a leading firm like PwC presents access to a diverse client base, international travel, the ability to really influence your career direction and progression. PwC is an organisation that champions diversity and inclusion and I really value that.
Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of networking, many of my most valuable business contacts are long term friends who I’ve gotten to know over the years. Treating people with respect and integrity goes a long way, you never know who you’re going to meet in a boardroom or during an important pitch.
