Cultivating an advice profession makes long-term commercial sense

Culture and values are becoming recognised as ever more important

clock • 4 min read

Time is money. But time is also quality. If we want a profession, let’s set ourselves up to generate the quality that befits a profession, writes Neil Moles

Malcolm Gladwell's book Outliers popularised the notion that being exceptional is not God-given, it's the result of hard work. It's effectively Einstein's line about genius being 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration with more flesh on its bones. Picasso, also, had a take: "Inspiration exists but it has to find you working." Gladwell just gamified it by adding in a number, the 10,000 hours that we need to put into excel. In the time elapsed since Gladwell published this, some studies have challenged the hypothesis and suggested it's an oversimplification. Maybe, but I don't think ...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your profession

It's a family affair: How advisers can close the participation gap

It's a family affair: How advisers can close the participation gap

Small changes to everyday conversations and meetings that make the biggest difference

Jenny Davidson
clock 04 November 2026 • 4 min read
Opening up careers in financial services

Opening up careers in financial services

Sponsored content from WIFA 2026 headline sponsor LV=

LV=
clock 04 November 2026 • 3 min read
WIFA 2026 headline sponsor video: LV= COO Anita Fernqvist talks female representation in advice

WIFA 2026 headline sponsor video: LV= COO Anita Fernqvist talks female representation in advice

'Different perspectives around the table bring breadth of thinking'

Professional Adviser
clock 03 November 2026 • 1 min read