Meet Shadi Kirk, a passionate financial planner and women’s finance advocate, driven by the belief that true empowerment starts with confidence over money matters. Inspired by personal experiences and the challenges women face in managing finances, Shadi is on a mission to help women feel in control of their financial choices and their futures. As part of our Humans of Fuzia series, we are proud to amplify Shadi’s story to our 5 million-strong global community, united by a shared mission to support women in becoming financially and emotionally independent. At Fuzia, we believe in He for She and She for She, and stories like Shadi’s inspire positive change worldwide.
What inspired you to start your journey as a financial advisor, especially focusing on women?
I’m a financial advisor, but I became especially interested in women’s finance and how people relate to money. That relationship can deeply affect so many aspects of life. When my dad passed away, I saw how difficult managing finances was for my mum, which made me realize there’s still a gap for women when it comes to financial confidence. I want to empower my clients to feel confident making financial decisions—not just striving for financial freedom in the typical sense, but having the freedom to make choices that align with how they want to live their lives.
What challenges have you faced building your career, and how did you overcome them?
Running your own business, especially as a coach, can be isolating—you don’t have the typical structure of a 9 to 5. So, staying motivated is key. I personally have a coach because I believe if you coach others, you need to continue your own growth. I’ve also built a small network of other business owners to bounce ideas off, and I journal daily to stay grounded. Reading new ideas and prioritizing self-care keeps me aligned and motivated.
Is there a proud moment or achievement that stands out for you?
Yes, definitely. It’s actually a personal story but ties to everything I teach. My eldest son had his first high school exams this year, and studying isn’t exactly his favorite thing. But I applied the same tools I use with clients—I asked him how he wanted to feel after the exams. That changed everything. He realized he didn’t want to feel regret for not trying his best. We worked through it, and while he could’ve done better, his results were beyond what we expected. That experience reinforced how powerful it is to shift your perspective, whether in finances or life.
Do you work alone, or do you have a team supporting you?
No, I’m not a solopreneur. I run the finance business with my husband—we’ve been working together for over 15 years. We also have a full-time office team member, and people helping with social media and marketing. I believe you can’t do it all alone—having a reliable team is essential.
What are your thoughts on women in leadership today?
Honestly, it’s still tough. I work in finance, and even now, when I attend seminars, I’m often one of the few women in the room. But I decided long ago not to let that stop me. Confidence is everything. If you believe being a woman is a problem, it becomes one. But if you stay focused on your abilities and your value, you move forward. The world is changing, though slowly. And frankly, if a client doesn’t want to work with me because I’m a woman, they aren’t the right client for me.
What advice would you give to aspiring women leaders and entrepreneurs?
Just go for it! Often, women battle their own confidence more than anything external. Don’t hold back from opportunities because of self-doubt. Trust your skills and take that leap.
What’s your idea of success, professionally and personally?
Success has evolved for me over time. Today, success means making a difference. I believe spreading kindness, empathy, and truly listening can change the world. Personally, I hope my three boys grow up to be kind, respectful—especially toward women—and follow their dreams. If I can help even a handful of people, I’ll feel I’ve made the world a little better.
“Sometimes all it takes to change your reality is to reframe your perspective—and with a little help, you can achieve more than you thought possible.”
Connect with Shadi Kirk:
You can connect with Shadi on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shadi-kirk/
Want to be featured?
If you’d like to be featured in the Humans of Fuzia series, email us at fuziatalent@fuzia.com.
