We were lucky to catch up with Marieka Finot recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Marieka, great to have you with us today and excited to have you share your wisdom with our readers. Over the years, after speaking with countless do-ers, makers, builders, entrepreneurs, artists and more we’ve noticed that the ability to take risks is central to almost all stories of triumph and so we’re really interested in hearing about your journey with risk and how you developed your risk-taking ability.
I generally like stepping out of my comfort zone—as long as it’s a choice I’ve made, which allows me to feel in control of the situation.
I have for example :
• Relocating internationally—I’ve lived in the UK for 10 years and Portugal for 4 years, embracing the opportunities and uncertainties of starting fresh in new environments. I’ve loved both, and I am so stunned by what I have lived!
• Leaving a high-paying trading job—I walked away after a decade in financial markets because I got to where I wanted to be and had other aspirations. It’s important to know when it’s enough.
• Starting my own business—I launched my Financial Empowerment Business from scratch, fuelled by my passion for enlightening others and giving back financial literacy.
• Investing early and boldly—I started investing in the stock market with my first salary and have done it continuously for the past 15 years. Risk wise I am a 10/10!
How have I developed this ability to take risks?
• Diversifying income sources—I am very fortunate to have multiple streams of income and this helps reduce financial stress. If one source is impacted, I have others to rely on.
• Learning from mentors—One of my most inspiring teachers in London said, “The biggest differences in pension outcomes are made before age 30.” This motivated me to take decisive action early in life.
• Educating myself—I believe knowledge is power. And once you understand, you can make informed decisions. I am quite structured and down to earth so I’ve learned to anticipate outcomes and approach decisions with clarity.
• Assessing the downside—I always ask, “What’s the worst that could happen, and can I handle it?” For instance, if my portfolio loses 40% of its value, can I still sleep at night—and that preparation gives me the confidence to leap.
• Trusting my adaptability—I’ve realized that even when things don’t go as planned, I’m resourceful enough to find solutions.
For me, risk-taking isn’t about being reckless—it’s about growth. Taking risks doesn’t eliminate fear, but it helps me build resilience, gain clarity about what truly matters, and grow in ways I never thought possible. And I love the feeling of pride that comes after it.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m Marieka Finot, a Financial Empowerment Coach, ex-trader, and investor. I specialize in helping individuals master their money and feel confident about their financial future.
Through personalized one-to-one coaching, I empower my clients to take charge of their finances with clarity and control. I help them with awareness (flows, structure, budget, routine), and with investing (investment strategies, passive revenues, financial freedom).
What makes my work truly exciting is the diversity of people I get to work with. I coach clients across five continents, all at different stages of their financial journeys. Some are just starting, feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to begin. They may be skeptical of traditional banking advice and want to explore options that make sense for them. Others have already taken steps toward managing their finances but feel frustrated with their current setup—whether it’s high fees, underperforming investments, or a lack of control.
What’s special about my approach is that I prioritize financial well-being and literacy. I want my clients to truly understand what they’re doing with their money. That understanding allows them to make informed decisions and choose strategies that genuinely align with their goals and values.
On top of the 1 to 1 coaching, I’m thrilled to announce the launch of a brand-new project in Q1 2025: The Money Academy (TMA). This will be an online platform where anyone can learn about the inner and outer side of money, at their own pace. It’s designed to be more affordable and flexible, so you can build your financial knowledge whenever and wherever it works for you.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, I’d say three key factors have been instrumental in my entrepreneurial journey: relationships, consistency, and open-mindedness.
1. Relationships
Building genuine and trusting relationships has been the foundation of my success as about 85% of my clients come through referrals. This is a testament to the importance of creating meaningful connections and delivering real value.
My advice for you? Focus on authenticity as people remember how you make them feel. Nurture relationships with care, listen deeply, and show that you genuinely want the best for them—it always pays off.
2. Consistency
Consistency has been crucial in establishing my credibility and growing my brand. For example, I’ve been releasing an episode of my podcast “Money Chill Out” every two weeks, and I’m now approaching my 100th episode—a milestone I’m proud of.
Consistency builds trust and demonstrates reliability, which is essential for earning the confidence of your audience or clients.
For those starting out, I’d suggest picking a manageable rhythm for whatever you’re building and sticking with it. Progress often comes from showing up regularly.
3. Open-Mindedness & Curiosity
No two clients or coaching sessions are ever the same, and that’s one of the things I love most about my work. Being adaptable and curious has allowed me to meet each client where they are, and bring an impact that truly resonates with them. For anyone just starting their journey, I recommend staying open to new ideas and perspectives. Seek to understand people’s unique experiences, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or challenge your assumptions. Curiosity and adaptability are skills that will help you grow, no matter your field.
Ultimately, I suggest you invest in relationships, show up consistently, and approach each new situation with curiosity and an open mind!
We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?
I firmly believe it’s better to go all in on your strengths. Your strengths are what drive you, where you excel, and what allows you to differentiate yourself from others. When you focus on what you’re naturally good at, you maximize your potential and create value that only YOU can deliver.
That said, you can’t neglect other important aspects of the job, that’s why I’m a big advocate of delegation and love to lean on others’ talents and expertise. In my own business, since day one, I hired freelancers: a podcast editor, a graphic designer, a video guy, etc. This has helped me hugely to stay focused and motivated.
Ultimately, going all in on your strengths doesn’t mean ignoring your weaknesses altogether—it means being smart about how you address them. If a weakness is holding you back, find ways to manage or delegate it so you can focus on what truly drives your success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mariekafinot.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariekafinot/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marieka-finot-a5b57038/
Image Credits
@Juan_webbophotos (Insta)
Juan Hervé (Linkedin)
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
