Discover Mari Arnejo, your dedicated Client Service Associate at Vista Financial Group. With over five years of expertise in Service Asset and Configuration Management, Mari brings a fresh perspective to the financial industry. Outside of work, she finds joy in the company of her two dogs, Loki and Sky, and quality time with family on weekends. Join Mari on her journey as she blends experience and passion to serve clients wholeheartedly.

What is your day-to-day role at Vista Financial Group?

As a Client Services Associate, my primary responsibility is to assist Sonia, my adviser, in overseeing her calendar and daily tasks. I playa crucial role in preparing file notes, reports for upcoming client reviews, and advice documents for client SOA/ROA presentations. Our focus is primarily on Aged Care clients, where I aid Sonia in implementing tasks such as account setup and account transfers. Additionally, we manage a variety of investments, including Pensions, Superannuation, and Investments. I ensure that all implementations are seamlessly applied to complete the overall financialplanning process.

What's the most challenging work in your role that you did and how did you overcome it?

The most demanding aspect of my role occurs during the transition of a new licensee, particularly when there is a strict deadline for finalising all advice documentation before the licensee change takes effect. In these situations, my colleague and I collaborate intensively, working seamlessly over a three-day period. Fortunately, we have successfully met allthe tasks and completed the required documentation ahead of the specifieddeadline. This challenging process underscores the importance of effective teamworkand efficient time management in our role.

Share a quirky or unique habit you have that helps you stay productive at work.

To maintain and maximize my productivity, I consistently incorporate music into my work environment via carefully curated playlists on Spotify that showcase my favourite songs. These playlists are deliberately customised to align with my mood, ultimately enhancing and fostering a positivedaily work experience.

When and where was your best vacation?

In 2018, my most cherished vacation unfolded on the picturesque island of Boracay. The experience was exceptionally delightful as I immersed myself in a variety of activities, including helmet diving, parasailing, and island hopping. The breathtaking sunset in Boracay served as a captivating finale, contributing significantly to the overall joy and fulfilment of the trip.

What's your go-to karaoke song?

When it comes to karaoke, my preferred song choices predominantly revolve around OPM (Original Pilipino Music) such as MYMP songs and tracks from Ariana Grande.

If you were a character in a TV show or movie, who would you be, and why?

Hermione Granger, I want to be like her because of her strong and independent character, particularly her fearlessness in expressing her thoughts. I aspire to emulate her traits, including her intellectual curiosity, courage to speak up, and leadership skills. Additionally, her empathy, problem-solving abilities, and determination serve as inspiration for me. I am drawn to Hermione's advocacy for causes she believes in, reflecting a sense of responsibility to bring about positive change. Embracing these qualities, I hope to foster my own growth while staying true to my unique identity.

What is the weirdest thing you have eaten?

Balut stands out as the most unusual food I've tried. Balut is a traditional dish hailing from Southeast Asia, notably popular in the Philippines. It consists of a fertilised duck egg containing a partially developed embryo, commonly consumed by boiling or steaming. The embryo's development can vary, contributing to the dish's distinctive flavour and texture. Balut is typically seasoned with a pinch of salt and may be served alongside vinegar or other condiments. While regarded as a delicacy by some, its consumption might be perceived as unconventional by others due to the presence of the developing embryo.