The transfer of elite advice with Debbie Watson OAM OLY

When it comes to legacy, there are few who have cemented their place in Australian sport like Debbie Watson OAM OLY.

Debbie Watson is arguably one of the finest women’s water polo players that Australia has produced. Worldwide, she is one of only a handful of female water polo players to have won gold at World Cup, World Championship and Olympic level.

But her involvement hasn’t stopped there - since retiring as an athlete Watson has continued her involvement in a number of roles including coach, manager, selector and even commentator.

“I think it's really important for the athletes and important for us as people that have spent a huge amount of our lives, almost half of our lives by the time you retire, playing the game that you absolutely love,” Watson said.

“But, it is really nice to think that you can help in the smallest possible way. And it doesn't actually need to be tactical or skill based or any of those sorts of things. You can mentor people just by supporting them, just giving them little bits of advice.

“Without a doubt that was the case that the generations before helped shape me. And also, people were never afraid to tell you something or help you. They weren't fearful that you would take their position.

“So definitely that foundation dispersing of knowledge early was really critical for my development,” she said

A rewarded contribution

Watson’s lifelong involvement in sport has never been about the accolades, but her contribution is one that has not gone unrecognised, recently awarded with Life Membership of Water Polo Australia, alongside being a member of the Australian Sporting Hall of Fame, another important reminder of the inspiration she provides to help build the next generation.

“I was very blessed just recently to receive life membership of Water Polo Australia. This sport is my family. I have my family, but water polo is my family as well,” Watson said.

“I think to have that connection with people and you might not see someone for 10 years, but when you've sort of been in the trenches with them, you are always going to be friends with that person.

“So I think that family unit and the feeling of belonging and if you're lucky enough to have your own children play….

“I think it's something, I think it's a real bonus and a real gift that water polo has, that we are so, so tight knit, yet we're very welcoming and encouraging to people who have turned up for the first day as well, and have no association with it. They quickly become part of the family as well,” she said.

The value of advice

Similar to Watson’s story, Water Polo Australia’s Major Partner also believes in the value of advice to help shape one’s future, financially. Just like a water polo team taking advice from their coach, Ords’ advisers can provide strategic insights to help you make the right investment decisions now and long into your family’s future.

Ord Minnett’s advisers create long lasting client relationships often working with individuals and families for generations, becoming a trusted extension of a family to help them build their wealth.

Ord Minnett (Ords) has 270 financial advisers across Australia, and with corporate origins dating back more than 150 years, it has partnered with clients to build wealth for generations.

If you would like to learn more about how Ord Minnett can help you build wealth for generations, start a conversation with Ords today.

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