Adviser Spotlight: Meet Gene Linetsky 

At Foster Denovo, our Advisers are more than just financial experts—they are people with unique stories and passions. In our Adviser Spotlight, we take you beyond the job titles to explore what motivates our Advisers, how they work, and who they are as individuals.  

Today, we are introducing Gene Linetsky, Partner at Foster Denovo. Gene shares his dynamic journey into financial advising, what keeps him motivated, and a bit about his life outside of the office.  

Can you share a bit about your journey into financial advising and what drew you to this career? 

“My journey into financial advising has been quite dynamic. I began my career in the front office of an investment bank, where I spent 15 years selling and structuring complex derivatives-based financing and hedging transactions, always with a focus on meeting client needs. After that, I worked as a derivatives consultant for 8 years, where I continued to advise clients on risk management and financial strategies tailored to their specific goals. 

What ultimately drew me to financial advising was the opportunity to apply my expertise in a more personal way. I previously worked with very wealthy clients who often viewed money as an end in itself. Now, I focus on retail investors, guiding them in how their hard-earned money can help achieve tangible, truly meaningful goals for themselves and their families. 

Over the past two years, I’ve found it incredibly rewarding to assist clients through financial decisions that could lead to a more secure and fulfilling future.” 

How do you stay motivated and up to date in the ever-changing world of financial planning? 

“I stay motivated by the challenge of understanding how and why the financial markets change. To stay current, I read a wide range of financial press, expert reports, and industry blogs.  

I also regularly discuss insights with colleagues and former colleagues. This continuous learning and collaboration can help me offer relevant, timely advice to my clients.”
 

What advice would you give to someone just starting their career in financial services? 

“My advice would be to build a strong foundation in the technical aspects, whether it’s understanding markets, products, or regulations which is just as important as developing good client relationships and listening carefully to their needs. 

Lastly, stay curious and keep learning as things change fast, and keeping up with trends through reading, networking, or finding mentors can help you stay ahead. It’s important to not rush the process, success comes with time and experience.”
 

What is one piece of advice that you would tell yourself on your first week as a financial adviser? 

“Just get out there and take action. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, whether in client relationships or technical matters, they’re inevitable and the best way to learn. The key is to listen to your senior colleagues’ advice and adjust as you go.” 

Is there a particular philosophy or approach that guides both your personal life and professional practice? 

“I believe it’s important to make thoughtful decisions when you reach key turning points in life. To improve your chances of making the right choice, you need to gather all the information and take time to understand it. Once you’ve made a decision, it’s best to accept the outcome, whether it’s good or bad, without dwelling on regrets. Then, you can move forward and apply the same approach when the next important decision comes along.” 

Outside of work, what passions or hobbies do you pursue that help you stay balanced? 

“Some of my interests overlap with my work, like computing, finance, and investments. To keep things balanced, I also enjoy reading history, swimming, doing small home renovation projects, and baking –, which I’m proud to say I’m quite good at.”

What’s one piece of life advice that you live by and often share with others? 

“Don’t overwhelm people with advice. However, something that I find fascinating and that has resonated with me over time, is the use of Jiaobei, or Chinese Moon Blocks. It’s a Lunar New Year Festival tradition where people seek approval from a higher authority by throwing wooden blocks (jiaobei) and asking for guidance, they continue to do so until they get a clear answer and proceed with the celebration. To me, this ritual represents a simple yet powerful life lesson: persistence. You don’t give up after the first try; you keep going until you find clarity or success. In life, much like in this tradition, if at first you don’t succeed, try and try again.

If you could spend a day learning from any figure, past or present, who would it be and why? 

“Spending one day with a great figure might give you a glimpse of their personality, but not much real wisdom. I once took a course with Andy Grove, the former CEO of Intel. He’s famous for saying, ‘only the paranoid survives.’ At the time, Intel was doing great, so his advice didn’t seem important. But years later his words make sense, and I believe Intel has struggled without that mindset. True learning takes years, not just one day” 

If you are looking for personalised, expert financial advice, Gene and our team at Foster Denovo are here to help. Whether you are planning for retirement, managing investments, or seeking guidance on protecting your financial future, we are committed to helping you achieve.   

Contact us today to arrange an initial consultation with one of our experienced advisers. If you are an adviser looking to grow your practice with a supportive team, learn more about joining Foster Denovo [here].  

Foster Denovo Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. 

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