Q&A with Diana McIntyre

Financial Adviser, Velocity Financial — Bay of Plenty & Waikato

Background & Perspective

What drew you to financial advice after running your own business and being closely involved in a family enterprise?
I’ve always loved working with people and helping them get clarity around things that feel complicated or overwhelming. After owning and exiting a business, working in property, and being involved in trust and estate matters, I realised I had a lot of practical experience that translated well into financial advice. It pulled together everything I’d done — business, people, problem‑solving — into one role where I could genuinely add value.

Having been both a business owner and a trustee, what perspectives do you bring that clients really value?
I understand how businesses actually run — not just on paper. I’ve sat on both sides of the table, dealt with risk, pressure, and decision‑making when there isn’t a clear right answer. That experience helps me spot blind spots and ask better questions, especially when personal, business, and family considerations overlap.

What lessons from owning and exiting a business still shape how you think about money today?
You need to think ahead — well before things become urgent. Good structures, clear agreements, and planning for different scenarios make all the difference. By the time you need them, it’s often too late to put them in place properly.

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Working With Clients

What do you see as the biggest pressure points for clients in their 30s to 50s?
They’re often stretched in every direction — supporting children, parents, businesses, and staff, while trying to look after their own future. Many feel like the “meat in the sandwich” and don’t always have space to step back and plan properly.

For business owners, what’s one thing you wish more people thought about earlier?
Structure. Things like shareholder agreements, buy‑sell arrangements, and clear ownership frameworks are often overlooked until something goes wrong. Thinking about these early creates options and protects everyone involved.

How do you help clients balance logic with the emotional side of money?
By acknowledging both. Money decisions are rarely just financial — family, fear, identity, and legacy all play a role. I help clients unpack what really matters to them so decisions feel considered, not reactive.

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Philosophy & Approach

What does good financial advice look like to you in practice?
Asking good questions, explaining things clearly, and helping people feel informed enough to make confident decisions, even when there are trade‑offs involved.

How do you approach complex decisions with no single ‘right’ answer?
By helping clients understand their options and the implications of each one. It’s about clarity, not perfection.

What role does planning play in confidence?
Good planning gives people a framework to fall back on, even when life changes. It doesn’t remove uncertainty, but it makes it manageable.

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Personal

What life experience has shaped how you show up for clients?
Running businesses, navigating personal change, managing estates, and raising a family have all shaped how I approach advice — practical, honest, and grounded in real life.

If you had to sum up your approach in a sentence?
Get clear, think ahead, and put the right frameworks in place — before you need them

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Diana is part of the Velocity Bay of Plenty/Waikato Team

You can contact her here

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This article was written by Shona and Diana.

Disclaimer: Shona is not a financial adviser. The above is generalised information that has been peer-reviewed by the Velocity Financial Advisory team. As always, before you make any financial decisions, discuss your situation with an adviser from Velocity Financial, and seek advice from professionals, such as a lawyer and accountant, to find the best solution for your unique situation.

Always get professional advice

The information shared in this post is meant to be general guide to support you on your journey. When making important decisions about your finances, we encourage you to seek independent financial advice first, tailored to your unique situation.  As well as talking with a financial adviser, make sure you talk to your lawyer and accountant too – together they'll help you find the best solution for your specific situation. Our knowledgeable financial advisers are here to help. Check out our website for the details about our financial advisory services in our disclosures  https://www.velocityfinancial.co.nz/disclosure-statement.