Stewardship, Trust, and Connection: Andrew Albury Reflects on 35 Years with MGD
After thirty-five years with MGD, Director Andrew Albury is stepping back from day-to-day practice.
His career has been shaped by the steady counsel he has provided clients through periods of transition—work that has earned enduring trust and forged advisory relationships, some spanning generations. In this conversation, Andrew reflects on the lessons learned, the values that guided his approach, and the human connections that defined more than three decades with MGD.
When you look back, is there a moment that captures the essence of your career?
It isn’t one moment so much as a consistent theme. Over the years, I’ve often been the person clients turned to during some of the most difficult points in their lives, particularly when a partner passed away or when a family faced a major transition. Those situations required more than technical expertise; they required calm, clarity, and a sense of responsibility for people who were navigating profound change.
Being there in those critical moments to provide guidance, and support families through what came next became one of the defining aspects of my work. It reinforced, time and again, that this profession is ultimately about trust and human connection.
How has your perspective on leadership evolved, and what personal principles guide you?
Over time, I’ve become a better listener, with genuine empathy and a reluctance to pass judgment too quickly without fully understanding the facts. You don’t get taught this at university, but it’s fundamental to building long-term, enduring relationships.
I also live by a simple mantra: just be kind to others. It sounds modest, but it runs far deeper than it seems and comes out trumps most of the time. Kindness shapes conversations, diffuses tension, and consistently leads to better outcomes. Listening and kindness reinforce each other, and together they form the core of how I lead, advise, and make decisions. While tools and technology support the work we do, it’s the human elements of care, understanding, and judgment that clients value most.
What do you feel has been your most meaningful contribution, and how do you hope colleagues and clients will remember you?
My most meaningful contribution has been building strong, enduring client relationships founded on genuine trust and integrity, relationships that often span 20 to 30 years and continue even as clients transition to a new MGD adviser. I’ve also been an all-rounder, able to advise clients across all of the firm’s services so I can meet them wherever they are and guide them through every stage of their financial journey.
For me, it’s always been about understanding the person, keeping things clear, and following through on what I say I will do. I hope colleagues and clients remember me as consistent and trustworthy, someone who delivers on expectations and isn’t afraid to offer honest guidance, even when it’s not what they initially want to hear. Personally, I hope they remember me as a friend to many, someone they could count on when the chips were down, and empathetic to what is going on in their lives.
Looking back, were there difficult moments that taught you important lessons or led to meaningful growth?
Not all client relationships go to plan, but each of those experiences offered valuable lessons, reducing the likelihood of repeating the same mistakes. In many cases, I was able to repair and rebuild the relationship, and often those restored connections became even stronger and more enduring than before.
How have you balanced professional ambitions with personal life and what does retirement look like for you?
Anne and I have always approached family and career as a partnership. Balancing a busy professional life while raising three children had its challenges, but when I look at the outcomes, the three well-balanced adult children with healthy relationships of their own who love spending regular quality time with each other and with us as parents, that’s gold to me. Far above any financial measure.
Retirement won’t mean slowing down. There’ll be golf, fishing, travel, and socialising but also more time with family and giving back to the community. Being in Rotary for many years has been instrumental in setting the tone for what matters in life and how small efforts can make a meaningful difference. That perspective will continue to guide how I spend the years ahead.
MGD thanks Andrew for his dedication, integrity, and the leadership he has demonstrated over 35 years. His commitment to clients, colleagues, and the broader community has left an enduring mark on the firm, and we wish him and Anne every joy as they step into this next chapter of life.
Important Note:
Any advice included in this article is general and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. As such, you should consider its appropriateness having regard to these factors before acting on it.
