When we think about legacy, many of us imagine paperwork, legal jargon, and stressful conversations we’d rather avoid. But in this week’s episode of Conversations with Agents of Change, host Izy Boyd sits down with Sharon Galway, Head of Estate & Trust Services at Protect NI, whose work proves that legacy is far more human — and far more empowering — than we might think.
Sharon brings over 30 years of experience in financial services, combining deep industry expertise with a compassionate, coaching-led approach that helps families navigate some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. From wills to trusts, from family conflicts to personal reinvention, Sharon’s journey is a story of resilience, clarity, and the courage to choose a different future.
Many people delay estate planning because it feels intimidating. Sharon shares that clients often arrive afraid of legal language, afraid of cost, or afraid to confront complicated family dynamics. Her role? To make the process human.
As Sharon explains, Protect NI specialises in practical, down‑to‑earth estate planning, making it accessible for families who want to secure their future without feeling overwhelmed.
She also highlights something essential: planning your legacy is not about fear — it’s about care. It’s about making choices that protect your loved ones, honour your values, and reduce stress for everyone involved.
Learn more about Sharon’s estate planning work on Protect NI -Estate Planning Services.
Sharon’s entry into estate planning is deeply personal. After experiencing divorce, financial strain, and years of reduced confidence, she rebuilt her life from the ground up. That journey shaped the empathetic, client‑centred approach she brings to her work today.
Her story mirrors the experience of many people who find themselves unexpectedly responsible for financial decisions they never anticipated. Sharon’s blend of coaching and estate planning helps clients not only with logistics, but also with identity, clarity, and self‑trust.
This dual expertise — combining legal planning with emotional support — is a hallmark of Protect NI’s service model.
Throughout the episode, Sharon and Izy discuss the unique financial challenges many women face: taking a back seat in family finances, lacking confidence to ask questions, or fearing they’ll appear unprepared.
Sharon advocates for women to reclaim autonomy by:
- understanding their financial position
- learning the basics of wills and powers of attorney
- building their confidence through knowledge
- maintaining financial independence at every life stage
Her message is clear: education is empowerment.
Creating a Legacy with Intention
Sharon believes legacy isn’t just what we leave behind — it’s how we live right now. Her own definition of success has shifted from survival to growth, joy, and experience. Whether it’s running marathons or taking her children on a long‑dreamed‑of trip to New York, she’s committed to living fully and encouraging others to do the same.
That same intentionality is what she hopes people bring to estate planning. Not delaying. Not fearing the conversation. But choosing — with clarity — how they want their lives and legacies to unfold.
If you’ve ever thought “estate planning isn’t for people like me,” this episode will change that.
Listen to the full episode here:
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