I lead a team of 11 Business Development Managers (BDMs) who work both face-to-face and via telephone, supporting brokers across a wide geographical region. This means I’m fortunate to travel extensively, meeting a diverse range of brokers and experiencing different markets firsthand. My role is all about building strong relationships, driving business growth, and ensuring my team has the tools, knowledge, and support to excel in their roles.
My mornings vary depending on whether I’m working from home or out on the road. If I’m travelling, my day starts early, meaning I often have to sacrifice my morning gym session. However, one thing remains constant which is a coffee in bed. I’m not naturally a morning person, so that first espresso is something I truly look forward to.
The days I spend out in the field are my favourite as I get to work closely with my incredible BDM team and engage with brokers face-to-face. Listening to their feedback is a key part of my role, as it helps us continuously improve our service and strengthen our relationships with the intermediary market.
Mornings and afternoons often blur into one, especially when I’m on the road. I practice intermittent fasting, so by 1 PM, I’m ready for food! My team tends to power through without taking proper breaks, so I have to remind them (and myself) to stop for lunch and even a quick comfort break, a lesson learned after too many back-to-back coffees.
Even when I’m out visiting brokers, I still manage virtual meetings and calls, fitting them around my team’s scheduled appointments. Being flexible and adaptable is key to keeping up with the fast-paced nature of the role.
I tend to catch up on emails in the evening as I’m a bit of a night owl. In saying that, I have to be switched on and effective at all times. I’m quick to adapt, make decisions, and move from one task to the next. Having this ability to pivot swiftly is crucial in a leadership role.
I make a conscious effort to protect my weekends. Work has me Monday to Friday, but my weekends are for me. I also prioritise fitting in at least an hour at the gym each day, as it helps me reset both physically and mentally. Being organised is key, and I pride myself on staying on top of my workload so I can fully switch off when needed.
Spending time with my team and working directly with brokers. Nothing beats face-to-face interactions, it’s where the best conversations, insights, and relationships are built.
We eat late. It’s just my wife and me at home, and she works in London, meaning she doesn’t get back until around 8:30 or 9 PM. She does all the cooking, not because I don’t want to help, but because my cooking skills are so bad that she prefers to take over. Even when I offer, she politely declines… probably for the best!
Holidays are really important to me. I love escaping to a warm climate, where I can truly switch off, recharge, and enjoy a change of scenery.
Be curious and back yourself. Confidence and curiosity open doors – don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.
Having a strong support network is essential, especially when working long hours and travelling frequently. My friends always joke that I’m terrible at replying to messages during the week, but they understand how busy things can get. Knowing I have people around me who understand and support my journey makes a huge difference.
No, not at all. There are many routes into this role.
I studied up to A-Level standard and then went on to complete CeMAP (Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice) and FPC (Financial Planning Certificate) exams, which have been invaluable in shaping my career in financial services.
