A Day in the Life of – Nicholas Mendes

My role within John Charcol consists of advising clients, supporting the sales team with their product knowledge as well as acting as a point of contact for any complex cases, engaging with the marketing team on technical content and providing market commentary to the media across socials, press and TV.

What does your morning routine look like? 

In three words organisation, plan and make a list of objectives for the day. The mortgage market and global economic conditions are constantly evolving whether this be criteria, product changes, as well as UK and Global factors. The impact this has on clients and the mortgage market mean as a broker we are continually updating advisers, press and most importantly clients on latest events and trends.

What does a typical afternoon look like?

Typically engaged in meetings with clients (for me to be able to support homeowners and discuss options in the press, continuing to be a broker helps me to keep in touch with market trends, product knowledge, criteria, and market sentiment). Outside of advising, will be involved with communicating and delivering market updates to the team, press and across socials.  

What do you find to be your most productive time of the day?

Early morning is when I am most active, typically from 7.30. Starting the day before everyone else allows me to focus and set goals for the day ahead without distractions.

How do you manage your time to ensure you have a good work / life / home balance?

To be honest, this is something I struggle with. I personally find it hard to switch off and even on vacation ready to respond to emails and calls from the 2^nd or 3^rd day. Starting the day early allows me to share household duties at home, for example school runs means I get to share time with the kids and hear about their day. During the day try to make time for a 15 mins walk to clear my head and time away from the screen. Working from home and having apps on the phone often means carrying work into the evenings, this is something I am trying to get better at as its important to take a break and spend time with Mrs Mendes.

What is your favourite part of your working day in your role?

Sounds cheesy but every day. I feel privileged to work for a company and in an environment that allows me to support clients, colleagues as well as being able to engage on a range of topics in the press.

What does a typical dinner time look like in your household?

Trying to sit together as a family in between the kids afterschool clubs, favourite household meal –  macaroni cheese.

What do you do to unwind?

Walking along the beach close to where we live and reading books. My favourite author is Paulo Coelho.

If you could give one piece of career advice what would it be?

Be humble, never take anything for granted and dedicate your time for something you have a passion for.

How important has your support network been in helping you through your role?

Vital, engaging and wanting to learn something new every day has allowed me to develop and opened opportunities I would never have imagined. If you show dedication in yourself its amazing how many people will want to support you along the way and open doors.

It’s something that I have never taken for granted and thrive to ensure I do for others.