My alarm goes off at…
…6.10am two days a week and 7.15am three days a week.
As we have hybrid working, I am up early on days in the office to get in and get started while it’s quiet.
The days I’m working at home I get up, make breakfast for the kids and do the school run before starting my day, which is great as I get to spend more time with the family.
I enjoy being in the office to catch up with all levels of the business, be it product, sales or the lending team.
Hybrid working is the best of both worlds.
I wanted to work in the mortgage industry because…
…I didn’t really. I fell into the industry in my twenties and I’m still here 20 years later.
Just when you think you have seen it all, something new appears
I have always had an interest in property and that has grown over time; moving from second charges initially and then into the whole mortgage and servicing cycle with a few lenders, gathering knowledge and experience along the way.
Something that surprised me about my job was…
…there is always a scenario or situation you have never come across. Just when you think you have seen it all, something new appears. Over the years, the industry has become more innovative and so have landlords.
I try and make myself available to everyone
Someone once said to me, “Never stop learning,” and in this industry you have to, to keep up with the ever-changing landscape.
A misconception about my role is…
…that we like to say no, when in reality I like to say yes wherever I can.
We have always liked to take a common-sense approach to lending and, while we have a credit policy to keep within, I have always tried to find a way to get a case agreed that made commercial sense.
I enjoy being in the office to catch up with all levels of the business, be it product, sales or the lending team
We also never hide. I am more than happy to pick up a phone to an intermediary to discuss a case, and to go on visits with the sales team.
My typical day entails…
…They are all pretty varied. I am always there to help and support my team with queries and their personal development. I still have a small case load that I manage, getting cases through to offer.
I run training sessions for the lending team on various topics, helping everyone develop their knowledge and skills. I also do sessions with the telephone support team.
Over the years, the industry has become more innovative and so have landlords
There are applicant interviews I get involved in when a certain exposure level is reached. This gives me an opportunity to speak to experienced landlords and see how they are finding the market in their area.
I try and make myself available to everyone.
A perk of the job is…
…working with amazing people. This is the best executive team I have worked with but there are great people in every department. We all have a sense of humour and can always have a laugh.
My favourite work memory is…
…how far we have come in the almost six years I have been here, growing from 30 people to around 150, with some great nights out and Christmas parties along the way.
Hybrid working is the best of both worlds
Also, I helped someone develop and get promoted over the past 18 months. I am so proud of how far they have come.
To unwind after work, I…
…go out with the family, walk the dog and explore.
I also enjoy being with my friends and seeing bands, which I really need to do more of this year. There is nothing like live music with good friends.
This article featured in the May 2023 edition of MS.
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