In this episode of Just Covered, we meet Rachel Eason-Whale, Head of Impact and Inclusion, and Amy Potter, Senior Advice Manager, at L&C Mortgages. Both of them have spent a large part of their recent lives focusing intently on how to make the financial industry more representative, inclusive, and supportive. We discuss their career progression, including formative experiences, personal hurdles, and confidence building. And, how they’ve used these lessons to start their Journey to Management initiative that aims to encourage a wider range of employees into leadership roles. It’s a refreshing vision for the future of financial services, so be sure to listen…

This episode also covers:

• The impact of their initiatives on employee retention, innovation, and industry collaboration, as well as the pathway for continuous improvement and inclusive practices.
• How to recognise and cultivate leadership skills in the workforce, and how to value both extroverted and introverted employees.
• Building diversity and inclusion best practices right from day one and maintaining it across everyday business operations.

In this episode of Just Covered, we meet David Mead, founder of multi-award-winning protection specialist, Future Proof. From humble beginnings, David started Future Proof in 2011, and in their early days they began managing orphan clients for a major provider that closed. By 2018, St. James’s Place (SJP) had acquired them, and today, they’ve handled over 25,000 referrals from over 2,600 advisers. He also now sits as Head of Protection for SJP. We dig into his journey, the organic growth of his business and his passionate philosophies around protection. He even helped pioneer the ‘write it, or refer it’ approach, so take notes…

This episode also covers:

• David’s 25-year journey in financial services, and how he’s successfully expanded his business along the way.
• The importance of pre-sales support, regular and ongoing communications and back-office support.
• The impact of Consumer Duty on the protection industry.

In this episode of Just Covered, we meet Andrew Jenkins – an inspirational individual with a background in sales and business leadership. He’s also well known as a contestant from BBC One’s popular series, The Traitors. In 1999, Andrew’s life was turned completely upside down by a horrific road accident. The experience and subsequent recovery led him to become a dedicated advocate for wellbeing and personal growth. Today, he works as a mental health coach and motivational speaker, while supporting numerous charities. Remarkably honest and open about his struggles – his story is powerful, thought-provoking and universally relevant. Don’t miss this one.

This episode also covers:

· Steps and considerations for properly supporting the other people in your life, whether that’s relatives, colleagues or friends and having honest and meaningful conversations.

· Building a growth mindset, overcoming fear of failure and being your most-authentic self, both personally and professional.

· Breaking down traditional stigmas around counselling and mental health support, especially for men.