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.

Matt Brown | Recognising opportunity: Supporting the next generation of intermediaries

In this episode of Just Covered, we meet Matt Brown – HL Partnership’s new Propositions Director. Already a respected figure in the mortgage sector, Matt has 20 years’ experience working at firms like PRIMIS Mortgage Network, eConveyancer and NatWest. We were delighted to discuss his career so far, as well as the challenges and opportunities he currently sees in the intermediary space. We also heard about HLP’s success at our BQA awards. And, we got to uncover some of his key tips for new advisers and intermediaries, especially around training and embracing emerging technologies.

This episode also covers:

· Balancing risk and customer needs when developing propositions.

· The importance maintaining a balance between work and personal life and the role of discipline in achieving this.

· The role of new technology, including AI, in enhancing adviser efficiency and customer interaction, as well as supporting personalised advice.

Sidney Wager | Guiding professional growth: Being comfortable with the uncomfortable

In this episode of Just Covered, we meet Sidney Wager, newly appointed Managing Director at L&C. Well known across the Mortgage industry, Sidney stands out for his diverse, sector-spanning career. Something that not only gives him an original industry perspective but has, no doubt, informed his success over multiple decades and roles. During our chat, he’s able to share some real gems about career longevity, professional agility, adapting to change, and confronting new challenges.

This episode also covers:

· The role of mentoring and support in delivering the next generation of financial talent.

· Embracing professional growth and navigating new roles and confronting other key challenges with confidence.

· The importance of understanding the customer's voice and having a broad skill set to be a strong leader.

Stuart Borthwick | Doing the right thing: Customer care, community and forging real client relationships

In this episode of Just Covered, we meet Stuart Borthwick from Dartmoor Financial LLP – an adviser working in mortgage, equity release and estate planning for over 20 years, and specialist in later life lending. Working for a family-run, independent firm operating on the edge of Dartmoor, Stuart has a unique story. But what comes across most during our 45-minute chat is his genuine passion and enjoyment for his work. He puts proud emphasis on integrity, people-first advice, community and building real long-term connections with clients. It’s a heart-warming, yet insightful discussion.

This episode also covers:

· Rethinking client vulnerability, Consumer Duty and avoiding longstanding assumptions about what makes clients vulnerable.

· Community networking and the importance of building a community of financial support that can enhance your offering to clients.

· Knowledge sharing and moving beyond the traditional client-adviser relationship to build meaningful and lasting connections with customers.

Rhian Mannings | Turning trauma into triumph: Filling the vacuum in bereavement support

This episode contains reference to suicide and infant death that listeners may find upsetting.

In this episode of Just Covered, we speak with Rhian Mannings, founder of the 2Wish Charity about her emotional and thought-provoking story. In 2012, Rhian suffered a deeply profound and challenging experience, losing both her infant son and husband in just a matter of days. It changed her life forever. And, the clear absence of bereavement support in her Welsh community caused her to set up her own charity service. Today, it operates in England too and her incredible work has been recognised with an MBE, the New Year Honours list, and more. It’s a powerful story that some listeners may find upsetting.

This episode also covers:

· The best ways to approach grieving and traumatised clients, as well as dealing with children in traumatic circumstances.

· Key challenges for bereavement services in the UK.

· Understanding some of the financial implications of loss and the role of advisers in empathetically addressing these issues.

For more information on the 2wish Charity visit - Home - 2 Wish

Bob White | Bridging the gap: Collaboration, learning and later life lending

In this episode of Just Covered, we sit down with Bob White, an adviser at Mortgage & Lifetime Solutions with over 30 years' experience. Having started his career in Mortgages and Protection, Bob qualified as a lifetime mortgages adviser 15 years ago and is passionate about the need for advisers to continually learn and improve their knowledge. Bob also discusses how advisers can collaborate and refer clients, to help prioritise their interests and achieve the best possible outcomes.

This episode also covers:

• How equity release can be a game-changer for clients who prefer to stay in their homes rather than downsizing, despite the challenges and costs associated with moving.

• The ever-evolving nature of financial products, and the necessity of staying updated through training meetings, seminars, and conferences to provide the best advice to clients.

• The importance of collaboration amongst advisers to ensure clients' future needs are met, advocating for a duty of care that prioritises the best interests of clients.