What locations and how many advisers and broker firms do you cover in your BDM role?
I cover the beautiful North East, which stretches from Northumberland to Northallerton, encompassing five post codes, and over 650 broker firms.
What personal talent/skill is most valuable in doing your job?
There are so many skills needed to be able to help brokers across the region, but I think it is essential to know the right questions to ask and to be a good listener.
What personal talent/skill would you most like to improve on?
We are a fast-paced and ever-changing industry. Technology is improving all the time, so it is important to me that I keep on top of new systems that allow me to help find solutions for brokers and members.
What’s the hardest part of your job as a BDM?
I’m often in broker meetings or driving so the hardest part is finding the time to check emails and return the numerous calls I receive.
What do you love most about your job?
Helping a broker find a solution to secure a mortgage for their client. A happy broker is a happy BDM and I love to be able to make a difference to people getting onto or moving up the property ladder.
What’s the best bit of career-related advice you’ve ever been given? Who gave it to you?
My dear dad once said, “you only get out of life what you put into it”. He had such a strong work ethic, and that piece of advice has stayed with me throughout my career, and in every aspect of life.
How do you keep up to date with developments in the market?
I love to read articles on what is happening in our industry and I try to carve out time to attend webinars and live events that are relevant to my role. I use LinkedIn to connect with people in the industry and enjoy reading what my peers are sharing online. I would urge any broker to follow Leeds Building Society for Intermediaries on LinkedIn to access the useful insights shared.
What is the most quirky/unique property deal you’ve been involved in?
I supported getting a mortgage over the line for a green self-build property, many years ahead of its time.
Tell us about your trickiest case as a BDM – what happened and how did you resolve the problem(s)?
A client was sat outside their new-build property, ready to move in at Christmas time. However, the funds hadn’t been requested in time for completion that day. The client had completed on their old property so were homeless at this stage. By working collaboratively with all teams, internal and external, completion took place that same day and the customer was in their home instead of a hotel for the festivities.
What was your motivation for choosing this career?
I like to make a difference to buyers who are looking to move onto or up the property ladder, and helping brokers to do this is my motivation. I worked in protection for many years so ensuring people remain in their home throughout any life event is very important to me.
If you could do any other job in the property sector, what would it be and why?
I have no desire to leave the mortgage or protection sector. It is my passion.
What did you want to be growing up?
I wanted to be an air stewardess. I always thought it looked so glamorous and would help you to see the world. But I’m a bit clumsy so I’m better working on the ground.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
To read someone’s mind.
What is your strategy for tackling challenges?
I like to look at the bigger picture and through the eyes of all involved. I work to identify the cause of any issue and work collaboratively to resolve it quickly and effectively. It’s also important to ensure measures are taken to ensure the situation doesn’t happen again.
And finally, what’s the strangest question you’ve ever been asked?
I wouldn’t say I have been asked a strange question. As the old saying goes, there is no such thing as a stupid question. I’d encourage anyone I was working with to ask me anything they need help with.
