Which locations and how many advisers and broker firms do you cover in your role at Aviva?
In my role at Aviva, I support over 200 adviser and broker firms across the UK.
What personal talent/skill is most valuable in doing your job?
The most valuable skill in my role is relationship building. I pride myself on truly understanding my advisers – their business models, their clients’ needs, and the outcomes they’re striving for. It’s not just about providing solutions; it’s about being a trusted partner who listens, responds, and acts. My advisers know that I’ll always go the extra mile for them, whether that’s supporting them navigating complex retirement income scenarios or simply being available when they need support. That trust and commitment are at the heart of everything I do.
What personal talent/skill would you most like to improve on?
One skill I’m constantly working on is delegation. I tend to try to do everything myself because I want things done to a high standard and I care deeply about delivering for my advisers. But I’ve learned that trusting others and sharing the load not only helps me be more effective, it also creates space to focus on the bigger picture – like building stronger relationships and driving better outcomes. It’s a work in progress, but I’m getting better at recognising when to step back and when to lean on the support around me.
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What’s the hardest part of your job?
The hardest part of my job is when I can’t help an adviser or their client achieve the outcome they’re hoping for – especially when it’s due to factors beyond my control. I take great pride in doing everything I can to support my advisers, so it’s tough when a solution simply isn’t possible. You can’t help everyone, and accepting that can be difficult when you’re so invested in the relationships and the results.
What do you love most about your job?
What I love most about my job is the opportunity to build strong, meaningful relationships with my advisers. Supporting them in delivering great outcomes for their clients is incredibly rewarding. I also really value the collaboration within my direct team and the wider equity release team at Aviva – we work closely together, sharing knowledge and ideas to make sure we’re always delivering the best possible support. It’s that combination of teamwork, trust, and making a real difference.
What’s the best bit of career-related advice you’ve ever been given? Who gave it to you?
The best career advice I’ve ever been given was from my very first manager in my first job after university. He told me: “Invest in relationships – you never know who you’ll meet or who you’ll need down the line.” That’s stuck with me throughout my career.
What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your career?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned in my career is that you can’t do everything on your own. I’m only one person, and while I always strive to give my best, there are times when asking for help or advice is not just necessary – it’s the smartest thing to do. Whether it’s leaning on my team, tapping into the wider expertise within Aviva, or simply sharing ideas with colleagues, collaboration is key. It’s taught me that strength comes from working together, not trying to carry everything alone.
How do you keep up to date with developments in the market?
Staying up to date with market developments is a daily priority for me. I speak with my advisers every day, which gives me real-time insight into the challenges they’re facing and the trends they’re seeing with their clients. I also make a point of regularly reading and using key industry publications to stay informed on regulatory changes, product innovation, and market shifts.
LinkedIn is a big part of my routine too – it’s a great platform for thought leadership, peer insights, and staying connected with what’s happening across the industry. And of course, I learn a lot from the other BDMs on my team. We share knowledge, experiences, and best practices, which helps us all stay sharp and deliver more value to our firms.
What is the most quirky/unique property deal you’ve been involved in?
One case I’ll never forget involved a £17m Grade I listed property. It was incredibly complex – high acreage, multiple titles, several annexes, and layers of legal and structural considerations. It really tested every bit of knowledge and experience I and the team at Aviva had.
Tell us about your trickiest case – what happened and how did you resolve the problem(s)?
One of the trickiest and most rewarding cases I’ve dealt with involved an adviser whose client was just weeks away from having her home repossessed. We had a product in place that could help her, but just as things were progressing, that product was due to be withdrawn, and this product was her only option in staving off the repossession
I knew how critical this was, so I worked quickly speaking to multiple stakeholders across different teams to explain the urgency and push for an extension. After a lot of back and forth, we managed to get the product extended and completed on the very day she was due in court. That completion saved her from losing her home!
It was a hugely stressful situation, but it reminded me why we do what we do. It’s not just about products and processes – it’s about people, and the real-life impact we can have when we go the extra mile.
What was your motivation for choosing this career?
My journey into this career started when the role I was in at the time was coming to an end. I was fortunate to be offered an opportunity to join my best friend’s IFA firm, and I took it. That experience was a real eye-opener – it gave me a solid foundation in the adviser market and helped me understand the day-to-day challenges and opportunities advisers face. It was the perfect stepping stone into the industry and ultimately led me to my current role as a BDM at Aviva. That early exposure sparked a genuine passion for supporting advisers and helping them deliver the best outcomes for their clients.
If you could do any other job in the property sector, what would it be and why?
If I wasn’t in my current role, I think I’d explore becoming a surveyor. I’ve always been interested in that side of the property industry – the technical detail, the variety of properties, and the role it plays in shaping decisions for buyers, sellers, and investors.
What did you want to be growing up?
Growing up, all I wanted to be was a draughtsman – just like my dad when he started his career. I was fascinated by the precision and creativity of the role. Unfortunately, I was told I didn’t have the maths or scientific aptitude needed, so that dream went out of the window.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, I see myself still working at Aviva, continuing to contribute to the equity release space. I’m passionate about helping develop the team and sharing the knowledge and experience I’ve gained over the years. Supporting others to grow and succeed is something I really value. That said, I’m also planning ahead for my own future – with the goal of retiring before the normal retirement age. It’s all about finding the right balance between making an impact now and preparing for what’s next.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
If I could have one superpower, it would be the ability to see what’s going to happen before it does – like using the Force as a Jedi.
What is your strategy for tackling challenges?
My strategy for tackling challenges starts with understanding exactly what the issue is. That means taking the time to ask the right questions, listen carefully, and get to the root of the problem. I find that talking things through with people – whether it’s colleagues, advisers, or other teams – often brings clarity and fresh perspectives. And of course, a good cup of coffee always helps keep the thinking sharp! It’s about staying calm, collaborative, and focused on finding the best way forward.
What is your greatest skill(s), either work- or non-work-related?
I’d say my greatest skill is communication. I genuinely enjoy talking to people and it helps me build strong, lasting relationships and really understand what people need both professionally and personally.
And finally, what’s the strangest question you’ve ever been asked?
The strangest question I’ve ever been asked personally? Someone once asked me if I’d ever considered becoming a professional coffee taster – because apparently, I talk about good coffee a lot! It definitely made me laugh, but I suppose when you’re known for always having a cup in hand and knowing where the best brews are, it’s not that surprising!
