Which locations and how many advisers and broker firms do you cover in your role at Paragon Bank?
As a national account manager, my focus is on building strong relationships with mortgage clubs and networks across the UK.
We’ve evolved throughout our 30 years in the market, broadening the scope of business we write. Simple and complex cases benefit from our digitisation and bolstered proposition, so an important aspect of my role is forming partnerships with a broader mix of advisers and being their home for all things buy to let (BTL).
What personal talent/skill is most valuable in doing your job?
An obvious one is being a strong communicator, because it’s key in building trusted relationships.
Being able to think strategically is also valuable. While it’s rewarding to support brokers to see individual cases through to completion, my role now sees me view things through a strategic lens. I work with brokers to identify ways we can continue to enhance our systems and processes to be more efficient and easier to work with. It’s all about continuously improving as part of that evolution.
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What personal talent/skill would you most like to improve on?
I’d say presenting, which is definitely something I’m developing.
Since stepping into this national role, I’ve found myself speaking to much larger audiences across different networks, which is equal parts exciting and daunting.
I want to keep building my confidence and clarity so every presentation feels natural and engaging.
What’s the hardest part of your job?
Honestly, none. I see every challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow.
I take inspiration from entrepreneur Simon Squibb, who often says setbacks are simply lessons in disguise. His focus on purpose over profit and embracing challenges as fuel for creativity really resonates with me. That mindset helps me approach my role with positivity and resilience.
What do you love most about your job?
Meeting people from different companies and networks, influencing positive change, educating and adding real value.
What’s the best bit of career-related advice you’ve ever been given? Who gave it to you?
My old managing director once shared a Chinese proverb: “It’s not what you do, it’s what you don’t do that counts”. That really stuck with me. It taught me the importance of being intentional, recognising when to step back, and understanding that sometimes the choices you don’t make are just as powerful as the ones you do.
What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your career?
That consistency builds credibility. Delivering on promises, time after time, is what earns long-term trust.
How do you keep up to date with developments in the market?
Through industry publications, conversations with networks and clubs, attending events, and engaging with thought leaders. We also regularly publish valuable material on Paragon’s blog, plus insights from our senior leaders, including our managing director of mortgages, Louisa Sedgwick.
What is the most quirky/unique property deal you’ve been involved in?
A subterranean house in Manchester, which was an amazing property, complete with a car lift. Other lenders shied away, but we went the extra mile to secure the deal. Not your everyday case, but a fascinating one to support.
Tell us about your trickiest case – what happened and how did you resolve the problem(s)?
A landlord was expanding their portfolio with a complex multi-unit property. The client had multiple income streams, with rental income, self-employed earnings and investment dividends all part of the mix. The property also had unusual construction, which made some lenders hesitant.
Paragon’s specialist BTL proposition really came into its own. Working closely with the broker, we fully understood the client’s financial profile and long-term goals. Our underwriters took a pragmatic, holistic view, and we collaborated with the surveyor to ensure the property’s unique features were properly considered.
The result was a bespoke solution that enabled the landlord to secure the property and continue growing their portfolio – a great example of our expertise and flexibility in action.
What was your motivation for choosing this career?
My family has been involved in the property world for a long time, and I’ve always been drawn to it. What excites me is that the industry is constantly evolving, so no two days are ever the same. I also enjoy supporting people, so this role was a natural fit. It brings together my passion for property, people, and problem-solving, with great opportunities and fantastic people to work with.
If you could do any other job in the property sector, what would it be and why?
Property development, because I enjoy seeing potential in something and helping it grow into something bigger.
What did you want to be growing up?
A professional basketball player, representing my country. Nearly got there.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Continuing to grow within national accounts, leading strategic relationships and helping shape the future of adviser support. I want to help develop opportunities and, although it may sound cheesy, I’m proud to work for Paragon and want to make the most of it.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
The ability to be in two places at once would be perfect for covering multiple meetings and events.
What is your strategy for tackling challenges?
Stay calm, break the problem down, and collaborate with the right people to find solutions. I also rely on past experiences to guide me through.
What is your greatest skill(s), either work- or non-work-related?
Work: Building trusted relationships and delivering value.
Non-work: Helping run an under-9s football team called Ladybridge Vipers.
And finally, what’s the strangest question you’ve ever been asked?
“Can you arrange finance for a treehouse that doubles as an Airbnb?” Definitely not your everyday request, but it made for a fun and memorable conversation about unusual property types.
