Kirsty White, head of mortgages at Tembo, speaks to Health & Protection about taking inspiration from her dad, learning from a former boss’ words of wisdom and the importance of getting industry experience before jumping into studying for qualifications.
How did you get your start in the sector?
It was a career change – I chose to move after working for a long time in palliative care.
I took an opportunity to work as a new business administrator for an IFA firm in London and mortgages and protection became my favourite type of business – it all took off from there. I loved seeing people achieve their goals and dreams of buying a home and got a real buzz from their excitement.
What do you enjoy most about your current role?
I get to support the team each day with different parts of their roles. I still get the chance to speak to clients and help them too, but I love passing on my knowledge to the team with criteria and tricky cases. I also get to work with some great lender business development managers and love to build those relationships as they add so much value to us as a business.
Who is your role model – in life or in work?
My dad had such a kind soul, a great work ethic and although he was disabled he never moaned a day in his life and always did his best by his family no matter what he faced.
Who has been your most important mentor in your career so far and why?
While I was starting my career as a mortgage broker I was under the guidance of one of the sales directors in the company. At times he would come out with words of wisdom which would sometimes leave me eye rolling at the time, but to this day I can still hear those words and everything he said has come to fruition. I am glad he was the person supporting me from the very beginning.
What advice would you give to people thinking about a career in the sector?
If you want to become a broker, get experience in the industry before you pick your role. I started in a call centre qualifying customers for affordability. It was here that I learnt the most and got so much enjoyment from the job which prompted me to move into the next role. It was almost like try before you buy. Don’t rush into doing your exams until you have found the environment and role for you.
What has been your biggest setback and how did you overcome it?
I was recently planning to run my first half marathon, but I got injured just before the race, which was a tough pill to swallow after getting myself ready for it. But I just had to reset and take things slow for a while. I know I will get a marathon completed.
Laugh or cry – what did your most memorable client or case make you want to do and why?
I recently spoke to a lovely older couple who had an interest only mortgage which was due to be repaid.
However, they didn’t have the funds and had recently been poorly, so had been signed off from work. This meant some credit issues had built up too.
I especially love supporting older clients as they generally are less financially aware of non traditional options in the market.
But I am pleased to say I managed to set them up with a retirement interest-only mortgage and save them from having to sell the family home they had owned for over 40 years.
Happy clients and seeing them so happy makes me feel blessed to do my job.
What’s your ultimate goal for your career?
To support and develop advisers to be the best version of themselves and to continue to grow myself by taking on new challenges.
How would your boss describe you?
Independent, motivated and probably a bit fiery.
What is your biggest talent away from work?
Playing the piano to a grade 8 level.
What mantra do you live by?
It is what it is.
What song would you regard as your theme tune?
Pencil Full of Lead by Paolo Nutini – I can put this on and it never fails to make me smile and get me ready for the day.