Lindsay Scott-Jones, protection consultant at Westways Financial, speaks to Health & Protection about taking a non-traditional route into the protection sector, the importance of focusing on client needs rather than making a sale, and why her ultimate goal is to bring greater awareness and education around protection to the performing arts industry.
How did you get your start in the sector?
A lucky break, really. Westways Financial were looking for a trainee at just the right time and although I didn’t come from a traditional protection background, I recognised that many of the skills I’d developed throughout my career were highly transferable.
I took a leap of faith and applied, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made.
The role has given me the opportunity to combine my passion for helping people with the satisfaction of making a real difference to their financial security.
What do you enjoy most about your current role?
What I enjoy most is educating people and helping them understand their options.
“Protection can sometimes feel complex or overwhelming, so I take pride in breaking things down into simple, straightforward terms.
“My focus is always on helping clients make an informed decision that’s right for them, rather than trying to make a sale.
“Knowing that someone feels confident, informed and better protected after our conversation is incredibly rewarding.
Who is your role model – in life or in work?
Victoria Stretton, who was my tutor at college and someone I’ve remained in touch with ever since. Watching her continued growth in leadership roles at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, championing education, artistry and high-quality training has been incredibly inspiring.
I’ve had the privilege of seeing first-hand how personal and professional development can happen with real grace and poise.
Her continued commitment to nurturing the next generation of performers is something I hugely admire. I was fortunate enough to be on the receiving end of her support myself and I’ve also seen the impact she continues to have on students who have followed after me.
Most impressively, she has balanced motherhood, career progression and furthering her own education with a calmness, resilience and authenticity that reflects everything I value in a role model.
What advice would you give to people thinking about a career in the sector?
My advice would be simple: go for it. A career in protection gives you the opportunity to make a genuine difference in people’s lives. It’s about much more than policies and products – it’s about helping people understand their options, make informed decisions and gain peace of mind for the future.
If you enjoy building relationships, educating others and supporting people through important life decisions, you’ll find it incredibly rewarding.
Do you see AI as a threat or opportunity for people entering the sector?
I see AI as an opportunity rather than a threat. When used as a complimentary tool, it has the potential to improve efficiency, streamline processes and make information more accessible.
However, protection is ultimately a people-focused profession. Clients often come to us during significant life events and need reassurance, empathy and personalised guidance – things that technology alone can’t provide.
I believe the most successful advisers will be those who embrace AI to enhance their work while continuing to deliver the human understanding and trusted relationships that are at the heart of good advice.
What has been your biggest setback and how did you overcome it?
One of my biggest setbacks was overcoming my own doubts and anxieties about whether I had what it takes to step into a completely different industry.
Initially, I focused on my transferable skills. All of my previous roles have involved looking after the welfare and best interests of clients and I quickly realised that in many ways this is no different in protection.
I fully committed to learning the industry, asking lots of questions and leaning heavily on the training, guidance and support at Westways Financial. That structured support was essential in helping me build the technical knowledge I needed to bring my transferable skills to life in a protection context.
Over time, what initially felt like a challenge became one of my biggest strengths, as it gave me a strong appreciation for the importance of getting things right for clients and communicating complex information in a simple, relatable way.
Looking back, it was a valuable experience that helped shape my approach to advice and reinforced the importance of continuous learning, resilience, and having the right support to build confidence and competence.
Laugh or cry – what did your most memorable client or case make you want to do and why?
Succeed. The cases that stay with me most are often those where clients face additional challenges because of their medical history. Rather than seeing those barriers as obstacles, I see them as a personal challenge to find the best possible outcome for the client.
Protection is often driven by people’s biggest worries and concerns about the future, so helping someone secure cover when they thought it might not be possible is incredibly rewarding. Those are the moments that remind me why I do this job – it’s about perseverance, problem-solving and making sure clients have the protection and peace of mind they need.
What’s your ultimate goal for your career?
My ultimate goal is to bring greater awareness and education around protection to the performing arts industry.
Performers often rely entirely on their physical and mental wellbeing to earn a living, yet many are unaware of the protection options available to them.
There’s also a common assumption that protection is either unaffordable or an expense that simply doesn’t fit within their budget, which isn’t always the case.
Having come from a performing arts background myself, I’m passionate about helping performers understand how they can protect their health, their families and their homes, just as people in other professions do.
I want to ensure that the performers of tomorrow have access to the knowledge and support they need to make informed decisions and safeguard their futures.
How would your boss describe you?
I think my boss would describe me as friendly, personable and understanding.
Building strong relationships with clients is at the heart of what I do, so I always aim to create a welcoming and supportive environment where people feel comfortable discussing their needs and concerns.
He would probably also say that I have a calming presence, particularly when helping clients navigate important decisions around their financial protection, ensuring they feel informed, reassured and confident throughout the process.
What’s your biggest talent away from work?
My biggest passion away from work is musical theatre. Outside of my role, I can usually be found directing and supporting local theatre productions, which is something I find incredibly rewarding.
There is so much West End talent that starts out in grassroots community theatre and I love being part of that journey. It’s a creative space that not only keeps me connected to my performing arts background but also allows me to help nurture and encourage emerging talent at a local level.
What mantra do you live by?
‘We all do well when we all do well’ – it’s something I took from Dani Wallace and the IATQB Hive and I truly believe it.
What song would you regard as your theme tune?
My theme tune would probably be You Will Be Found from Dear Evan Hansen.
It reflects what I value most in life and work – reassurance, support and making sure people feel they are not alone when facing important decisions.
In protection, my role is to help clients feel informed and confident about their future, and I think the message of that song beautifully captures the idea of being there for someone when it really matters.
