Q: What do you enjoy most about being a mortgage broker?
A: At the age of 22, I realised what I loved most was working directly with clients, and I took the opportunity to start my own business to achieve this greater long-term vision. As my time in the industry has grown, so too has my desire to share my ever-expanding knowledge. Not only am I able to provide a service that supports my clients in achieving their financial endeavours, but I am grateful to also help educate the wider community. I’ve always enjoyed challenging myself, and a career in mortgage broking has provided ample opportunity to work in an environment that combines problem-solving, customer service and empowering clients to achieve their successes.
Q: As a female in finance, do you feel supported and equipped to succeed – or is there still room for improvement in terms of women being represented, promoted and respected?
A: I initially entered the industry as a loan processor and was given the opportunity to shadow an incredibly proficient female broker. This formative experience, for which I am forever grateful, provided a crucial understanding of residential and commercial broking, as well as a female role model who was both a successful broker and a business owner. Having grown up playing golf and working in the golf industry, I was accustomed to seeing others’ disbelief when I revealed my chosen sport. This primed me to not internalise adversity as a young female when I did step into the finance field – but I have felt incredibly supported and respected in the industry.
Q: Why do you think mortgage brokers add so much value to the consumer’s experience of getting a loan?
A: When I entered the industry, I was surprised to identify a major gap in financial knowledge between the industry and its consumers. This was particularly noticeable among millennials – the next generation of buyers and business owners – whose practical financial literacy skills were strikingly lacking. Having recently completed a degree in finance, I harnessed this realisation, which now underpins my broking philosophy to empower and educate clients, business owners and the community at large.
Q: As a broker, what has surprised you the most about this industry?
A: I was pleasantly surprised to learn how generous the vast majority of brokers and related services were in imparting knowledge to others, despite essentially being ‘competitors’. It was inspiring to see that the industry operates to share knowledge and build professional and commercial relationships for the benefit of industry workers and consumers.
Q: What advice or tips do you have for other women in broking and finance?
A: Surround yourself with positive, inspiring people and industry experts. Additionally, my experience has taught me that, regardless of your intrinsic level of confidence, you must embrace your future self as if you have already made it. As you begin to embody this successful leader, true confidence will soon follow.
