The Money Honey - Women in Property, Finance & Construction

In this episode we hear from the sensational Verona Frankish who shares with us her thoughts on how to build a successful career in not one but TWO sectors: Property and Finance. 

Verona Frankish is the CEO of Yopa and Scout - ex CEO of Purple Bricks too. Amazingly talented: CEO, Director, Mentor, Investor, Financial Services, Recruitment, Change Management, Retail, Property, Mortgages, Advisor, Business Coach. 

Verona has years of experience in these fields and she is hugely passionate about integrity, authenticity, and the power of HARD WORK! She puts her success down to the hard work she put in over the years. 

Verona was once told "this is a man's world and you will need to work harder than anybody to make it" so hard work she did! 

Today Verona has a strong calling for helping other women and entrants into the property and finance industry. Her knowledge and experience can be a huge help for people which is why we are proud to have her on the show. 

She has packed this episode with MANY top tips about navigating the property and finance world so be sure to listen and take notes! Her open door policy is so refreshing so she has kindly shared her LinkedIn profile with us should you wish to connect and reach out : https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronafrankish/ 

There will be a conference in March 2023 called Women In Estate Agency and tickets are already on sale - see link below if you would like to attend: https://womeninestateagency.co.uk/

I'd like to introduce this mesmerising woman as "The Queen Latifah of the Specialist Lending World" - once you listen to the energy, power, and positivity she brings, you will understand why. 

Alison Houghton-Corfield is the National Relationship Director at Master Private Finance.  This Money Honey has been crowned: "Power List 2022 B&C. Elite Woman 2022. Industry Change Maker 2022". 

She has 25 years experience in financial services. Get your pads and pens out for endless inspiration, ideas, and top tips. 

From car finance, to corporate banking, and now specialist finance, Alison has a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with you all. 

Moving her way up in the financial services world, she heard many times : "You're a guy and you're going to progress faster than some of the women" so she shares her insights of what it was like navigating the world of money and finance in a "man's world" and what it took to thrive! 

Alison is part of a Women's Business Forum because she is insanely passionate about building a supportive community. She wants to empower other women in financial services. She highly recommends surrounding yourself with a supportive community and to always develop yourself. This forum helps increase confidence, educate, steer, and direct the younger women in the industry and bring women together! 

Alison says that men will also be invited to the table at this women's forum because she wants them to hear the woman's voice. She wants the men to understand the woman's perspective and talents! 

If you want  more from this powerhouse and would like to connect, she has kindly shared with us her LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-houghton-corfield-b3421a32/ 

In this episode I get to interview an industry leader but also, a friend! Maeve Ward Commercial Director of Operations from Central Trust shares how her journey through the specialist lending space has evolved over the years. Her aim is to always deliver better broker tools for better customer outcomes. She's passionate about lending and helping brokers better serve their customers. No question or job is too big for Maeve! She's an open and honest character with buckets of personality. She's incredibly approachable and helpful. Maeve has a lot of financial knowledge and experience which is why she shares the best practices for making it in this industry. 

"Now more than ever women feel more supported than they ever have done" - Maeve shares her comments on how much the financial services has moved leaps and bounds. She says it's easier today to reach out to people in the industry especially through social media platforms. 

On a personal note, Maeve was one of three people I called to share my business idea back in 2020. I had so many self doubts. I reached out to this powerhouse of a woman and she encouraged me to believe in myself and to jump straight in. She loved the concept and the business plan but reminded me about my self worth. She believed in me more than I did. Thank-you Maeve, this is why I love FS and the people in it. 

If you would like to know more about 2nd charges, Central Trust and all things specialist lending, Maeve is available to chat! You can find her on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maeve-ward-58823a159/ 

In this episode I interview Joanna Streames, owner of Velvet Mortgage and Insure. She has been described as "bold, blunt, and brilliant". You will absolutely love watching and listening to this episode because she truly is all those three things! 

Joanna is very passionate about protecting her clients. From her property days right up until this point within financial services, Joanna has been super passionate about offering the best advice and service to all of her clients and spreading the word about the importance of protection. 

She was just 19 years old when her mother tragically died and found herself Guardian to her 12-year-old sister. This is why she is why she feels duty bound to offer the best guidance, information, and advice when it comes to protection and insurance. She speaks from experience and would never want to see her own clients suffer. 

Aside from her contribution to the financial industry and society, Joanna also spends time giving back to her local community through schools and inspiring the next generation. She is also a proud sponsor of the Northampton ladies football team. 

She would like to see more diversity in the FS industry and she always strives to play a part in this. 

Joanna boldly tells the broker audience listening, to seriously check in with their why. Joanna wants all advisers to strongly consider their actions when choosing NOT to provide protection advice to clients. She hopes for a future where all people are safe and protected but she can't do this alone. It's vital that all other advisers take protection seriously too. 

If you would like to connect with Joanna you can find her here: 

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/velvet-mortgage-and-insure-services/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/velvetmortgageandinsure/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/velvetmortgageinsure

Twitter: https://twitter.com/velvet_mis

What a powerhouse!! Michelle Niziol is a phenomenal entrepreneur.  Princes Trust Ambassador | Entrepreneur | CEO of 7 Businesses | Property Investor | Mortgage Specialist | Lettings Expert | Luxury Real Estate Agent, an award winning firm in 2022 at the ESTAS Customer Service awards. 

She shares her highlights from her time with Lord Sugar and the famous show 'The Apprentice'. 

Michelle juggles a family, friends, lifestyle, & 7 BUSINESSES, so I am sure you'll find it interesting to hear about her discipline and fantastic organisational skills. Her mindset is inspiring.

Michelle loves to give back. This is why she is a business ambassador and fund raiser for The Princes Trust. She raises money through her entrepreneurial events where the proceeds go to women who need support with starting their own business. The true embodiment of "women supporting women". 

If you would like to attend one her inspirational business related events and support her mission, please follow the link below: https://theempoweringentrepreneur.co.uk/ 

In this episode, I interview award winning broker Sonya Matharu from The Mortgage Mum. I find out how she started her journey in financial services from PA to now senior mortgage consultant and mentor to future advisors who want to grow in the industry. Not only has Sonya built a phenomenal broker brand, she also wants to give back through her coaching and mentorship. 

She talks about her journey in the industry and the joy of winning an award at the MI Awards in 2021. 

Sonya mainly uses social media to grow her business. She is passionate about sharing educational knowledge and information. Her primary purpose is to educate her audience and the future homebuyers. It's not about leads - she says. It's about empowering homebuyers to make wise financial and property decisions. 

To follow here, check out the links below: 

Instagram: @sonyamatharu_ 

Website with all my info: www.sonyamatharu.com

In this episode Tanya Oakley from Apex Mortgages and Insurance, shares her passion for protecting her clients. She explains why it is so important for ALL people to take protection and insurance seriously.

Tanya says that these money, health, and protection conversations do not need to be difficult. As a professional and qualified advisor she treats ALL her clients with compassion and empathy. It can be difficult to talk about your medical history but Tanya says it doesn't have to be this way - there are many compassionate and helpful advisers in the industry both men and women who you can talk to. It's about who you connect with and trust. 

She also highlights that the industry certainly could benefit from more women joining. She welcomes any woman with open arms who would like to step into financial services as there are great career prospects. 

To follow Tanya and to connect please find her here: 

Instagram: toakleyinsurance  

Facebook- Tanya Oakley Protection Specialist.  

Linkedin- https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyaoakley/

In this episode we speak to a leader in the financial services industry to ask them about gender equality on advisory board and leadership level. What an honour to have Maria Harris on the show - Digital banking evangelist, mortgage transformation expert, and financial services consultant. Non-exec director with UnitedTrustBank. Maria, from Digital Cat Consultanty, shines a light on how far the industry has come in recognising women in the field. Although there is still an imbalance at board level, there is definitely an improvement in comparison to when she first started working in the industry. Maria shares with us the journey she has been through to build such a robust business and brand. Her top tips and advice are noteworthy! Get out your pens and paper and make sure to note it all down. 

To follow Maria please visit: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariaharrisdigitalcat/?originalSubdomain=uk 

Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/mariadigitalcat 

Balancing work life, mum and home life, Ellie generously shares her time with us. In this episode, Ellie Worrell, talent manager, from NRG Resourcing speaks enthusiastically about the importance of raising your profile as a woman in financial services. She says it's down to the individual's responsibility to "put yourself out there" especially on social media. She acknowledges how it can be daunting to be alone as a woman in the industry but she confirms that there is plenty of support out there! Ellie explains how the power of social media and networking within the industry has given her a lot of confidence and support. Women don't have to be alone! Ellie shares the importance of finding a buddy you can network with and attend tradeshows together so that you are not overwhelmed walking into a crowded room alone.

From retail, to estate agency, to now recruitment in financial services, Ellie's career with NRG has taken off just 2 months into the role thanks to her persistent engagement and activity on social media. She makes it her business to know her audience and to network. Ellie says it is crucial to attend industry events and to network with your peers. She mentions how important it is to build a connection with people and a support network.

To follow Ellie and keep up to date with her work please visit her here:

LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/ellie-worrell-recruitment

Instagram - @ellieworrell

In this episode we talk to the lovely Emma Roberts, relationship manager at Connect for Intermediaries. Award winning BDM - she recently picked up an award at the Women's Recognition Awards by Financial Reporter in 2022. She tells us about how she entered the financial services industry by accident but went on to build fabulous relationships which supported her career. She explores different roles within the financial sector until she lands a role she is totally thriving in. In this episodes she shares the best features of Connect for Intermediaries as a network such as: the training provided to all newly qualifies brokers but also the personable approach, support, and guidance for the whole team at Connect who really get to know the brokers on a personal level. Emma talks about her experience through the industry and her top tips on how to build a successful career in financial services. If you are a BDM or would like to be, tune in and discover exactly what characteristics and values Emma feels are important. 

To connect with Emma please find her here:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-r-b9505553/